Limb lifting and repositioning
How to control risks to employees from lifting, holding and repositioning a person’s limb by using general OHS information and equipment recommended for best practice. This guidance is for employers at workplaces where people are moved, including in the healthcare and social assistance industries.
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Working environment
If the person cannot help themselves move, the task may require multiple employees and some equipment. For the method chosen, each employee will need sufficient space for the tasks or tools involved.
Floors need to be:
- flat and have low friction if wheeled equipment is used
- free from spills and clutter.
Systems of work
For each method, employees should have easy access to:
- information about which method to choose, based on the highest order of risk control
- equipment required
- the training to use the method.
When choosing a method, employees should:
- refer to the person’s care plan and manual handling information
- follow the organisation’s instructions and training
- always explain the move to the person being moved.
Tools to help with the move
For this task, consider the following commonly used pieces of equipment. Not all possible options are included.
Bed mechanics:
Leg lifter:
Slide sheets:
Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoist with overhead tracking, or mobile hoist, used with limb sling:
The tools needed will depend on the person’s ability to help with the move. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or the organisation’s procedure documents when using all mechanical aids and assistive devices.
Multiple tools can be used together for this move. For example, using bed mechanics as well as a mobile hoist and limb sling can help lift and reposition a limb.
When the person can help with the move
The person being moved may be able to help with their move. In this case, the following methods should be considered and included in the care plan as applicable.
- Verbal instructions
Assessment of the person is required. Where it is clinically applicable, the care plan should direct employees to instruct and encourage the person in care to use their own body movements to help with the task as much as they can.
For more information, also see Preparing for safe moves.
- Bed mechanics
Where required, raise the bed height so employees do not have to bend or stoop to provide care. Alternatively, lower the bed to allow the person to sling or lift their own legs.
- Leg lifter
A leg lifter is a support device that helps a person lift their leg onto or off a bed.
Leg lifters are chosen when assessed as the best tool for the task. Consider the person’s body, height, weight and shape. Leg lifters are generally not ‘one size fits all’.
When the person cannot help with the move
The person being moved may be unable to help with their move. In this case, the following methods should be considered and included in the care plan as applicable.
- Slide sheets
Slide sheets may be used to help place the sling underneath the person’s leg. Once the sling is in position, use the hoist to lift the sling and leg. Remove the slide sheet when the sling is in position.
A slide sheet is made of low-friction material. Slide sheets can vary in quality. They may have different coefficients of friction and promote slip in different directions. Provide the highest-quality slide sheets in various sizes to accommodate a variety of people moves.
Ensure the slide sheet is functional. Replace slide sheets that do not slip.
- Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoist with overhead tracking
Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted hoists are connected to ceiling tracks. They can be used to move a person’s limb from one position to another.
Hoists come with a variety of attachments including:
- weighing devices
- spreader bars
- motorised tilt functions.
These attachments can make it easier and more comfortable to safely handle people. Suitable attachments should be available and conveniently stored for ease of access.
The safe working load for moving the person is the minimum safe working load of either:
- the hoist
- its attachments.
Ensure that wall and ceiling hoists and their attachments are inspected and tested before each use. A detailed inspection should take place at least once a year or as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. A suitably competent person should do the detailed inspection.
Damaged hoists or attachments should be removed and not used.
Floor-mounted hoists are also available but are less common.
- Mobile floor hoist
Mobile floor hoists can be used to move a person’s limb from one position to another. The hoists have wheels and can travel across the floor.
Mobile hoists come with a variety of attachments, including:
- weighing devices
- spreader bars
- motorised lifting and tilt functions.
These attachments can make it easier and more comfortable to safely handle people and/or their limbs.
When mobile floor hoists are used, ensure there are systems or procedures in place so employees consider the:
- required elevation and position of the person in the sling
- suitability of the hoist attachments.
Suitable attachments should be available and conveniently stored for ease of access.
Ensure that mobile floor hoists and their attachments are inspected and tested before each use. A detailed inspection should take place once a year or as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. A suitably qualified person should do the detailed inspection.
Damaged hoists or attachments should be reported and not used.
Hard, smooth and slip-resistant flooring is preferred for safe and efficient movement. Surfaces that are irregular are not recommended in areas where wheeled equipment is used. For example, carpet and some tiles.
Carpet can make moving items like mobile hoists and beds more difficult and increase risks, especially when done manually. Risks increase in tight spaces or when equipment needs to be moved over long distances.
If considering carpet, do force measurements and equipment trials with a sample of the proposed carpet.
All floor hoists should be fully electric and eliminate the need for manual lifting by employees during transfers.
- Appropriate sling
Specific limb slings are support devices. They are used with overhead tracking or mobile floor hoists to lift and reposition patients’ limbs. There are different types and sizes of slings. Make sure the sling used is approved for use on the specific hoist.
Ensure that limb slings are visually inspected before every lift. A detailed inspection should take place at least every 6 months or as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. A suitably qualified person should do the detailed inspection. Replace damaged, worn-out and non-compliant slings immediately.
For more information, also see ‘Using hoists and slings’ in Preparing for save moves.
Related OHS information
Employers should also consider the occupational health and safety information outlined in the related guidance: