Manual Handling Training in Perth: What It Covers and Who Needs It

Manual handling is one of the biggest causes of injury in care work. Lifting, transferring, repositioning and supporting people every day puts real strain on the back, shoulders and knees, and one poorly judged movement can mean time off work for a support worker or a fall for the person being supported.

This guide explains what manual handling training in Perth involves, who needs it, what the HLTWHS005 course covers and how it is assessed, and how to book at Bright Lilly College in Welshpool.

What Is Manual Handling in Care Work?

Manual handling means any task where you use your body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, hold or restrain something or someone. In disability, aged care and nursing settings, that includes helping a person move from bed to chair, assisting with showering and toileting, repositioning someone in bed, and using equipment such as hoists and slide sheets.

These tasks carry risk for both sides. Workers can develop musculoskeletal injuries over time, and people receiving support can be hurt by rushed or poorly controlled transfers. Good training teaches you to spot the risk before the task starts and choose a safer way to do it.

Who Needs Manual Handling Training?

• Disability support workers and personal care workers
• Aged care workers and community care workers
• Nurses and enrolled nurses working in home or community settings
• Allied health assistants
• New starters who want to be job-ready before they apply

Work health and safety laws in Western Australia require employers to give workers the information, training and supervision they need to do their job safely, so most care providers expect staff to hold current manual handling training. Many people also complete it before applying for work. If you are planning a career in care, our guide on how to become a disability support worker shows the other steps to take.

What Does the HLTWHS005 Course Cover?

HLTWHS005 Conduct Manual Tasks Safely is a nationally recognised unit of competency. At Bright Lilly College it is contextualised to aged care and allied health settings. The course covers four elements:

• Identifying manual tasks that involve risk
• Preparing for manual tasks
• Completing manual tasks
• Contributing to safe work practices

Along the way you work through topics such as an introduction to manual handling, the basic anatomy and physiology of the spine, and the safe use of a full hoist or standing hoist in a variety of situations.

How Is the Course Assessed?

Assessment is written, practical and scenario-based. You show that you can identify the risks in a task, choose a safe method and carry it out, including with equipment such as hoists. Students who are assessed as competent receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment in HLTWHS005 Conduct Manual Tasks Safely.

Who Can Enrol?

There are no pre-entry study or qualification requirements. To be eligible, you need to:

• Live in Western Australia
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have suitable English language, literacy and numeracy skills, for example being able to read, understand and communicate care requirements on a care plan
• Provide a copy of your passport or photo identification
• Have the physical ability to meet the assessment requirements for the unit

Because of the risk to health and safety, a worker who cannot meet the physical competency standards will not be issued a Statement of Attainment.

How Often Should You Renew Manual Handling Training?

Techniques, equipment and workplace routines change, and skills fade without practice. Bright Lilly College lists the certificate as current for 12 months from the date of course completion and recommends annual renewal. Many employers also ask for a certificate completed within the last year.

Practical Manual Handling Tips for Support Workers

• Assess before you move. Think about the person, the task, the space and the equipment.
• Use available equipment, such as hoists, slide sheets and height-adjustable beds, instead of lifting by hand.
• Keep the load close to your body and move your feet instead of twisting.
• Ask for a second person when a task needs one, and speak up if a plan feels unsafe.
• Follow the transfer instructions in the person’s care plan every time.

Book Manual Handling Training at Bright Lilly College

Bright Lilly College delivers manual handling training at 94 Welshpool Road, Welshpool, with hands-on practice and real-life scenarios led by experienced trainers. We can also tailor training for teams and organisations.

See the full course page for HLTWHS005 Conduct Manual Tasks Safely, read about our manual handling for health care workers course, or browse all courses at Bright Lilly College. To ask a question or book, call 08 9526 8547 or email admin@brightlillyhealthcare.com.au. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with after-hours bookings available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is manual handling training compulsory? Employers must make sure workers can carry out their tasks safely, and most care providers require manual handling training before hands-on work. Check the requirements with your employer.

Do I need experience to enrol? No. There are no pre-entry study or qualification requirements, but you must meet the eligibility conditions above.

What do I receive when I finish? A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment in HLTWHS005 Conduct Manual Tasks Safely, once you are assessed as competent.

Can my whole team train together? Yes. We can tailor training to the needs of your workforce. Contact us to discuss group bookings.