Introduction

This document outlines the information required, and the expectations of a Hireup Support Worker when providing manual handling support and of the Client when manual handling is required on shift.  

The method of manual handling transfers can vary greatly from person to person. It can include the use of equipment, physical support, and supervision. 

The method that is most suited to the Client is to be determined by an appropriate, registered health professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. This is to be documented in a manual handling plan, reviewed every 12 months or as otherwise stated by the treating health professional. 

This policy aims to ensure the standard of service delivery remains safe and high quality by implementing strategies to prevent adverse events for those who require and provide manual handling support.

Hireup Values 

Hireup’s values provide us with the direction in which we engage with our community and develop policy and process across the business. 

We recognise that manual handling support is intensely personal in nature, and only a part of a person’s overall support needs. By upholding the value of ‘the person is the point’ we take an individualised approach to manual handling.  

Hireup acknowledges Clients and their families are experts in their individual manual handling support. Central to this understanding is the principle of ‘championing choice’ and control for Clients to make informed decisions about their manual handling. Whilst Hireup is not responsible for the assessment or development of a Client’s manual handling plan, we support Clients to engage with suitable health professionals and to be involved in the planning and management of their manual handling support, as well as any individual training arrangements. 

Definitions

Support Worker: a person that provides support to the Client, typically in a paid capacity.

Manual Handling: refers to any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, hold or restrain something.

Manual Handling Plan: a document that outlines for service users:

• Communication preferences
• Types of manual handling required
• Procedures for each transfer
• Manual handling equipment used (such as hoist, slide sheet, pelican belt. May also include equipment maintenance)
• Roles and responsibilities (for example, the number of people needed to assist, what each person’s role is in the transfer)
• Risk factors associated with transfers, falls and mobility equipment and how to respond to risks, troubleshooting or emergencies

Guidelines

Service Provider:

As the service provider, Hireup will:

• Work with the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable) to determine the support they require from Hireup, and determine what documentation is required.
• Determine areas of manual handling that are within the scope of practice for a Support Worker to provide. Manual lift transfers may require prior written approval from Hireup.
• Regularly review the manual handling plan to ensure the information provided is the most up to date and appropriate.
• Provide Support Workers with written procedures for the Provision of Manual Handling, in conjunction with the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable) and their treating Health Professional.
• Ensure Support Workers have access to support plans and ensure these plans are only updated by a registered and relevant health professional.
• Identify areas of education and training for Support Workers.
• Provide Support Workers with appropriate training and assessment to ensure the safe provision of manual handling and transfers.
• Provide Support Workers with access to personal hygiene guidelines. 

Support Worker 

A Support Worker MAY: 

• Perform any task that is listed on the plan. If concerned or unsure, talk to the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable), and contact the Hireup support office for support.
• Perform a one or two person manual lift if this transfer is clearly documented in the Client’s manual handling plan and if they are comfortable, confident and safe to do so.
• Decline to provide support in a manual handling task they are not comfortable completing.

A Support Worker MUST: 

• Complete online training modules provided by Hireup within the allocated time frame unless otherwise specified by Hireup.
• Be honest about abilities, and seek further guidance when necessary.
• Seek clarification when unsure about how specific equipment (such as a sling or hoist) works.
• Follow the support plan as provided and raise any concerns with the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable) immediately, as well as notify Hireup.
• NOT change any part of the plan or deviate from the plan provided.
• NOT perform a one or two person manual lift if this transfer is not clearly documented in the Client’s manual handling plan.
• Report any issues or concerns arising from the delivery of manual handling support to the Client, (or their Account Manager where applicable) and/or their health professional immediately, followed by an incident report to Hireup once safe to do so.
• Identify any gaps in knowledge and report these to Hireup for further advice.

Client

A Client MUST: 

• Provide Hireup with an honest and accurate account of their support needs.
• Provide a support plan to Hireup that outlines their specific manual handling support requirements, completed by an appropriate, registered health professional.
• Have the plan reviewed by an appropriate, registered health professional when changes occur. At a minimum, the plan should be reviewed every 12 months unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
• Advise Hireup of any changes to support needs, requirements or the manual handling plan.
• Report any concerns regarding Support Worker’s capability in providing manual handling support to Hireup for further advice.