Safe Actions

23/09/2025

Pressure care goes hand in hand with manual tasks. We need to be using our manual tasks as opportunities to inspect skin, we need to ensure our manual tasks are done and not causing pressure injuries and use equipment like slide sheets to reduce friction and shearing. There is some PD available in Perth in November to shine a spotlight on pressure care.

https://mailchi.mp/unicarehealth/enewsletter-august2025?e=c26174055e

16/09/2025

Some interesting statistics here about the diagnostic groups receiving supports from NDIS

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/seven-in-10-new-people-joining-ndis-for-autism-20250819-p5mo44.html

09/09/2025

So I have dealt with more falls again. Two falls by the one person, in a week. Each will have its own post.
Fall 1: in the dining area. The lady used a stick, and had a narrow walker on hand but preferred to either walk or use her stick. The dining room had smooth floor surfaces and office chairs. The lady only sat on the edge of the seat and it rolled away from her and she ended up on the floor. There were 8+ of us around. Naturally I went over. It was interesting to see how everyone wanted to rush to assist her to stand.
I said, this is my job, and took charge. We checked her out for any pain, ability to follow instructions, see, hear and move her limbs. I say we as there was a surgical nurse on site too (more about that in the next installment). The nurse and I agreed she was good to get up and the lady also felt ok. There was a step ladder nearby so having got her onto at least one knee, I had her use the step ladder to support her to partially stand. Once she was partially standing, we put a static chair behind her for her to sit on. That then became her chair in the dining room.
My reflection was, the training I deliver works! And people will be in a rush to assist someone up from the floor but allowing time to assess how the person is, and the best method to get someone up and ensure they will be safe and stable on the next surface is important.

02/09/2025

October is SafeWork Month - what are you planning to do?
Big or small, every little bit helps.
It all starts with hazard identification. Even just encouraging the workers to report hazards allows you to know priorities to address. More information is available here:

Make safety: every job, every day a reality this OctoberThis year’s theme, safety: every job, every day, encourages all workplaces – regardless of occupation, industry, location, and size – to prioritise safety in their job every day.

19/08/2025

Sometimes looking at other countries for information can be helpful. Here is some information from the Health and Safety Dept in Ireland regarding manual tasks, and working with hoists and slings

https://www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/health_and_social_care_sector/musculoskeletal_disorders_/

12/08/2025

Having recently had to assist someone from floor to on a chair, here are some resources that may help with both prevention and management.

https://www.injurymatters.org.au/programs/stay-on-your-feet/

We should all be practicing getting up from the floor daily!

Stay On Your Feet® provides information and strategies for older adults, their friends and family and health professionals to prevent slips, trips and falls.

05/08/2025

New Model Code of Practice: Health Care and Social Assistance Sector has been released by SafeWork Australia
I have not fully read it yet, but, it is wonderful to have a resource for our particular industry.

The link is here:

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-healthcare-and-social-assistance-industry

29/07/2025

I have recently transferred the silvalea sling supply chain to GP Medical. Please contact them for trials and purchases.

22/07/2025

Are you wanting to take your skills in Manual Tasks training to the next level?
Why not complete a Health Care 2?

And if you have completed the Health Care 2 and now wish to train in your workplace then registrations are open for Disability Basic course in August/ September and Aged Care Basic in October.

https://www.safeactions.com.au/upcoming-courses

Just send Julie an email to julie@safeactions.com.au

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...

15/07/2025

Its nursing student training season again.
Book your training at SafeActions for real hands on training with plenty of opportunity to use the equipment and receive specific feedback.
Dates are listed on the upcoming courses page
https://www.safeactions.com.au/upcoming-courses

08/07/2025

I have extended my 'read the bloody user manual' mantra to another area:
Transporting in vans!
Each van, hoist, restraint and wheelchair combination will be unique.
In order to provide the safest transport experience, then all the user manuals need to be read to ensure compliance.
Lately I have seen more 6 point restraint systems being used for power wheelchairs. This is fine: if it is in the user manual. Applying 6 point restraints to a wheelchair that was tested with only 4 point restraints may not make it safer (as it has not been tested) and may impose forces on the wheelchair that the wheelchair has not been designed for.
Again.... Read the bloody user manual!

01/07/2025

Aids to assist with getting into and out of a vehicle...
Getting in and out of a car can be a task that is difficult due to the height of the seat (both low and high) and the confines of the vehicle allowing access.
Items I have found that help are:
Handy bar
Seat wedge
Lazy susan cushion
Leg lifter
Seat belt strap extender (not the buckle end)
Bed steps to access a 4WD

Many of these will be available at your local mobility aid shop