Safe Actions

14/04/2026

It is that time of year when we might turn our thoughts to cleaning gutters: please consider ladder safety.
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/ladders

Apparently there is an acronym used in ED: OGFOL
Old guy falls of ladder.
Please don't let that be you: young, old, which ever gender

Each year there are dozens of serious incidents where workers have fallen from ladders. Most of these incidents involve a ladder being used incorrectly or inappropriately.

07/04/2026

I often get asked about some videos that might be useful. I will never support manual tasks training as an online activity, but videos can help give background information. I will post a few versions over the next month or so.
This guy has a few good videos.

Momentum Safety and Ergonomics focuses on providing simple and practical solutions to a wide range of safety issues - to business large and small. This YouTube channel is aimed to help businesses achieve high standards in quality health and safety through educating and informing people of all things...

30/03/2026

Last call for Health Care 2 Registrations for April
Successful completion of this course deems you competent to coach in manual tasks in your workplace.
Health Care 2 April 20 21 23 24

All the details are here

This 2.75 hour course meet requirements for manual handling training prior to clinical placement. Certificates are accepted at Notre Dame University, ECU Joondalup,  Murdoch and CDU.  Attendance certificates provided on the day.  It may also meet requirements for manual tasks certificate for many...

24/03/2026

Slide sheets - the best value for money manual task aid there is!
I am hoping to run a slide sheet session in second term. I do a short intro and basic principles then we problem solve your manual tasks issues and see if slide sheets will help.
Please email me at julie@safeactions.com.au to register your interest

17/03/2026

I am working on an alternative way to get up from the floor, which is gentle on the knees. The method is different to the ones shown in the Stay on Your Feet campaign or the method with one or two chairs. Any interest?

09/03/2026

This topic is close to my heart. Poly pharmacy is real. The rule of thumb I have heard is that if you are on 5 or more medications it is worth getting a pharmacy review to check that there is no overdosing or adverse reactions

https://apple.news/AY4cv5zKISEOh5_0JHkJYnA

03/03/2026

Here is an article about Aged care equipment costs. There are some relevant points regarding comparing prices. Just make sure that when you are comparing, all the required features are included in each piece of equipment.

https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/how-to-navigate-harsh-aged-care-reality-facing-millions-of-aussies-nothing-prepares-you-040019531.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9hcHBsZS5uZXdzLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAElm8kj1-b6fBiFfKgNLCX0G128iAWDlbYjJkpDFCI4Dd-Z_eBQ-iGJbuK-qL5VGIdgfHeARf0-Fy0J9oSfoT3mMx9btYV1snnR2SXiNAAG4HfqjIbzq97xeA9xeKmAhOZ07z2rYZ1uo4VE7wpR94OGwcoIfy7fth9lLNBzYrUTM

24/02/2026

So a little bit of feedback from the Conference last November - this will come out in drips and drabs.
From one of the keynote speakers in relation to training:
- Train the leaders
- Workers and users must get into the devices and feel it
- Training must be monitored and outcomes set and recorded
- Important to have training simulate real work experience

18/02/2026

I have recently had a question about the safety of scooters. My premise is if you are not feeling safe to drive a car, then you should not consider a scooter a safe alternative. The video below talks about some very important considerations, criteria, the features and the capacity of the scooter driver.
I am not supporting this model in particular: it was just a good summary.

There are many different challenges that can come with prescribing a mobility scooter. On today's episode, Scott and Bec discuss not only some features of th...

17/02/2026

I have recently reviewed the Australian Standard 10535:2024 Assistive Products - Hoists for the transfer of persons - requirements and test methods.
If you are a prescriber of hoists and/ or slings, or write manual tasks plans / hoisting plans I would consider this an essential read. It has been substantially updated. There are some very useful checklists in the Annexes.

10/02/2026

Nursing students - time to book!

03/02/2026

Fatigue is a risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries. SafeWork Australia have released a model Code of Practice for this issues. Most model Codes of Practice are endorsed by Worksafe WA

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risk-fatigue-work