Mini course · Foundation level
Safe Patient Handling & Ergonomics
Protect your back and your patients by moving people the safe way, every time.
What is Safe Patient Handling & Ergonomics?
Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting and moving patients are among the most common injuries in healthcare workers. Safe patient handling uses risk assessment, mechanical aids and good ergonomics to protect both staff and patients. This course covers the causes of handling injuries, risk assessment, using hoists, slide sheets and transfer aids correctly, ergonomic principles for daily tasks, workstation ergonomics and building a safe handling culture.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Lessons
- 4
- Level
- Foundation
- Format
- Online, self-paced
What you'll be able to do
- Explain how manual handling causes musculoskeletal injury
- Assess handling risk for a described patient transfer
- Select appropriate handling aids for a described situation
- Describe safe principles for using hoists and slide sheets
- Apply ergonomic principles to everyday clinical and desk tasks
- Promote a no-unsafe-lift culture in the team
Who this course is for
Course content
4 lessons · 1 hour total · free preview available
1Why Healthcare Workers Get Hurt
14 minFree preview· Course content
Why Healthcare Workers Get Hurt
Causes and costs of handling injuries.
2Assessing Handling Risk
16 min· Course content
Assessing Handling Risk
Available after you enroll.
3Handling Aids
16 min· Course content
Handling Aids
Available after you enroll.
4Ergonomics Every Day
14 min· Course content
Ergonomics Every Day
Available after you enroll.
Earn a credential employers can check
Every AIHCM credential has a unique ID that anyone can verify online in seconds.
Issued: on completion
How it works
- Finish all 4 lessons at your own pace.
- Get your digital credential with a unique ID.
- Share it — employers can verify it at aihcm.us.
Questions people ask
Does the course replace practical manual handling training?
No. Hands-on training with your organisation's equipment is still required.
Is office ergonomics included?
Yes, in the final lesson.
Is it relevant for paramedics?
Yes. Pre-hospital handling challenges are included.
Does it cover bariatric patients?
Yes, at a principles level.