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We are dedicated to providing comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) consulting services tailored to your needs.
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Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents – Emergency Planning came into effect on February 3, 2025. Changes include additional requirements to minimize the risk, likelihood, and harm caused by an emergency involving hazardous substances.   Hazardous substances include biological, chemical or physical hazards that may reasonably […]
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WorkSafeBC has acknowledged an error in calculating the 2025 insurance premiums that are paid by our two member employer groups–those providing community health support services (classification unit 766006) and those in long-term care (classification unit 766011).
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Safety Huddle

Point of Care Risk Assessment for Transfers

Learn when it is safe to transfer a person in care and know what to do if it is not safe to transfer.
Point of Care Assessment for Transfers - Safety Huddle

Instructions

  • Before the huddle, print a few copies of the Point of Care Assessment for Transfers to share with staff.  
  • During the huddle, read the scenario out loud and use the guiding questions and key discussion points to conduct a point of care risk assessment for the scenario.  

Learning outcomes:

After this huddle, staff should be able to: 

  • Apply the steps of a point of care risk assessment for transfers.   
  • Determine if it is safe to transfer the person in care. 
  • Know what to do if it is not safe to transfer a person in care. 

Guiding questions

  • Is it safe to proceed with the transfer? Why or why not?
  • What are some potential factors we haven’t thought of that could change our decision?
  • What should we do if it is not safe to proceed with the transfer?

Scenario

Mr. W is a 75-year-old resident whose care plan indicates that he is typically social and uses a walker to get around. It is almost dinner time, and you enter his room to help him to the dining room. 

As you enter, you notice that the room is dimly lit with the curtains drawn and lights off. Mr. W is lying in bed, still in his pajamas, and appears to be resting. His walker is positioned at the foot of his bed, within reach but not immediately ready for use. 

You greet Mr. W and ask about his day. He responds in a soft voice, mentioning that he had a physiotherapy session earlier this morning, which was tiring. He also remarks that he hasn’t been up since then. Upon closer observation, you notice that he seems slightly drowsy but is responsive and able to answer your questions. 

When you suggest helping him to the dining room, he hesitates and says, "I’m not sure I feel steady on my feet today." .

Notes to the huddle leader

  • A point of care assessment for transfers should be done before any transfer.
  • Emphasize the importance of using the appropriate mobility aide / equipment to minimize the force you’re exerting on your body and using good body mechanics while doing a transfer to minimize risk of injury.
  • Consider asking the group for a real-life scenario to use for practicing the point of care assessment for transfers.
Downloads
Point of Care Assessment for Transfers - Safety Huddle
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Point of Care Risk Assessment for Transfers

Additional Resources

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We strive to empower those working in the continuing care sector to create safer, healthier workplaces by fostering a culture of safety through evidence-based education, leadership, and collaboration.
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