Can I provide manual handling support?
Manual handling is one of the most common types of support provided on Hireup. However, when it comes to manual handling support it is important that both you and the person you’re supporting feel safe.
At Hireup, we believe the best training comes from the person you are supporting because everyone has different manual handling plans and preferred ways of transferring. So even if you’ve provided manual handling support for someone else, it is important to follow each person’s individualised plans, even if they are different to what you’re used to.
How do I know if I will need to provide manual handling support?
Before you begin working with someone, it is important to get to know who they are and what kind of support they might want from you. The best time to ask questions about someone’s support requirements is at the beginning of your working relationship. It’s important to have clear communication so you can both decide whether or not you’d like to work together. You can ask questions by messaging them or during your meet and greet with the person and/or their family.
What should I ask my clients?
- Will I be required to do any manual handling tasks and duties while providing support?
- Do you need me to physically help move and transfer you during my shifts?
- Where would I be providing this support?
- Can you demonstrate how to safely use the lifting equipment (or any equipment) that you’d like me to use?
What is an individualised plan?
Someone who needs manual handling support should also have a manual handling plan - this is different to their Hireup support plan. It may be shared with you directly by the person you’re supporting or their account manager and will always be made available to you once the booking is confirmed.
A manual handling plan is crucial to understand before you start working with someone. It includes a primary method of transfer such as a standing transfer and may also include other ways to transfer (e.g. a hoist). It will include what equipment you will need and how to use it.
Where can I learn how to provide safe manual handling?
As well as understanding someone’s manual handling plan, it is mandatory to complete our manual handling learning module. As part of our specialised learning modules, it guides you through how to provide safe manual handling support, the importance of knowing your own limitations and how to be as prepared as you can before and during every shift.
As a support worker, whether you're supporting someone to physically transfer from one place to another or you’re pushing a wheelchair, it’s important to know how to provide manual handling support safely before agreeing to any manual handling support.