The Risk of Manual Handling for Nursing Students and Staff: Protecting Against Back and Patient Handling Injuries

Description: Discover the physical risks nurses and nursing students face during patient handling tasks and how accredited manual handling training in Perth can prevent injury.

Nursing is one of the most physically demanding professions in healthcare. Every day, nurses and nursing students perform tasks that involve lifting, transferring, repositioning, and supporting patients. While these duties are essential to quality care, they also expose nursing professionals to serious manual handling risks—particularly back injuries, joint strain, and musculoskeletal disorders.

At Perth Training, we provide nationally accredited manual handling training (HLTWHS005) tailored for nursing staff, students, and healthcare workers across Perth, including Morley, Midland, Belmont, and the CBD. Our mission is to prevent injuries through hands-on, practical education.

Why Nurses Are at High Risk of Injury

Manual handling is involved in nearly every shift a nurse works. Whether it’s lifting a patient from bed to chair, assisting with showering, or repositioning someone in bed, these tasks place significant strain on the musculoskeletal system.

According to workplace safety data, healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of work-related injuries, with back injuries and shoulder strain leading the list. The repetitive nature of patient handling, combined with awkward postures and time pressures, increases the risk of injury—even for experienced staff.

Common injuries among nurses include:

Lower back pain and herniated discs
Shoulder tendonitis and strains
Wrist and knee injuries
Sprains from sudden movements or falls
Fatigue from repetitive patient handling tasks

Challenges Nursing Students Face

Nursing students are especially vulnerable. Many enter the profession without knowing safe lifting techniques or how to use assistive equipment properly. During placements or in simulated training, they may perform tasks incorrectly, putting themselves and patients at risk.

Early training in proper manual handling can prevent long-term injuries and foster safer work habits from the beginning of their careers.

What Makes Patient Handling Risky?

Patient handling differs from lifting inanimate objects. Patients may shift their weight unexpectedly, resist assistance, or have conditions that require careful, coordinated movement. This unpredictability means:

Team coordination is vital
Stability and grip are essential
Posture and planning can’t be ignored

Without the right training, nurses can be caught off guard and suffer injuries that take weeks or months to heal.

Key Manual Handling Hazards for Nurses

Transferring patients between bed, chair, and toilet
Assisting patients with limited mobility
Rolling or repositioning clients in bed
Supporting weight-bearing exercises or rehabilitation tasks
Handling confused, disoriented or combative patients

How Manual Handling Training Helps

Our HLTWHS005 – Conduct Manual Tasks Safely course equips nursing staff and students with:

Safe lifting techniques using legs, not the back
Ergonomic principles to reduce physical strain
Proper use of hoists, slide sheets, and transfer boards
Risk assessment strategies for patients and environments
Practical skills for team handling and communication

Our training is ideal for:

University nursing students
Enrolled and registered nurses
Aged care staff
Support workers and NDIS carers

Course Features:

Nationally accredited certification recognised across Australia
Onsite training available at hospitals, aged care facilities, and nursing schools
Flexible scheduling including after-hours and weekends
Hands-on simulations and real-world scenarios

📞 Enrol today by calling 0421 201 201 or visiting Perth Training

Final Thoughts

Manual handling injuries are preventable. With the right training and awareness, nurses and students can protect themselves and provide safer care to patients. Whether you’re just beginning your nursing journey or have years of experience, now is the time to prioritise safety.

Empower yourself and your team with the knowledge to move patients safely—because your health matters too.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for general purposes only and is not intended as specific medical advice. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or reliability. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns. Relying solely on this content without seeking expert advice is not advised.

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