Building Confidence in Manual Handling: ECU OT Students Train with Unicare Health
Manual Handling Equipment Training
Unicare Health, Bentley
Friday, 8 August 2025
Manual handling is an essential part of many people’s daily lives, enabling them to maintain independence and engage in the activities they enjoy. For future allied health professionals, however, it can feel daunting to balance the technical skills required with the responsibility of ensuring client safety and dignity.
At Unicare Health, we’re proud to provide a safe and supportive environment for Edith Cowan University (ECU) occupational therapy (OT) students to begin learning the fundamentals of manual handling.
Our Showroom recently hosted a dedicated training day, where three cohorts of OT students explored the use of patient handling equipment and practised safe, respectful manual handling techniques to prepare for their upcoming placements.
The training began with an introduction to standing hoists, such as the Salsa Standing Hoist and the Oxford Journey, along with their compatible slings.
Students learned how to identify when a standing hoist is suitable, and when it may be necessary to transition to a lifting hoist, for example, when a client is no longer able to weight-bear.
From there, the focus shifted to lifting hoists.
Students were guided through the differences between manual and electric leg spread mechanisms, and discussed why a manual option can sometimes be more suitable than an electric one. They also explored the various yokes available, from simple two-point yokes to advanced electric pivot frames, gaining insight into how each option affects the transfer process.
Of course, nothing beats hands-on experience. With the added motivation of Krispy Kreme donuts waiting at the end, students broke into small groups to practise both operating the hoists and being hoisted themselves.
They learned how to match the correct sling to the right hoist, select the appropriate sling size for their peers, and adjust sling loops to achieve different transfer outcomes, whether seating someone safely into a wheelchair or positioning them for a bed transfer.
While many students initially felt intimidated, they quickly built confidence. The session reinforced the importance of empathy in manual handling, highlighting that clients often feel vulnerable during transfers. Beyond technical ability, practitioners must approach each interaction with sensitivity, reassurance, and respect.
By the end of the training, students left with a stronger understanding of how equipment choice, sling adjustment, and yoke configuration influence both safety and comfort. And, of course, they were rewarded for their efforts with a well-deserved donut!
Unicare Health thanks ECU for the opportunity to partner in preparing the next generation of occupational therapists. We look forward to continuing to support students in building their skills, knowledge, and confidence in manual handling.
