Moving an unconscious person from a seated position
How to control risks to employees from moving an unconscious person from a seated position to a lying position on the floor or bed 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
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.
Beds and trolleys should have an automated or self-drive function to make them easier to move. Any furniture and equipment should be easy to move and adjust to the person’s dimensions.
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 clinical management procedures and manual handling techniques information. They should also follow the organisation’s instruction and training. This should include management of emergency scenarios and moving unconscious people.
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:
Air transfer and air lift devices:
Slide sheets:
Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoist with overhead tracking, or mobile hoist, used with sling:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or the organisation’s procedure document when using all mechanical aids and assistive devices.
Multiple tools can be used together for this move. For example, a mobile floor hoist and bed mechanics can be used to help smoothly move a person from a seated position to lying down.
- Bed mechanics
Where appropriate, use the electric bed functions to help with the move. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using this equipment.
- Air transfer and air lift devices
An air transfer device enables the movement of a person from one surface to another on an inflatable mattress. It can be used with or without a transfer board.
An air transfer device can also be used with an air lift device. It helps by gently lifting and aligning the person to the appropriate height, reducing the need for heavy lifting during transfers.
If someone is unconscious in a vehicle, an air transfer device such as a split-leg air mat can support removing the person. The air-assisted technology reduces friction and makes sliding movements easier.
- Slide sheets
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. Refer to manufacturer’s guidelines on when to replace slide sheets.
- Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoist with overhead tracking
Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted hoists are connected to overhead tracks. They move people inside a sling from one point 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 reported and not used.
Floor-mounted hoists are also available but are less common.
- Mobile floor hoist
Mobile floor hoists may be used to help move an unconscious person from a seated position.
Mobile floor hoists lift, carry and reposition people inside a sling. 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 functions can make it easier and more comfortable to safely handle people.
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.
The safe working load for moving the person is the minimum safe working load of either:
- the hoist
- its attachments.
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
Slings are fabric supports for lifting and carrying people while being moved with a hoist. There are different types of slings. Ensure the:
- chosen sling is endorsed for use on the lifting device
- weight and dimensions of the person being lifted do not exceed the sling’s size and safe weight limit, or the limit of the hoist, whichever is lower.
Ensure that 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.
Slings are not ‘one size fits all’. Choose slings appropriate for the:
- task
- body, height, weight and shape of the person being lifted or transferred.
For more information, also see ‘Using hoists and slings’ in Preparing for safe moves.
Related OHS information
Employers should also consider the occupational health and safety information outlined in the related guidance: