SafeCare BC Logo
SafeCare BC Logo
Resources & Tools

Resources and Tools

View All
Motor vehicle incidents are among the leading causes of traumatic workplace injuries and fatalities in BC. The Safe Driving for Work Checklist has been developed to help employers and their workers take proactive steps to manage driving-related risks. This checklist serves as a practical guide to reinforce safe driving practices and is designed to be used before, during, and after each trip.
Files Attached
View Checklist
In long-term care it is increasingly apparent that who is on shift is just as important as how many staff are on shift. Quality care is difficult to achieve when we do not routinely engage with one another in a positive, or civil, manner.
View Toolkit
Programs & Services

Programs and Services

View All
Register
Leading from the Inside Out
Leading from the Inside Out provides a safe space for leaders in continuing care to share their challenges and learn self-care practices.
View Service
The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum is recognized as best-practice in violence prevention training for health care workers.
View Service
Guidelines & Regulations

Guidelines and Regulations

View All
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 […]
View News Story
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).
View News Story
Safety Month - February 2023

Client Handling

Manual client handling and other physical tasks can cause overexertion of your muscles to cause injury. Musculoskeletal injuries are sprains and strains to the muscles and surrounding tissues, which can have life-long impacts These are the leading type of injury for home and community care workers.

If you have an injury caused by overexertion or repetitive movement, you may see redness or swelling, feel a dull or aching pain, or experience weakness.

Preventing musculoskeletal injuries

  • Ensure that you have reviewed the client assessment and are familiar with the mobility requirements of your client
  • Use equipment, such as portable lifts, transfer boards and rails, whenever possible
  • Read the care plan and check for hazards to assess the risks every time you transfer or reposition a client (See Resource Section – Point of Care Risk Assessment)
  • Avoid awkward positions as much as possible and ask your client to assist when appropriate
  • Report changes in the client’s abilities so that the care plan can be adjusted
  • Report workplace injuries early so that they can be treated quickly
  • Check out additional resources and tools on SafeCare BC’s website

Are you prepared?

  • I have ensured that the room is tidy and clutter-free to allow me space to work
  • I am aware of my client’s mobility needs
  • My supervisor has provided me with instruction and training on the safe use of available mechanical aids or other equipment
  • I am providing my client with cues to help me with all transfers and repositioning tasks
  • I have reported information relating to my client’s changing condition that affects his or her ability to transfer or follow directions
  • I am aware of the signs and symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury and will report to my supervisor if I am injured
  • I know to notify my supervisor immediately if it is unsafe for me to proceed

Have questions about this month's topic? Ask us!

12 Months Contact Form
Client Handling

Featured Resources

WorkSafeBC’s healthcare and social services planned inspection initiative focuses on high-risk activities in the workplace that lead to serious injuries and time-loss claims.
View News Story
Filter

Client Handling resources

Resource Types

Resource Post Type Filter
  • Webinars (65)
  • Posts (36)
  • Web links (26)
  • Safety Topics (24)
  • Safety Huddles (11)
  • People (6)
  • Services (4)
  • Templates (4)
  • Assorted Resources (3)
  • Infographics (3)
  • Innovations (3)
  • Videos (3)
  • Workshop Topics (3)
  • Events (2)
  • Presentations (2)
  • Checklists (1)
  • E-Learning (1)
  • Info Sheets (1)
  • Posters (1)
  • Q&As (1)
  • Toolkits (1)
  • Workshops (1)

Audiences

Resources Audince Filter
  • All Audiences (144)
  • Managers and Supervisors (11)
  • AL/IL (7)
  • All Audiences (5)
  • Long-term Care (5)
  • Home Care and Community Health Support (4)
  • Non-clinical areas (4)
  • Associate members (2)
  • Kinesiologists (1)
  • Support staff (1)
Post

What is trauma-informed care? A guide for healthcare professionals 

Accessibility, Clear leadership, De-escalation, Dementia, Emotional Intelligence, Engagement, Growth and development, Mental Health, Organizational culture, Psychological Health and Safety, Psychological social support, Safe Handling, Safety Basics, Trauma

Think about the last time you felt genuinely safe and understood in a challenging situation. That sense of comfort and trust is at the heart of trauma-informed care.   This approach recognizes that many people carry...

Innovation

The Transfer Coach Program

Safe Handling

Haro Park Centre is a campus of care located in the West End of Vancouver, offering independent housing, assisted living and residential care to senior citizens. Haro Park has a number of innovative programs and...

Web link

Patient handling: Assessing the risks

Safe Handling

Patient handling is the top cause of injury among health care workers. Care workers who manually transfer or reposition patients are at significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) such as sprains or strains. This bulletin...

SafeCare BC Logo
©2025 SafeCare BC | All rights reserved.
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.
cross