Aged care

A snapshot of how people employed in the aged care sector get injured at work, and tips to help prevent these types of injuries from occurring.

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

training and induction materials
occupational health and safety content
preventing injuries in the workplace.

Aged care

Hazards

Hazard 1
Lifting and assisting residents
Eliminate manual lifting of patients, except in life-threatening situations.

Encourage patients to assist in their own transfers.

Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg overhead tracking, hoists, mobile hoists, wheeled equipment, slide sheets), and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Develop a patient care plan that includes information about recommended mechanical aids and equipment, plus safe handling methods (including how many people should assist with transfer). Review the plan regularly.

Train employees on safe handling methods (eg work is done between shoulder and mid-thigh height and with the elbows close to the body) and how to safely use any mechanical aids and equipment.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons arm.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm / wrist.

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

20 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

26 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 2
Pushing and pulling equipment (eg trollies and wheelchairs)
Ensure building layout / design limits the need to push or pull equipment (eg good path design, floor surfaces are appropriate for trolleys and wheelchairs, pathways are clear of obstructions).

Ensure floor surfaces are appropriate for trolleys and wheelchairs and pathways are clear of obstructions.

Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg height adjustable trolleys) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Ensure equipment is light, adjustable, easy to use and maintain, and suited to the person and the task.

Minimise pushing / pulling distance (eg arrange for patients to be dropped off at closest entrance to their accommodation).

Train employees on safe handling (eg work is done between shoulder and mid-thigh height and with the elbows close to the body) methods and how to safely use any mechanical aids and equipment.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons arm.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm / wrist.

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

20 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

26 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 3
Slips trips and falls
Keep rooms tidy and remove unnecessary items and clutter (eg by providing sufficient storage and ensuring things are put away).

Ensure floor or ground surfaces in work areas, car parks and entrances are clean, well lit, clear of obstacles and in good condition.

Ensure floors throughout work areas are level.

Ensure all steps and stairs have appropriate handrails.

Ensure ladders used are designed for moving between levels using three points of contact at all times.

Develop policies on how to safely carry objects (eg no unstable or unbalanced loads), particularly on stairs.

Provide height access equipment (eg mobile steps with handrails) for reaching objects or performing work above shoulder height.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons arm.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm / wrist.

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.
Hazard 4
Work-related stress bullying and harassment
Develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures for workplace bullying and harassment.

Encourage employees to report any workplace stress factors (eg work demand, low control, poor support, lack of role clarity, organisational culture) and control appropriately.

Encourage a positive workplace culture, including reporting of bullying and harassment.

Ensure all employees understand what bullying, harassment and workplace stress is and the procedures for reporting incidents (eg policies and procedures should be promoted during employee induction and workplace bullying prevention training).

Provide access to and encourage employees to use employee counselling / support services, where possible.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a psychological system.

Injury hotspots disclaimer

This information does not give rise to any liability of, or claim against, WorkSafe Victoria. It does not give rise to any right, expectation, duty or obligation that a person may not otherwise have. It does not give rise to any defence that would not otherwise be available to a person.

This information does not affect the operation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

Please note these injuries and hazards are based on historical claims data. There may also be new common injuries and hazards emerging at your workplace which will need to be addressed.

Aged care

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Aged care

Hazards

Lifting and assisting residents

Pushing and pulling equipment (eg trollies and wheelchairs)

Slips trips and falls

Work-related stress bullying and harassment

Injury hotspots disclaimer

Information

Services

About WorkSafe

Contact

Aged care

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Aged care

Hazards

Lifting and assisting residents

Pushing and pulling equipment (eg trollies and wheelchairs)

Slips trips and falls

Work-related stress bullying and harassment

Injury hotspots disclaimer

Related information