Manual Handling Injuries

Your role may involve lifting, transferring or repositioning patients. These tasks can place strain on muscles and joints, particularly in high-risk environments such as emergency departments, mental health settings, or when managing restrictive practices (e.g. physical restraint or seclusion).

What you can do

● Use safe manual handling techniques and correct body mechanics

● Use mechanical aids (hoists, slide sheets, transfer devices) whenever available

● Ask for assistance or team lifts when needed

● Participate in training and refresher sessions

● Report manual handling risks or injuries early

What we do

● Provide training on safe manual handling and use of mechanical aids

● Ensure refresher training is available (not just one-off instruction)

● Conduct and review manual handling risk assessments

● Support hazard reporting and injury management

Slips, Trips and Falls

Wet floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces or poor lighting can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls.

What you can do

● Wear appropriate, slip-resistant footwear

● Keep walkways clear where possible

● Be alert to spills or hazards and report them promptly

What we do

● Work with clients to promote safe, well-maintained environments

● Encourage regular inspections and prompt hazard management

● Reinforce safe footwear expectations

Exposure to Infectious Diseases

You may come into contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. This can increase the risk of exposure to infections, including bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

What you can do

● Follow infection control practices, including hand hygiene

● Use PPE correctly and consistently

● Complete point-of-care risk assessments (PCRA)

● Report exposures, incidents or symptoms immediately

What we do

● Provide infection control training (hand hygiene, PPE, protocols)

● Support vaccination requirements and health screening

● Reinforce exposure reporting and follow-up processes

● Promote safe work practices across client sites

Psychological Stress and Burnout

Healthcare work can be emotionally demanding. Exposure to trauma, challenging behaviours, isolation, high workloads or critical incidents may contribute to stress or burnout.

What you can do

● Take regular breaks and manage fatigue

● Speak up early if work demands are impacting your wellbeing

● Use available support services

● Engage in stress management and resilience strategies

What we do

● Identify and manage psychosocial risks through regular assessments

● Provide access to counselling and mental health support services

● Promote supportive communication and a positive safety culture

● Offer training in stress management and resilience

Needlestick and Sharps Injuries

Handling needles or sharps may expose you to injury and infection risk.

What you can do

● Use sharps safely and dispose of them immediately in approved containers

● Follow safe handling procedures

● Report incidents or near misses straight away

What we do

● Provide training on sharps safety and disposal

● Promote the use of safety-engineered devices

● Support exposure management and reporting protocols

Workplace Violence and Aggression

You may experience verbal abuse, threats or physical aggression from patients or others in the workplace.

What you can do

● Use de-escalation and personal safety techniques

● Follow workplace procedures for managing aggression

● Report incidents and seek support

What we do

● Ensure clear policies on violence and unacceptable behaviour

● Provide de-escalation and personal safety training

● Promote adequate staffing and supervision

● Support access to alarms, security measures and post-incident care

Environmental and Equipment Hazards

Poorly maintained equipment, unsafe substances or environmental hazards may present risks.

What you can do

● Use equipment as trained

● Follow safe handling and storage procedures

● Report faulty equipment or hazards

What we do

● Promote regular inspection and maintenance of equipment

● Support safe storage of hazardous substances

● Ensure emergency procedures are communicated and understood

Fatigue and Shift Work

Long hours or irregular shifts can contribute to fatigue and reduced alertness.

What you can do

● Take rest breaks and prioritise adequate sleep

● Let us know if fatigue is impacting your safety

What we do

● Promote safe staffing and reasonable workloads

● Monitor shift patterns and fatigue risks

● Support fatigue-management practices

Electrical and Fire Hazards

Electrical equipment and flammable materials may pose fire or shock risks.

What you can do

● Use equipment as instructed

● Follow fire safety and evacuation procedures

What we do

● Support regular inspection of electrical equipment

● Ensure fire safety training and emergency procedures are in place

● Promote safe storage of flammable materials

Exposure to Traumatic Events

You may be exposed to distressing incidents such as self-harm, suicide attempts or critical events.

What you can do

● Participate in debriefing and reflective practice

● Access psychological support when needed

● Seek peer or supervisor support

What we do

● Facilitate access to counselling and EAP services

● Encourage debriefing after critical incidents

● Promote a culture of peer support and open communication

Isolation and Lone Working

Remote or lone work can delay emergency response and limit access to support.

What you can do

● Follow check-in procedures

● Carry and use communication devices as required

What we do

● Implement regular check-in and emergency response protocols

● Support access to reliable communication equipment

● Ensure staff are trained in emergency procedures

Kitchen, Food Service and Hospitality Risks

Cuts, burns, fire hazards, musculoskeletal strain and food safety risks may arise in kitchen environments.

What you can do

● Use equipment safely and as trained

● Follow food safety, hygiene and manual handling practices

● Wear appropriate PPE

What we do

● Promote safe equipment use and maintenance

● Support fire safety systems and training

● Reinforce food safety (HACCP) and hygiene standards

● Encourage ergonomic practices and injury prevention