Walking with a person
How to control risks to employees from walking with a person 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 using wheeled equipment
- free from spills and clutter.
Any equipment should be easy to move and appropriately adjusted 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 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.
Gait aid:
Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoist with overhead tracking, or mobile hoist, used with walking 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.
- Gait aid
Aids such as a walking frame can help the person walk between pieces of furniture.
A mechanical walking aid is a device to help a person stand and walk or just walk. The aid supports the person and gives them a stable posture.
A 4-wheel walker is a type of walking aid. It has wheels fixed to a frame and strategic seating. A 4-wheel walker helps a person keep their balance while walking.
Rise-and-go mechanical walking aids help a person stand and walk.
- Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoist with overhead tracking
Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted hoists are connected to ceiling 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 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 attachments 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.
- Walking sling
Walking slings are suitable for people who have leg strength but who find it hard to balance. Ensure the:
- walking 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.
Related OHS information
Employers should also consider the occupational health and safety information outlined in the related guidance: