Moving a person between a wheelchair and a vehicle
How to control risks to employees from moving a person between a wheelchair and a vehicle 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.
The location of the transfer should minimise the risks presented by environmental factors such as:
- wind
- rain
- high or very low temperatures
- noise
- uneven or slippery surfaces.
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.
- Car transfer board.
- Swivel cushion.
- Slide sheets.
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.
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.
- Car transfer board
A car transfer board is a curved board that bridges the gap between a vehicle and wheelchair. It helps a person get themselves out of a vehicle, generally from the front passenger seat.
- Swivel cushion
A swivel cushion uses low-friction fabric and allows a person to swivel in their seated position. The swivel cushion can help the person:
- move themselves into and out of a vehicle
- swivel their legs into and out of the vehicle footwell.
- Slide sheets
Placing a slide sheet under a person can help them move their legs into the footwell of the vehicle. The slide sheet is then removed and kept in the vehicle to help with the move out of the vehicle.
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 slide sheets are functional. Replace slide sheets that do not slip.
When the person cannot help with the move
It is not recommended to manually handle people who cannot help themselves move from wheelchairs to vehicles. Consider:
- an appropriate vehicle, such as a vehicle with a wheelchair platform lift
- a trolley and other means of transport, such as non-emergency transport.
Related OHS information
Employers should also consider the occupational health and safety information outlined in the related guidance: