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OCCUPATIONAL JOB DICTIONARY – DISABILITY SECTOR

An analysis of regular tasks and human movements common to workers and employers working in the disability sector.

OCCUPATIONAL JOB DICTIONARY – DISABILITY SECTOR

DISCLAIMER

The information produced by National Disability Services in this publication is correct at the time of printing and is provided as general information only. In utilising general information about

workplace health and safety and injury management, the specific issues relevant to your workplace should always be considered. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the

requirements of the Workers Compensation Act, or the Work Health Safety Act 2011.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

To the best of our knowledge, the procedures described in this document reflect currently accepted practice, but cannot be considered absolute and universal recommendations. All

recommendations must be considered in view of the specific example and new information that has become available since the time of writing. The authors disclaim responsibility and

assume no liability for any adverse effects resulting directly or indirectly from the suggested procedures, from any undetected errors, or from the reader’s misunderstanding of the text.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Disability Safe has adapted this job dictionary from that developed by The SAfer Aged Care Industry OHS Committee for the Aged Care

Industry. The original concept of the Job Dictionary (for the Hospitality Industry) prepared by Mr Nandu Nandoskar of NN Associates is also

acknowledged. The original concept of this Job Dictionary has been reproduced, and developed herein:

HOW TO USE THIS DICTIONARY FOR:

THE DISABILITY SECTOR

Welcome to the Disability Sector Job Dictionary. You can customise the dictionary by using your computer. Please download the occupations relevant to your

organisation from this dictionary. A range of occupations relevant to the disability sector are listed, however not all may be relevant to your organisation.

You can either add or omit information to tailor a job description within your organisation. You may even wish to attach some specific photographs. Ensure that the

work attributes section that lists the frequency of activities is updated. The information on time spent per day and number of repetitions per day may need to be

modified for your particular organisation. Work mechanics/ergonomics may change from time to time and from job to job, therefore the human factors sections (such

as heights, reaches, rest breaks, safety gadgets etc.) may need regular updates.

REHABILITATION PURPOSES

Find and download the occupational description for the injured worker from the software, eg. a support worker’s job description could be downloaded and printed.

Ensure the task matches the duties performed or else modify the script accordingly prior to printing.

Either fax or email this information to the treating medical practitioner.

Identify suitable tasks from within the range of duties for the injured worker to commence work, with the agreement of the treating medical practitioner and, if

involved, the rehabilitation provider.

Agree on how to update/increase the injured worker’s duties; or seek an occupational therapist’s or physiotherapist’s guidance to outline the duties program. If the

worker is unable to undertake their pre-injury duties, you as an employer could offer alternative duties from within this job dictionary. This process ensures reduction

in income maintenance costs and the development of secondary conditions.

AS A PREVENTATIVE TOOL FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENTS

The assessing medical practitioner has an overview of general job demands and may be able to use it to establish suitable medical assessments. These are then

used to determine a worker’s suitability for the given job.

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) could be conducted where tests could be modified to match with the required job demands. Objective measurements of the

workers’ capacities and limitations are compared with the physical demands of the job in question.

Some employers may prefer to do a more specific task analysis prior to the development of a pre-employment assessment for their workplace.

JOB ANALYSIS

OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – ACCOMMODATION SERVICES

HOURS OF WORK:

Support Workers may be rostered onto early shifts, late shifts and night shifts.

Hours may vary from 3 to 8 hours per day depending on the service.

TASK DESCRIPTION

1. Provide personal care assistance required by residents. This may include the following tasks, to be undertaken in accordance with the policies and

procedures at the service.

Assistance with showering/toileting.

Assistance with dressing

Assistance with feeding.

Transferring between bed, wheelchair, motor vehicle, etc.

Medical/special procedures as required.

Administering medication as required.

2. Carry out domestic duties, e.g. cleaning, laundry, cooking as required by residents.

3. Carry out basic cleaning around the house, i.e. cleaning floors, making beds etc.

4. Assist residents with menu planning, shopping and meal preparation.

5. Contribute to individual service planning and service co-ordination.

6. Complete documentation as required by the service. This will include documentation re medication, personal care diaries, incident reports, etc.

7. May be required to provide first aid treatment.

HUMAN FACTORS

Reaching:

Occasional overhead reaching, constant forward reaching.

Heights: Floor to overhead.

Controls and displays: Vehicles, resident’s equipment, household equipment.

Force exertion/lift: Frequent carrying of equipment. Frequent push/pull of lifters, wheel chairs, shower chairs with

residents in situ, lifting equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.

Postural requirements: Frequent standing and walking. Frequent bending at hip and knee joint.

Overall physical demand level: Medium

Work/rest patterns: Full time, part time and casual work patterns are arranged according to a seven day rotating roster

including morning, afternoon and night shifts. A support worker may work up to five hours per shift

before being permitted to have a half hour meal break.

A person may experience fatigue due to the ever changing work hours, as well as the physical and

psychological demands of the occupation

Frequency of client handling

Frequent resident transfers.

Handling and fingering requirements: Frequent manipulation of buttons and controls.

Tools: Motor vehicles, lifting equipment, household equipment

Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, masks, gloves and aprons, sterile hand wipes.

Environmental Considerations

In a Group Home there may be fixed height beds; which increases low-based tasks for support workers when making beds, and increases the volume

of bending undertaken by Support Workers to make beds. When residents have severe mobility restrictions, a high/low bed may be used, beds may be

electric or wind up or foot pedal operated.

There may be some manual handling manoeuvres required in restricted space; which can be made more difficult by clutter. For instance; if a resident

requires the use of a lifter for a bed transfer, transferring a resident in a small bathroom, or accessing items from under beds.

Frequent hand washing is necessary before and after handling food, personal care items etc., which may lead to dry and cracked skin.

Psychosocial Considerations

A range of skills are required including:

Time management and organisational skills

- Ability to work within time constraints

- Ability to prioritise tasks

Build rapport

Problem solving

- Is alert and responsive to changes in the environment and the changing needs of the client.

- Ability to deal with emergencies

- Ability to work under pressure

Maintain professional boundaries

Decision making

- Understanding and meeting client needs

- Making choices that are at the client’s best interests while providing them with the opportunity to make decisions for themselves.

Communication skills with residents, medical and allied health professionals

- Can provide positive behaviour support

- Is resilient to challenging behaviours

- Can report back to clients attending physician and supporting health professionals when necessary or upon request.

- Can provide feedback to family and health professionals regarding client daily activity.

Due to the resident’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on an occasional basis. These behaviours may range from

swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another resident or at the support worker directly. These

behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently be repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such behaviours are

demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when an unexpected new behaviour may be

triggered.

TASK ANALYSIS CATEGORISED BY INDIVIDUAL TASK – ACCOMMODATION SERVICES

Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for

suitable duties

Transferring clients using hoist – 30-60 minutes per day depending on degree of physical disability

Standing/walking Constant Frequent Generally short distances May be a one or two

person task.

If restrictions in place

may provide

assistance and/or

supervision only within

those restrictions.

Pull client’s upper

body forward away

from back of w/chair

Medium pulling with

shoulder flexion to 90°

Slight hip flexion

Occasional Several times per

day

Place sling

Lift individual legs Medium lifting at below

waist level

Stooping

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day

Place sling

Operate hoist

controls to raise

person

Gross grip with forearm

rotation


day

Hand held pendant

Push/pull hoist Medium pushing/pulling at

shoulder height

Light reaching at waist level

to stabilise client

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day

Force dependent on floor

surface, route and space

Operate controls to

lower person


rotation

Light reaching and stooping

to position client

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day

Dependent on support

worker skill and

environment

May or may not

remove sling

As above As above Several times per

day

If sling does not cause

pressure points may be left

in place

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suitable duties

Showering client using commode chair – 15-60 minutes per day

Client transferred

into chair using

above technique

See above See above Up to 4 clients per

morning or night

depending on

restrictions and

staffing

Supervision with

verbal prompting of

mobile clients

Push commode

chair into shower

cubicle

Medium pushing at waist

height

Occasional Force dependent on

floor surface and

space

Shower client using

hand held shower

rose

Unilateral gross grip with

forward reach at waist level

Trunk twisting if limited space

Crouching or stooping to reach

lower part of body

Squatting to reach feet and

under commode chair

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Rare

Client may assist

with upper body

Technique

dependent on space

and support worker

skill

Dry client using

towel

Bilateral gross hand grip and

forward reach between chest

and hip level


lower part of body

Squatting to reach feet

Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Client may assist

with upper body

Technique

dependent on space

and support worker

skill

Pull/push commode

chair from shower to

area where dressing

will occur

Medium push/pull at waist

level


floor surface and

space

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suitable duties

Dressing – 15 – 60 minutes per day

Transfer client to

bed if not able to

weight-bear using

above technique

See above See above As above See above Assist seated client with

upper body only

Supervise and prompt

mobile client

Place garments on

client’s body

Gross grip and forward

reach from chest level or

floor level

Crouching or stooping

especially to reach lower

limbs

Medium push/pull of

trunk or whole body of

client depending whether

seated or lying

Medium lifting of client’s

limbs

Fine bilateral pinch to do

up buttons etc.

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 4 clients per

shift depending on

restrictions and

staffing

Client may be able

to assist with rolling

on bed or moving

trunk forward

Client may be able

to assist with lifting

of limbs or hips

If client suffers

contractures or

resists process

more force may be

required

Place on socks and

shoes

Gross hand manipulation

Squatting/kneeling

Occasional

Frequent

Up to 4 clients per

shift depending on

restrictions and

staffing

Transfer client to

wheelchair if

required using

above technique

If client lying on bed

medium push/pull to roll

client to place sling

Occasional As above Clients weight may

vary

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suitable duties

Sponge Bath – 30 – 60 minutes per day (Rare)

Retrieve equipment

for sponge bath

Walking

Crouching, stooping or

reaching to retrieve

bathing materials

Light lifting/carrying often

unilateral of between 2-

10kgs

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Up to 4 clients per

shift. Activity

completed morning

and evening.

Frequency and

physical demands

are dependent upon

client ability

Laying towel

underneath client

followed by sponge

bath for client in bed


reach from chest level

Medium push/pull of


client


limbs

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Dry client using

towel

Bilateral gross hand grip

and forward reach

between chest and hip

level

Medium push or pull of


client

Occasional

Occasional


suitable duties

Hair Brushing – 2 – 3 minutes per day

Obtain Hairbrush Crouching, stooping, or reaching overhead for required items.

Gross grip of brush

Occasional Frequent

Up to 4 clients

per shift.

Activity

completed

morning and

evening.

Frequency and

physical demands

are dependent

upon client ability

Supervision and

prompting required

only for clients with in

hand manipulation

skills and necessary

strength and flexibility Use brush to brush and tidy

clients hair

Standing

Bilateral gross griping

Forearm rotation

Wrist flexion/extension

Unilateral forward flexion of arm at shoulder joint.

Constant Constant Constant Constant Constant

Teeth Cleaning – 5 – 10 minutes per day

Obtain items including cup,

toothbrush and tooth paste.

Place toothpaste on toothbrush

and fill cup with water.

Walking

Crouch/stoop or reaching overhead for required items.

Pincer grip

Gross grip of cup

Fine hand manipulation

Occasional Occasional Constant Occasional Constant

Up to 4 clients

per shift.

Activity

completed

morning and

evening.

Frequency and

physical demands

are dependent

upon client ability

Supervision and

prompting required


hand manipulation


strength and flexibility

Place toothbrush on teeth of

client’s mouth. Starting with

front, sides, top of bottom teeth,

under top teeth, and behind

teeth

Slight forward flexion at hip joint

Pincer grip


Unilateral forward reach up to mouth level

Frequent Constant Constant Constant

Rinse client’s mouth using

water in cup.


Gross grip of cup


Frequent Constant Constant

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suitable duties

Toileting – 30 – 60 minutes per day

Transfer non-weight-bearing client

to commode chair using above

technique

See above See above Up to 4 clients

per shift and

often more

than once per

shift

May be required

several times per shift

dependent on length of

shift

Supervise/prompt

mobile client

Push commode chair over toilet Medium push at waist

level

Frequent Generally flat hard

surface

Clean client/adjust clothing Crouching or stooping

Forward reach

Some twisting if restricted

space

All

Occasional

Dependent on

support worker

skill/experience

Feeding/medicating – 30-60 minutes per day

Push client to dining table Medium push at waist

level

Occasional Generally 2- 3

per shift

Generally suitable if

good posture adopted

or mainly supervision

required

Feed client Sitting


Unilateral pincer grip

Unilateral forward reach

to 90° shoulder flexion

Constant

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

May take up to

15 minutes

unless peg fed

or swallowing

problems

May involve static

posture if client

slow to respond or

if doing tube feed

Provide medication to client Sitting

Pincer grip

Unilateral forward reach

up to mouth level

Gross grip of glass

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Generally

minimal time

requirements


suitable duties

Meal Preparation – 30 – 90 minutes per day

Obtain ingredients Walking

Squat or crouch/stoop

Reach overhead


unilateral of between 2 and

10kgs

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

May not be

required each

shift depending on

staffing

Dependent on

storage

location and

support

worker

technique

Assist with bench height

tasks only.

Undertake lighter meals.

Prepare ingredients Standing/walking

Bilateral pincer griping

Forearm rotation


Forward reach

Trunk rotation

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Dependent on

number of

clients and

availability of

assistance

Cooking

Lifting between 5 and 10kgs

Stooping/crouching

Forward reach

Palmar grips

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Dependent on

dish being

prepared

Dishing up

Standing

Forward reach

Bench height lifting

Cylindrical and hook grips and

forearm rotation

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Dependent

upon number

of clients

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suitable duties

Cleaning of kitchen and/or bathroom – 30-60 minutes per day

Obtain cleaning

products

Walking


Light lifting/carrying often unilateral

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

May not be

required each

shift depending

on staffing

Dependent on

storage location

and support

worker technique

Assist with bench

height tasks only

Clean cupboard

surfaces, benches, etc Standing

Light forward reach at waist level

Light overhead reach

Gross hand grip

Light push/pull

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Clean floor surfaces

Walking

Crouching/stooping

Bilateral shoulder forward

flexion/extension

Trunk rotation

Gross hand grip

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Dependent on

type of floor

surface and

suitability of

equipment

Administration 30-60 minutes per day

Complete paperwork

Sitting

Pinch and tripod grip

Constant

Constant

Frequent at

start or end of

shift, may be

intermittent

during shift.

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suitable duties

Laundry duties – 30 – 60 minutes per day

Collect dirty washing

and carry to laundry

if required

Walking

Light lifting from below waist level

Light carrying to laundry

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

May not be

required each

shift depending

on staffing

Sort washing and

soak in bucket or

tub if required

Gross hand grip

Light lifting

Crouching/stooping

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Place washing in

washing machine

Gross hand grip

Forward reach

Squat/crouch/stoop into machine

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Dependent on

whether top or

front loader

Remove wet

washing from

washing machine

and place in dryer

Light pulling

Light lifting

Forward reach


Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Dependent on

location of dryer

Technique

restricting amount

handled in each

load.

Remove washing

from washing

machine and hang

on clothes line

Light pulling

Medium carrying or pushing

Overhead reach

Bend/stoop/crouch

Pinch grip

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Dependent on

availability of

trolley and

presence of stairs

Fold dry washing

and store away

Sit/stand/walk


forearm pronation/supination

Frequent

Frequent

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suitable duties

Community access – generally daily/Recreational activities – often only on weekends

Driving – 30-90

minutes per day

Sitting


Bilateral forward reach

Unilateral ankle/knee flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation

Fine hand manipulation to operate controls

Constant Constant Constant Frequent Occasional Frequent Occasional

Generally in

two blocks

to and from

activity

Dependent on vehicle type

and driver skills. Must

have a suitable licence for

specific vehicle driven, e.g.

car v’s bus licence. Must

complete vehicle

inspection prior to

departure

Able to restrict

distance and add

mirrors if required

Client transfers with

wheelchair–

approximately 30

minutes per day

Potential lifting of wheelchair

Pushing of wheelchair at waist level

Pulling of wheelchair off platform

Fine manipulation if operating wheelchair hoist controls

Forward reach

Large steps taken to enter and exit bus

Stooping and twisting to attach seatbelts or wheelchair straps in limited space from waist to floor level of bus

Rare Occasional Occasional Frequent Occasional Frequent Frequent

Before and

after driving

If client not able to transfer

independently vehicle with

wheelchair hoist should be

used to avoid physical

support of client body

weight.

Awkward postures are

frequented whilst placing

seatbelt and wheelchair

Operation of hoist

only. Avoid if

sustained back

injury


mobile client

requiring physical

assistance.



Walking up and down steps

Static arm position, shoulder in slight abduction and elbow in 90° flexion to physically assist weight of client while walking

Stooping and twisting to attach seatbelts in limited space from waist to floor level of bus

Rare Occasional Frequent Frequent Frequent Frequent

straps around client,

extreme caution

recommended.

Pushing client

wheelchair – up to

60 minutes per day

Walking

Medium push at waist level

Constant Constant

Usually in

several

blocks

Dependent on whether

indoors or outdoors

Indoors on flat

smooth surface

Shopping – 60-120

minutes per day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach between ankle to above head level

Bilateral lifting up to 10kgs

Pushing at waist level

Stooping

Constant Constant Frequent Occasional Frequent Occasional

Generally

with rest

breaks if

accompanyi

ng clients

Must complete risk

assessment prior to

visiting or entering a new

venue. Considerations for

alternative routes and/or

other activities should

accessibility or safety be

compromised

Light items only

Participate in

activities – up to 120

minutes per day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach

Reaching between ankle to above

head level

Bilateral light lifting up to 10kgs

Sitting on ground

Stooping


Constant

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Generally

with rest

breaks

Activities may range from

attending cinema or

concert, eating out,

swimming, bowling, putt

putt, dancing, picnic, BBQ,

using park play equipment,

attending a venue such as

zoo, aquarium etc. Or craft

activities etc at home.

Light activities at

level suitable only

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JOB ANALYSIS

OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

HOURS OF WORK:

Generally from 8-4 Mon-Fri and not during school holidays.

TASK DESCRIPTION

1. Provide transport for participants to attend programs

2. Assist participants with goal achievement such as recreational pursuits, independent travel, social and community participation etc.

3. Provide personal care assistance required by participants. This may include the following tasks, to be undertaken in accordance with the policies

and procedures at the service.

Assistance with toileting.

Assistance with feeding.

Transferring to/from motor vehicle, etc.

Medical/special procedures as required.

Administering medication as required.

4. Contribute to individual service planning and service co-ordination.

5. Complete documentation as required by the service. This will include documentation re medication, personal care diaries, incident reports, etc.


Human Factors

Heights:

Floor to overhead.

Controls and displays: Vehicles, sport or recreational equipment, client’s equipment.

Force exertion/lift: Frequent carrying of equipment. Occasional push/pull of lifters, wheel chairs, shower chairs with clients in

situ, lifting equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.

Postural requirements: Frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching.

Overall physical demand level: Medium level fitness required- frequent walking and some running involved in position.

Work/rest patterns: Variable from 6-30 hours per week.

Frequency of client handling Occasional client transfers.

Handling and fingering requirements: Frequent bilateral fine and gross gripping.

Tools: Trolleys, vehicles, sporting and recreational equipment, lifting machines, slide sheets, cleaning

equipment.

Size of article: Variable.

Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, masks, gloves and aprons as required, sterile hand wipes.


The purpose of the role is to enable people with a disability to participate in community life more fully, to develop skills through community-based

experiences and to develop friendships with people in the wider community through social interaction.

The working environment may consist of:

(1) Converted house with a number of rooms for different activities

(2) Converted office or shop area with large open area divided off for various activities.

(3) Community locations, e.g. shopping centre

If participants are wheelchair bound ramps are usually provided and bathroom enlarged to allow safe transfers. Hoists etc will generally be provided.






Build rapport

Problem solving





Decision making



Program design and implementation

Training skills






Due to the participant’s disability the support worker may be exposed to demanding and abusive behaviours on a frequent to constant basis. These

behaviours may range from swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another participant or at the support

worker directly. These behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such

behaviours are demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when an unexpected new

behaviour may be triggered.

Task Analysis categorised by individual task – community support worker

Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations

for suitable duties

Driving – 60 to 120 minutes per day

Operate vehicle Sitting



Unilateral ankle/knee

flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation

Fine hand manipulation to operate

controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Once or twice per

shift

Dependent on vehicle

type and driver skills.

Must have a suitable

licence for specific

vehicle driven, e.g. car

v’s bus licence.

Must complete vehicle

inspection prior to

departure.

Client transfers

with wheelchair–

approximately 30

minutes per day



Pulling of wheelchair off platform

Fine manipulation if operating wheelchair hoist controls

Forward reach

Large steps taken to enter and exit bus

Stooping and twisting to attach seatbelts or wheelchair straps in limited space from waist to floor level of bus

Rare Occasional Occasional Frequent Occasional Frequent Frequent

Every time a

client is picked up

and dropped off

to their

designated

location

If client not able to

transfer independently

vehicle with wheelchair

hoist should be used to

avoid physical support of

client body weight.





extreme caution

recommended.

Operation of hoist

only. Avoid if

sustained back

injury

Client transfers

with mobile client

requiring physical

assistance.









vehicle with wheelchair

hoist should be used to

avoid physical support of

client body weight.





extreme caution

recommended.

Pushing

participant

wheelchair

Walking


Constant

Constant

Generally only

one or two per

trip


paved or unpaved

Indoors on flat

smooth surface


suitable duties

Transferring participants using hoist – approximately 30 minutes per day

Standing/walking Constant Between rooms to

escort participant

May be a one or two

person task.


may provide

assistance and/or


those restrictions.

Pull participant’s

upper body forward

away from back of

wheelchair

Medium pulling with shoulder

flexion to 90°

Occasional Only one or two

per shift

Place sling

Lift individual legs Medium lifting at below waist

level

Stooping

Occasional

Occasional

Only one or two

per shift

Place sling

Operate hoist controls

to raise person

Gross grip with forearm rotation Occasional Only one or two

per shift


shoulder height

Light reaching at waist level to

stabilise participant

Occasional

Occasional

Only one or two

per shift

Force dependent on

floor surface, route

and space

Operate controls to

lower person

Gross grip with forearm rotation

Light reaching and stooping to

position participant

Occasional

Occasional

Only one or two

per shift


worker skill and

environment

May or may not

remove sling

As above

As above Only one or two

per shift

If sling does not cause

pressure points may

be left in place

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suitable duties

Showering participant using commode chair – required for some participants if clothes soiled or after swimming activity – approximately 30

minutes per day

Participant transferred

into chair using above

technique

See above See above Two per shift at

maximum

Supervision with

verbal prompting of

mobile participants

Push commode chair

into shower cubicle

Medium pushing at waist height Occasional Two per shift at

maximum

Force dependent on

floor surface and

space

Shower participant

using hand held

shower rose





lower part of body

Squatting to reach feet and

under commode chair

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Two per shift at

maximum

Participant may assist

with upper body

Technique dependent

on space and support

worker skill

Dry participant using

towel



and hip level


lower part of body


Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Two per shift at

maximum

Participant may assist

with upper body

Technique dependent


worker skill

Pull/push commode


area where dressing

will occur

Medium push/pull at waist level Occasional Two per shift at

maximum

Force dependent on

floor surface and

space

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suitable duties

Dressing – required for some participants after swimming or if clothes soiled – approximately 15 minutes per day

Transfer participant to

bed if not able to

weight-bear using

above technique

See above See above Only one or

two per shift

See above Assist seated

participant with

upper body only

Supervise and

prompt mobile

participant

Place garments on

participant’s body

Gross grip and forward reach

from floor to chest level


lower limbs especially

Medium push/pull of trunk or

whole body of participant

depending whether seated or

lying

Medium lifting of participant’s

limbs

Fine bilateral pinch to do up

buttons etc

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Only one or

two per shift

Participant may be

able to assist with

rolling or moving trunk

forward

Participant may be

able to assist with

lifting of limbs or hips

If participant suffers

contractures or resists

process more force

may be required

Place on socks and

shoes


Squatting/kneeling

Occasional

Frequent

Only one or

two per shift

Transfer participant to

wheelchair if required

using above technique

If participant lying on bed


participant to place sling

Occasional Only one or

two per shift

Participants weight

may vary

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suitable duties

Toileting – required for some participants only – 15-30 minutes per day

Assist with

removing/lowering

clothing

Forward reach

Stooping

Occasional

Occasional

May be up to

4 times per

shift

May be required

several times per

shift dependent on

length of shift

Supervise/prompt

mobile participant

Transfer non-weight-

bearing participant to

commode chair using

above technique

See above See above May be up to

4 times per

shift

Push commode chair

over toilet

Medium push at waist level Frequent May be up to

4 times per

shift

Generally flat hard

surface

Clean

participant/adjust

clothing



space

Occasional

Occasional

May be up to

4 times per

shift


worker skill/experience

Feeding/medicating – required for some participants only – 15 – 30 minutes per day

Push participant to

dining table

Medium push at waist level Occasional Up to 4 per

shift


good posture

adopted

Feed participant Sitting



Unilateral forward reach to 90°

shoulder flexion

Constant

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

May be up to

4 times per

shift

May involve static

posture if participant

slow to respond or if

doing tube feed

Provide medication to

participant

Sitting

Pincer grip

Unilateral forward reach up to

mouth level

Gross grip of glass

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

May be up to

4 times per

shift


suitable duties

Administration – 30 – 60 minutes per day

Complete paperwork Sitting


Fine finger activities to

operate computer

Constant

Constant

Constant

Generally at

beginning or

end of shift

but may be

intermittent

during shift

Cleaning of work areas – 30 minutes per day

Obtain cleaning

products

Walking

Squatting/crouching/stooping


unilateral

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

May be

several times

per shift

Dependent on storage

location and support

worker technique.

Refer to safety data

sheet for chemicals

used.

Assist with bench

height tasks only

Clean cupboard

surfaces, benches, etc

Standing

Light forward reach at waist

level


Gross hand grip

Light push/pull

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

May be

several times

per shift

Clean floor surfaces

Walking

Crouching/stooping


flexion/extension

Trunk rotation

Gross hand grip

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

May be

several times

per shift

Dependent on type of

floor surface and

suitability of equipment


suitable duties

Laundry duties – 30 minutes per day

Collect dirty washing

and carry to laundry if

required

Walking

Light lifting from below waist

level


Constant

Frequent

Frequent

May not be

required

Sort washing and soak

in bucket or tub if

required

Gross hand grip

Light lifting

Crouching/stooping

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Minimal

required

Place washing in

washing machine

Gross hand grip

Forward reach

Squat/crouch/stoop into

machine

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Up to once

per shift


top or front loader

Remove wet washing

from washing machine

and place in dryer

Light pulling

Light lifting

Forward reach

Squat/crouch/stoop into

machine

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Up to once

per shift

Dependent on location

of dryer

Remove washing from

washing machine and

hang on clothes line

Light pulling


Overhead reach

Bend/stoop/crouch

Pinch grip

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Only if not

using dryer

Dependent on

availability of trolley

and presence of stairs

Fold dry washing and

store away

Sit/stand/walk



Frequent

Frequent

Minimal

required


for suitable duties

Community Activities – up to 4 hours per day

Driving As described above As described

above

As above As described above Able to restrict

distance and add

mirrors if required

Participant transfers As described above

As described

above

As above As described above Operation of hoist

only

Pushing participant

wheelchair – 60 – 120

minutes per day

Walking


Medium push up/down slope

Constant

Constant

Occasional

Breaks

generally

included


indoors or outdoors

Indoors on flat

smooth surface

Shopping – 60 – 120

minutes per day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach

Reaching between ankle to

above head level



Stooping

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Breaks

generally

included

Participants may

undertake some tasks

such as pushing trolley

or carrying purchases.

Considerations for



accessibility or safety

be compromised

Light items only

Sporting/exercise

activities – 60 – 120

minutes per day

Sitting

Standing(may be in water)

Walking(may be in water)

Running

Shoulder rotation

Unilateral or bilateral grip

Climbing in and out of pool

Constant

Frequent

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Rare

Depending on

activity may

be varied or

constant with

only one client

or several

depending on

restrictions etc

Dependent on particular

activity undertaken and

level of support or

instruction required by

participants and

whether instructor

provided. A high level of

fitness and

Able to match

activity to work

restrictions or

provide supervision

only

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cardiovascular

endurance may be

required depending on

sport played. Must

complete risk

assessment prior to

visiting or entering a

new venue.

Considerations for




be compromised

Recreational activities

such as cinema, club,

dining out – up to 120

minutes per day

approximately

Sitting

Walking

Climbing stairs

Carrying tray

Bilateral fine finger actions

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

May be with a

group or one

on one

depending on

participant

needs

Dependent on particular

activity undertaken and

level of involvement.

Must complete risk

assessment prior to

visiting or entering a

new venue.

Considerations for




be compromised

Able to match

activity to work

restrictions or

provide supervision

only

Travel training/Geo

coaching – 60 – 120

minutes per day

Sitting

Walking

Pushing of wheelchair

Stair climbing

Fine motor and reading skills

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Rare

Occasional

Generally one

on one with

breaks

May involve participants

using a GPS to find

locations

May involve use of

public transport

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for suitable duties

Centre-based activities – up to 4 hours per day

Crafts – 60 – 120

minutes per day

Sitting

Standing/walking

Stooping


Fine finger activities

Reaching from shoulder to

knee level

Light lifting up to 5kgs

Rare

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Generally

with a small

group of up to

6 depending

on participant

needs and

repeated

throughout

activity

Dependent on degree of

instruction/assistance

required

Generally light and

able to get

assistance with any

task outside

restrictions

Computer or

literacy/numeracy

training – 60 – 120

minutes per day

Sitting

Standing/walking

Stooping



Rare

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Living skills e.g. food

preparation –

approximately 60

minutes per day

Sitting

Standing/walking

Stooping



Reaching from shoulder to

knee level

Light lifting up to 2kgs

Rare

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

One on one

or small

group once a

shift

Dependent on degree of

instruction/assistance

required

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JOB ANALYSIS

OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – IN HOME SUPPORT

HOURS OF WORK:

Support Workers may be employed on a part-time basis. Accordingly hours can vary from 5 to 30 per week.

TASK DESCRIPTION

The Support Worker drives to a client’s home and then performs the duties that are required by that particular client. The Support Worker may work on

his/her own in a client’s home or with another Support Worker, depending on the client’s mobility.

May perform any of the following duties:

Personal care: including showering/sponging and dressing

Toileting, including rearranging clothing

Shopping

Assisting with mobility and transfers

Washing clothes, Ironing

Preparing meals, cleaning dishes

General tidying, making beds

Cleaning: including mopping, dusting, and vacuuming

Feeding pets

Escort clients to appointments etc.

Driving

May be required to provide first aid treatment.

HUMAN FACTORS


Controls and displays: Vehicles, client’s equipment.

Force exertion/lift: Frequent carrying of equipment. Occasional push/pull of lifters, wheel chairs, shower chairs with

clients in situ, lifting equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.

Postural requirements: Frequent standing and walking, bending, kneeling, crouching.



Frequency of client handling Frequent client transfers.


Tools: Trolleys, lifting machines, slide sheets, cleaning equipment.



Environmental considerations

The environment, the number of repetitions, and the degree of difficulty of the tasks will vary with each client depending on residential

circumstances and nature of assistance required.






Build rapport

Problem solving





Decision making



Program design and implementation

Training skills






Due to the client/consumer’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on a frequent basis. These behaviours may range

from swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be from the client/consumer or from their friends/relatives and be directed

at the support worker directly. These behaviours range from unintentional to intentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be

working alone when such behaviours are demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when

an unexpected new behaviour may be triggered.

Task Analysis categorised by individual task – in-home support


suitable duties

Driving to/from client’s home – distance vary to up to 30 minutes per trip

Driving car

Sitting




flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation

Fine hand manipulation to

operate controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

May visit 4-5 clients

per day

Usually own car.

Dependent on

vehicle type and

driver skills. Must

have a suitable


vehicle driven, e.g.

car v’s bus licence.

Must complete

vehicle inspection

prior to departure.

May be able to limit

driving distances or

provide suitable seat

support etc.

Transferring clients using hoist – 30-60 minutes per day

Standing/walking Constant Frequent May be a one or two

person task.


may provide

assistance and/or

supervision only

within those

restrictions.


body forward away

from wheelchair to

place sling


flexion to 90°

Slight hip flexion at hip joint

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Place sling


level

Slight hip flexion at hip joint

Occasional

Occasional

Place sling


to raise person


rotation

Occasional


shoulder height


stabilise client

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Force dependent on


and space

May be a one or two

person task.


may provide

assistance and/or

supervision only

within those

restrictions.

Operate controls to

lower person


rotation


position client

Occasional

Occasional

Dependent on

support worker skill

and environment

May or may not

remove sling

As above As above If sling does not

cause pressure

points may be left in

place


suitable duties

Showering client using commode chair – 60-120 minutes per day

Client transferred

into chair using

above technique

See above See above Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Supervision with

verbal prompting of

mobile clients

Push commode chair

into shower cubicle

Medium pushing at waist height Occasional Force dependent

on floor surface and

space

Shower client using

hand held shower

hose




Crouching/stooping/squatting to

reach lower part of body, the

feet and under the commode

chair.

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Client may assist

with upper body

Technique

dependent on

space and support

worker skill

Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip and


and hip level


lower part of body


Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Client may assist

with upper body

Technique

dependent on

space and support

worker skill

Pull/push commode


area where dressing

will occur

Medium push/pull at waist level Occasional Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Force dependent

on floor surface and

space


suitable duties

Sponge Bath – 30 – 60 minutes per day (rare)

Retrieve equipment

for sponge bath

Walking

Crouching/stooping or reaching

to retrieve equipment


unilateral of between 2-10kgs

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Up to 4 clients per

shift. Activity

completed morning

and evening.

Frequency and

physical demands

are dependent

upon client ability

Laying towel

underneath client

followed by sponge



from chest level


whole body of client

Medium lifting of client’s limbs

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip and


and hip level

Medium push or pull of trunk or


Occasional

Occasional


suitable duties

Dressing – 60 – 120 minutes per day

Transfer client to bed

if not able to weight-

bear using above

technique


day dependent on

client load

See above Assist seated client

with upper body only


mobile client

Place garments on

client’s body


from chest level or floor level

Crouching or stooping to

reach lower limbs especially



depending whether seated or

lying


limbs


buttons etc

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Client may be able

to assist with rolling

on bed or moving

trunk forward

Client may be able

to assist with lifting

of limbs or hips

If client suffers

contractures or

resists process

more force may be

required

Place on socks and

shoes


Squatting/kneeling

Occasional

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Assist seated client

with upper body only


mobile client

Transfer client to

wheelchair if

required using above

technique

If client lying on bed medium

push/pull to roll client to

place sling


day dependent on

client load

Clients weight may

vary



suitable duties

Teeth Cleaning – 5 – 10 minutes per day

Obtain items including

cup, toothbrush and

tooth paste. Place

toothpaste on

toothbrush and fill cup

with water.

Walking

Crouch/stoop, or reaching overhead for required items.

Pincer grip

Gross grip of cup



Up to 4 clients per

shift. Activity

completed morning

and evening.

Frequency and

physical demands

are dependent upon

client ability

Supervision and

prompting required


hand manipulation


strength and flexibility

Place toothbrush on

teeth of client’s mouth.

Starting with front,

sides, on top of,

underneath, and

behind teeth.


Pincer grip




Rinse client’s mouth

using water in cup.


Gross grip of cup



Hair Brushing – 2 – 3 minutes per day

Obtain hairbrush and

related items, e.g.

spray, headband

Crouching/stooping, or reaching overhead for required items.

Gross grip of brush

Occasional Frequent

Up to 4 clients per

shift. Activity

completed morning

and evening.

Frequency and

physical demands

are dependent upon

client ability

Supervision and prompting required only for clients with in hand manipulation skills and necessary strength and flexibility

Use brush to brush and

tidy clients hair

Standing


Forearm rotation


Unilateral forward flexion of arm at shoulder joint.


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suitable duties

Feeding/medicating – 15-30 minutes per day

Push client to dining

table

Medium push at waist level Occasional Minimal if any

requirements



Feed client Sitting



Unilateral forward reach to

90° shoulder flexion

Constant

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

May involve static

posture if client slow

to respond or if doing

tube feed

Provide medication to

client

Sitting

Pincer grip


mouth level

Gross grip of glass

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Toileting – 30-60 minutes per day


bearing client to

commode chair using

above technique


day dependent on

client load

May be required

several times per shift

dependent on length

of shift

Supervise/prompt

mobile client

Push commode chair

over toilet

Medium push at waist level Frequent Generally flat hard

surface

Clean client/adjust

clothing



space

Occasional

Occasional

Dependent on

support worker

skill/exper


suitable duties

Administration – approximately 30 minutes



Constant

Constant

Generally

intermittent before

or after each client

Cleaning of kitchen and/or bathroom – 60 – 120 minutes per day

Obtain cleaning

products

Walking



unilateral

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Dependent on

storage location and

support worker

technique

Assist with bench

height tasks only

Clean cupboard

surfaces, benches,

etc

Standing

Light forward reach at waist

level


Gross hand grip

Light push/pull

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Clean floor surfaces Walking

Crouching/stooping


flexion/extension

Trunk rotation

Gross hand grip

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load


suitable duties

Laundry duties – 60-90 minutes

Collect dirty

washing and carry

to laundry if

required

Walking

Light lifting from below waist

level


Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Sort washing and

soak in bucket or

tub if required

Gross hand grip

Light lifting

Crouching/stooping

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Place washing in

washing machine

Gross hand grip

Forward reach


Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Dependent on

whether top or front

loader

Remove wet

washing from

washing machine

and place in dryer

Light pulling

Light lifting

Forward reach


Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Dependent on

location of dryer

Remove washing

from washing

machine and hang

on clothes line

Light pulling


Overhead reach

Bend/stoop/crouch

Pinch grip

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load

Dependent on


and presence of

stairs

Fold dry washing

and store away

Sit/stand/walk



Frequent

Frequent

Several times per

day dependent on

client load


suitable duties

Shopping and client escorts

Driving – 30-60

minutes per day

Sitting




flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation

Fine hand manipulation to operate

controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Depending on hours

worked and client

load may be 2-3 per

day


type and driver skills

Able to restrict

distance and add

mirrors if required

Client transfers

– 15-30 minutes

per day



Fine manipulation if operating

wheelchair hoist controls

Forward reach

Stooping and twisting to attach

seatbelts or wheelchair straps

Rare

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Generally one stop

per client



vehicle with

wheelchair hoist

should be used to

avoid physical support

of client body weight

Operation of hoist

only

Client transfers

with mobile

client requiring

physical

assistance.








frequented whilst

placing seatbelt and

wheelchair straps

around client, extreme

caution

recommended.

Pushing client

wheelchair –

60-120 minutes

per day

Walking


Heavy push on slopes

Constant

Constant

Occasional

Breaks usually

included


indoors or outdoors

Indoors on flat smooth

surface

Waiting – up to

120 minutes on

some days

Sitting Constant May not occur each

shift

Generally not

ergonomic

Able to change

position

Shopping – 60-

120 minutes per

day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach

Reaching between ankle to above

head level



Stooping

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

May not occur each

shift. Breaks

possible if with client

Light items only

JOB ANALYSIS

OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – RESPITE

HOURS OF WORK:

Support Workers may be employed on a part-time basis. Accordingly hours can vary from 5 to 30 per week.

TASK DESCRIPTION

There are 3 main types of respite services:

1. Accommodation respite where client is accommodated in an alternate home usually with other clients for a period of 1 night to a couple of weeks

2. Day program respite where client attends a centre to undertake a range of recreational or community activities

3. One on one respite usually undertaken in client’s home but may involve the undertaking of recreational or community based activities.

Time varies from 2 to 48 hours depending on the needs of the client and carer.

The Support Worker may therefore drive to a client’s home or may undertake activities within a designated respite home or a community based facility.

Travel is often required when undertaking activities. The Support Worker may work on his/her own in a client’s home or with one or more other Support

Workers in other settings, depending on the type of service provided.

May perform any of the following duties:

Personal care: including showering and dressing

Toileting, including rearranging clothing

Assisting with mobility and transfers

Preparing meals, cleaning dishes, general tidying, making beds

Cleaning: including mopping, dusting, and vacuuming especially in group respite home settings

Recreational activities

May be required to provide first aid treatment.

HUMAN FACTORS



Force exertion/lift: Frequent carrying of equipment. Occasional push/pull of lifters, wheel chairs, shower chairs with

clients

in situ, lifting equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.

Postural requirements: Frequent standing and walking, bending, kneeling, crouching.



Frequency of client handling Frequent client transfers.


Tools: Trolleys, lifting machines, slide sheets, cleaning equipment, craft and computer equipment.



Environmental considerations

The environment, the number of repetitions, and the degree of difficulty of the tasks will vary with each client depending on type of disability, residential

circumstances and nature of assistance provided.

Frequent hand washing and glove wearing is required. Resultantly, dry, irritated and cracked skin on the back of the hands may occur.






Build rapport

Problem solving





Decision making








Due to the client’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on a frequent basis. These behaviours may range from

swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another client depending on the setting or at the support worker

directly. These behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such behaviours

are demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when an unexpected new behaviour may be

triggered.

Task Analysis categorised by individual task - Respite


suitable duties

Transferring clients using hoist – 30-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Standing/walking Constant Frequent May be a one or two

person task.


may provide assistance

and/or supervision only

within those restrictions.


body forward away

from back of

wheelchair

Medium pulling with

shoulder flexion to 90°

Occasional Several times

per day

Place sling

Lift individual legs Medium lifting at below

waist level

Stooping

Occasional

Occasional

Several times

per day

Place sling


to raise person


rotation

Occasional Several times

per day


shoulder height

Light reaching at waist

level to stabilise client

Occasional

Occasional

Several times

per day

Force dependent on


and space

Operate controls to

lower person


rotation

Light reaching and

stooping to position client

Occasional

Occasional

Several times

per day

Dependent on

support worker skill

and environment

May or may not

remove sling

As above As above Several times

per day

If sling does not

cause pressure points

may be left in place


suitable duties

Showering client using commode chair – 15-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Client transferred into

chair using above

technique


per morning or

night depending

on type of

service and

staffing

Supervision with verbal

prompting of mobile

clients

Push commode chair

into shower cubicle

and from shower to

area where dressing

will occur.

Medium pushing at waist

height


floor surface and

space

Shower client using

hand held shower rose


forward reach at waist

level

Trunk twisting if limited

space


reach lower part of body


and under commode chair

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Client may assist with

upper body

Technique dependent


worker skill

Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip

and forward reach

between chest and hip

level

Crouching/stooping to

reach lower part of body


Occasional

Occasional

Rare

Client may assist with

upper body

Technique dependent


worker skill


suitable duties

Dressing – 15 – 60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Transfer client to bed

if not able to weight-

bear using above

technique


per morning or

night depending

on type of

service and

staffing

See above Assist seated client with

upper body only


mobile client

Place garments on

client’s body


reach from chest level or

floor level


reach lower limbs especially

Medium push/pull of trunk

or whole body of client

depending whether seated

or lying


limbs


buttons etc

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Client may be able to

assist with rolling on

bed or moving trunk

forward


assist with lifting of

limbs or hips

If client suffers


process more force

may be required

Place on socks and

shoes


Squatting/kneeling

Occasional

Frequent

Transfer client to

wheelchair if required

using above technique

If client lying on bed


client to place sling

Occasional Clients weight may

vary



suitable duties

Sponge Bath – 30 – 60 minutes per day (rare- variable depending on type of respite)

Retrieve equipment for

sponge bath

Walking

Crouching/stooping or reaching to retrieve equipment

Light lifting/carrying often unilateral of between 2-10kgs

Frequent Occasional Frequent

Up to 4 clients

per shift. Activity

completed

morning and

evening.

Frequency and

physical demands are

dependent upon client

ability

Laying towel

underneath client

followed by sponge


Gross grip and forward reach from chest level

Medium push/pull of trunk or whole body of client

Medium lifting of client limbs

Constant Frequent Frequent

Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip and forward reach between chest and hip level

Medium push/pull of trunk or whole body of client

Occasional Occasional

Hair Brushing – 2 – 3 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Obtain hairbrush and

related items, e.g.

spray, headband

Crouching/stooping, or reaching overhead for required items.

Gross grip of brush

Occasional Frequent

Up to 4 clients

per shift. Activity

completed

morning and

evening.

Frequency and



ability

Supervision and prompting required only for clients with in hand manipulation skills and necessary strength and flexibility

Use brush to brush

and tidy clients hair

Standing


Forearm rotation


Unilateral forward flexion of arm at shoulder joint



suitable duties

Teeth Cleaning – 5 – 10 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Obtain items including

cup, toothbrush and

tooth paste. Place

toothpaste on toothbrush

and fill cup with water.

Walking

Crouch/stoop, or reaching overhead for required items.

Pincer grip

Gross grip of cup



Up to 4 clients

per shift.

Activity

completed

morning and

evening.

Frequency and



ability

Supervision and

prompting required only

for clients with in hand

manipulation skills and

necessary strength and

flexibility

Place toothbrush on

teeth of client’s mouth.

Starting with front, sides,

on top of, underneath,

and behind teeth.


Pincer grip




Rinse client’s mouth

using water in cup.


Gross grip of cup



Toileting – 30 – 60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)


bearing client to

commode chair using

above technique

See above See above May be several

times per day

depending on

type of service

May be required several

times per shift

dependent on length of

shift

Supervise/prompt

mobile client

Push commode chair

over toilet

Medium push at waist level Frequent Generally flat hard

surface

Clean client/adjust

clothing



space

Occasional

Occasional

Dependent on

support worker

skill/experience


suitable duties

Feeding/medicating – 15-30 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Push client to

dining table

Medium push at waist level Generally only

one or two per

shift maximum



Feed client Sitting



Unilateral forward reach to 90°

shoulder flexion

Constant

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

May involve static

posture if client slow

to respond or if doing

tube feed

Provide medication

to client

Sitting

Pincer grip


mouth level

Gross grip of glass

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Meal Preparation – 30 – 90 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Obtain ingredients

Walking


Reach overhead


unilateral of between 2 and 10kgs

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Once per shift Dependent on


support worker

technique


tasks only

Prepare

ingredients

Standing/walking

Bilateral pincer griping

Forearm rotation


Forward reach

Trunk rotation

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional


number of clients and

availability of

assistance

Undertake lighter meals

Cooking

Standing/walking

Lifting between 5 - 10kgs

Stooping/crouching

Forward reach

Palmar grips

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Once per shift Dependent on dish

being prepared


Dishing up

Standing

Forward reach

Bench height lifting

Cylindrical and hook grips and

forearm rotation

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Once per shift Dependent upon

number of clients



suitable duties

Cleaning of kitchen and/or bathroom – 30-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Obtain cleaning

products

Walking



unilateral

Constant

Occasional

Occasional



support worker

technique.

Refer to safety data

sheet for regular

chemicals used


tasks only

Clean cupboard

surfaces, benches,

etc

Standing

Light forward reach at waist level


Gross hand grip

Light push/pull

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Once per shift

Clean floor

surfaces

Walking

Crouching/stooping


flexion/extension

Trunk rotation

Gross hand grip

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Once per shift Dependent on type of

floor surface and

suitability of

equipment


suitable duties

Laundry duties – 30 – 60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)

Collect dirty

washing and carry

to laundry if

required

Walking

Light lifting from below waist level


Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Daily depending

on type of

service

Sort washing and

soak in bucket or

tub if required

Gross hand grip

Light lifting

Crouching/stooping

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Daily depending

on type of

service

Place washing in

washing machine

Gross hand grip

Forward reach


Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Daily depending

on type of

service

Dependent on

whether top or front

loader

Remove wet

washing from

washing machine

and place in dryer

Light pulling

Light lifting

Forward reach


Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Daily depending

on type of

service

Dependent on

location of dryer

Remove washing

from washing

machine and hang

on clothes line.

Pick dry clothes off

clothes line and

place in basket.

Light pulling

Medium carrying or pushing at

waist level

Bilateral overhead reach

Bend/stoop/crouch

Pinch grip

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Daily depending

on type of

service

Dependent on


and presence of stairs

Fold dry washing

and store away

Sit/stand/walk



Frequent

Frequent

Daily depending

on type of

service


for suitable

duties

Community access – generally daily and Recreational activities – often only on weekends (variable depending on type of respite)

Driving – 30-90

minutes per day

Sitting




flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation


operate controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

May involve

short trips

to collect

clients as

well as

longer trip

to/from

activity

Dependent on vehicle type and

driver skills. Must have a suitable

licence for specific vehicle driven,

e.g. car v’s bus licence.

Must complete vehicle inspection

prior to departure.

Able to restrict

distance and

add mirrors if

required

Client transfers –

approximately 30

minutes per day


Pushing of wheelchair at waist

level

Fine manipulation if operating

wheelchair hoist controls

Forward reach

Stooping and twisting to attach

seatbelts or wheelchair straps

Rare

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Depends on

respite

service type

but may

involve

several per

shift



wheelchair hoist should be used to

avoid physical support of client body

weight

Operation of

hoist only

Pushing client

wheelchair – up

to 60 minutes per

day

Walking


Constant

Constant

Breaks

usually

possible

Dependent on whether indoors or

outdoors

Indoors on flat

smooth surface

Client transfers

with mobile client

requiring physical

assistance.






Rare Occasional Frequent Frequent Frequent

Awkward postures are frequented

whilst placing seatbelt and

wheelchair straps around client,

extreme caution recommended.

Shopping – 60-

120 minutes per

day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach


above head level



Stooping

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

With

individual or

group with

breaks

Must complete risk assessment prior

to visiting or entering a new venue.

Considerations for alternative routes

should accessibility or safety be

compromised

Light items only

Participate in

activities – up to

120 minutes per

day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach


above head level


Sitting on ground

Stooping


Constant

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Depends on

involvement

in activity

Activities may range from attending

cinema or concert, eating out,

swimming, bowling, putt putt,

dancing, picnic, BBQ, using park

play equipment, attending a venue

such as zoo, aquarium etc. Must

complete risk assessment prior to

visiting or entering a new venue.

Considerations for alternative

activities should accessibility or

safety be compromised

Light activities at

level suitable

only


suitable duties

Administration 30-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)



Constant

Constant

May be at

beginning or

end of shift or

intermittent if in-

home respite



JOB ANALYSIS

OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – EMPLOYMENT SERVICES/TRANSITION TO WORK

HOURS OF WORK:

Support Workers generally work day shifts but may be required to work at night or on weekends to visit clients working these hours.

Hours are generally full-time though some part-time work is possible.

TASK DESCRIPTION

1. Locate suitable employment for clients by liaising with local businesses.

2. Train client in tasks involved in job.

3. Monitor client’s performance at work.

4. Provide skills to clients in job-seeking and job retention.

5. Provide personal care assistance if required by client. This may include the following tasks, to be undertaken in accordance with the policies and




Transferring between wheelchair, motor vehicle, etc.

6. Complete documentation as required by the service.

7. Provide on-going support post job placement


HUMAN FACTORS



Force exertion/lift: Occasional carrying of equipment. Occasional push/pull of lifters, wheel chairs, lifting

equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.

Postural requirements: Frequent sitting, standing and walking

Overall physical demand level: Light to Medium

Work/rest patterns: Generally works 5 days per week.

Frequency of client handling Rare to occasional client transfers.

Handling and fingering requirements: Frequent keying and writing.

Tools: Motor vehicles, computer

Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, safety vests, masks, gloves and aprons as required by client’s job,

sterile hand wipes.


Generally based in a classroom, training facility or an office often located in a shop front but may undertake training at a range of locations depending

on client’s jobs.






Build rapport

Marketing

Problem solving and negotiating skills





Decision making








Due to the client’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on an occasional basis. These behaviours may range from

swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another client or at the support worker directly. These

behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such behaviours are


triggered.

Task Analysis categorised by individual task – Employment Services/Transition to Work


suitable duties

Administration – may be up to full day

Office duties including

phone, computer, file

maintenance

Sitting


Gross grip

Standing/walking

Reach

Constant

Constant

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

Up to full day or

intermittent

between

appointments

Suitable ergonomic

equipment generally

available



or mainly supervision

required

Skills training to clients – may be up to full day

Group/classroom type

activities usually in

office

Sitting

Fine finger manipulation

Standing/walking

Reach

Stooping/squatting

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

3-6 hours

depending on

activity

Dependent on

whether computer

based on discussion

Suitable seating

generally available

Workplace visits – may be up to full day

Driving – 30-120

minutes per day

Sitting




flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation


operate controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

May involve one

or multiple visits

in a day

Dependent on

vehicle type and

driver skills. Must

have a suitable


vehicle driven, e.g.

car v’s bus licence.

Must complete

vehicle inspection

prior to departure.

Able to restrict

distance and add

mirrors if required

Meeting with

employers

Sitting

Standing/walking

Constant

Frequent

May involve one

or multiple visits

in a day

Train client in task –

may require up to a full

day with one client

Standing/Walking

Light to medium manual

handling

Reaching

Squatting

Gross/fine hand grips

unilateral or bilateral

Sitting

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Dependent on

task

Dependent on work

tasks

Restrict to light tasks

only

Monitor client

performance

Sitting

Standing/walking

Writing

Bilateral/unilateral grip

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Generally several

clients per day

Dependent on work

tasks


suitable duties

Transferring clients using hoist – rare

Standing/walking Constant Short distances If restrictions in place

may provide

assistance and/or


those restrictions.


body forward away

from back of

wheelchair


flexion to 90°

Occasional Up to 2 per day Place sling


level

Stooping

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per day Place sling

Operate hoist

controls to raise

person

Gross grip with forearm rotation Occasional Up to 2 per day

Push/pull hoist Medium pushing/pulling at Occasional Up to 2 per day Force dependent on

shoulder height


stabilise client

Occasional


and space

Operate controls to

lower person

Gross grip with forearm rotation


position client

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per day Dependent on support

worker skill and

environment

May or may not

remove sling

As above As above Up to 2 per day If sling does not




suitable duties

Dressing rare

Place garments on

client’s body




especially to reach lower limbs


whole body of client depending

whether seated or lying



buttons etc

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per day Client may be able to

assist with moving

trunk forward



limbs or hips

If client suffers


process more force

may be required

Generally able to

obtain assistance

Place on socks

and shoes


Squatting/kneeling

Occasional

Frequent

Up to 2 per day


suitable duties

Toileting – rare


bearing client to

commode chair using

above technique

See above See above Up to 2 per

day

Generally able to

obtain assistance

Push commode chair

over toilet

Medium push at waist level Frequent Up to 2 per

day

Generally flat hard surface

Clean client/adjust

clothing


Forward reach


space

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per

day


worker skill/experience

Recreational activities – occasional on weekends or evening/night time

Driving – 30-90

minutes per day

Sitting




flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation


operate controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

One return

trip


type and driver skills

Able to restrict

distance and add

mirrors if required

Client transfers – rare

Potential lifting of

wheelchair

Pushing of wheelchair at

waist level

Fine manipulation if

operating wheelchair hoist

Rare

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per

day






weight

Operation of hoist only

controls

Forward reach

Stooping and twisting to

attach seatbelts or

wheelchair straps

Occasional

Occasional


mobile client requiring

physical assistance.












weight.





extreme caution

recommended.

Pushing client

wheelchair rare

Walking


Constant

Constant

Up to 2 per

day


indoors or outdoors

Indoors on flat smooth

surface

Participate in activities

– up to 120 minutes

per day

Walking

Gross hand grip

Forward reach


above head level

Bilateral light lifting up to

10kgs

Sitting on ground

Stooping


Constant

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per

day

Activities may range from

attending cinema or

concert, eating out,

swimming, bowling, putt

putt, dancing, picnic, BBQ,

using park play

equipment, attending a

venue such as zoo,

aquarium etc.

Light activities at level

suitable only

JOB ANALYSIS

OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – DISABILITY ENTERPRISES

HOURS OF WORK:

Support Workers generally work day shifts but may attend some after hours functions on occasions.

Hours are generally full-time though some part-time work is possible.

TASK DESCRIPTION

1. Assess client’s suitability for tasks.

2. Train client in tasks involved in job and in safety practices.

3. Assist client on the job completing work related tasks

4. Monitor client’s performance at work.

5. Provide skills to clients in personal development areas e.g. handling money.

6. Provide personal care assistance if required by client. This may include the following tasks, to be undertaken in accordance with the policies and




Transferring between wheelchair, motor vehicle, etc.

7. Complete documentation as required by the service.


HUMAN FACTORS


Controls and displays: Work equipment, client’s equipment.

Force exertion/lift: Occasional carrying of equipment and material. Occasional push/pull of lifters, wheel

chairs, lifting equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.

Postural requirements: Occasional sitting, frequent standing and walking

Overall physical demand level: Light to Medium

Work/rest patterns: Generally works 5 days per week.

Frequency of client handling Rare to occasional client transfers.

Handling and fingering requirements: Frequent keying and writing, frequently handling of work products/equipment.

Tools: Task specific work tools, computer

Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, safety vests, masks, gloves and aprons as required by tasks

undertaken, sterile hand wipes.


Generally based in a factory or warehouse environment but may also work externally on landscaping, letterbox drops or recycling runs. There may be

some manual handling manoeuvres required in restricted space; which can be made more difficult by clutter e.g. if the factory has extra stock which

needs to be distributed, difficulty with client mobility and transfers may occur.






Build rapport

Problem solving and negotiating skills




- Can negotiate with client and employer suitable duties for the client


Supervisory

- Observing and monitoring clients

Task analysing

- Able to break the job down into smaller tasks in order to properly train the client in the individual steps of the task

Training skills

- Able to develop steps and effectively teach the client a new skill

- Understands different learning techniques and uses these techniques to communicate steps in task

Decision making








Due to the client’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on an occasional basis. These behaviours may range from

swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another client or at the support worker directly. These

behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such behaviours are


triggered.

Task Analysis categorised by individual task – Disability Enterprises


for suitable duties

Administration – generally one or two hours at a time

Office duties

including phone,

computer, file

maintenance

Sitting


Gross grip

Standing/walking

Reach

Constant

Constant

Constant

Occasional

Occasional

One or two hours or

intermittent between

appointments

Suitable

ergonomic

equipment

generally

available

Skills training to clients – ranges from one to 4 hours depending on tasks and aim of training

Group/classroom

type activities

usually in training

room

Sitting


Standing/walking

Reach

Stooping/squatting

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

1-4 hours depending on

activity and may be

repeated over the day

Dependent on

whether

computer based

or discussion

Suitable seating

generally available

Work specific training/supervision– may be up to full day

Driving – 30-60

minutes per day

Sitting




flexion/extension

Trunk twisting

Neck rotation


operate controls

Constant

Constant

Constant

Frequent

Occasional

Frequent

Occasional

Only required if work is

undertaken outdoors and

generally between

worksite and base

Dependent on

vehicle type and

driver skills

Able to restrict

distance and add

mirrors if required

Meeting with customers to do marketing/quotes

Sitting

Standing/walking

Constant

Frequent

May involve one or more visits in a day but not undertaken every day

Train client(s) in

task – may involve

verbal prompting or

demonstration

Standing/Walking

Light to medium manual

handling

Reaching

Squatting

Gross/fine hand grips

unilateral or bilateral

Sitting

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Daily and often repeated

with several clients

depending on tasks

Dependent on

work tasks

Restrict to light

tasks only

Monitor client

performance

Sitting

Standing/walking

Writing

Bilateral/unilateral grip

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Generally several clients

per day

Dependent on

work tasks


suitable duties

Transferring clients using hoist – rare to occasional

Standing/walking Constant Short distances If restrictions in place

may provide

assistance and/or


those restrictions.


body forward away

from back of

wheelchair


flexion to 90°

Occasional Up to 2 per day Place sling


level

Stooping

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per day Place sling

Operate hoist

controls to raise

person


rotation

Occasional Up to 2 per day


shoulder height


stabilise client

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per day Force dependent on


and space

Operate controls to

lower person


rotation


position client

Occasional

Occasional


worker skill and

environment

May or may not

remove sling

As above As above Up to 2 per day If sling does not




suitable duties

Dressing – rare to occasional

Place garments on

client’s body



Crouching or stooping especially

to reach lower limbs


whole body of client depending

whether seated or lying



buttons etc

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Up to 2 per day Client may be able to

assist with moving

trunk forward



limbs or hips

If client suffers


process more force

may be required

Generally able to

obtain assistance

Place on socks and

shoes


Squatting/kneeling

Occasional

Frequent

Up to 2 per day

Toileting – rare

Transfer non-

weight-bearing client

to commode chair

using above

technique

See above See above Up to 2 per day Generally able to

obtain assistance

Push commode

chair over toilet

Medium push at waist level Frequent Up to 2 per day Generally flat hard

surface

Clean client/adjust

clothing


Forward reach

Twisting if restricted space

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional


worker

skill/experience



suitable duties

Job Specific tasks

Loading and unloading

pallets

Crouching

Bending at hip joint

Lifting boxes up to 20kg

Reaching

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Dependant on

frequency of

job rotations,

staffing and

level of

assistance

required.

Frequency is

amount based

on task

allocation. If

task not

allocated,

frequency

becomes rare.

Mostly supervision of

the task.

A support worker will

step in when

necessary.

Mostly just set up

and clean up after

task competition.


may provide

assistance and/or

supervision only

within those

restrictions.

Product Labelling

Seated or standing


Gross hand grip

Reaching

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Weighing of product

Seated or standing

Forward head flexion


Gross hand grip

Reaching

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Heat sealer

Seated


Gross hand grip

Right or left foot plantar

flexion (slight leg extension)

Reaching

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Dependant on

frequency of

job rotations,

staffing and

level of

assistance

required.

Mostly supervision of

the task.

A support worker will

step in when

necessary.

Mostly just set up

and clean up after

task competition.


may provide

assistance and/or

supervision only

within those

restrictions.

Tape gun usage

Seated or standing

Gross hand grip

Grasp and squeezing tape

gun

Slight bending

Lifting up to 20kg

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Placing lids on products

Seated or standing

Gross hand grip


Grasping and squeezing lid

and jar

Reaching

Constant

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Setting up task

Walking

Standing

Gross hand grip


Lifting up to 20kg

Bending at waist level

Reaching

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Completed at

the beginning

of every shift,

prior to support

worker

commencing

work


may provide

assistance and/or

supervision only

within those

restrictions.

Cleaning of work area Walking

Standing

Gross hand grip


Lifting up to 20 kg

Bending at waist level

Reaching

Occasional

Frequent

Frequent

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Occasional

Completed at

the end of

every shift. Will

depend upon

type of product

and amount of

staff assisting.

TABLE 1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS – STRENGTH RATING AND FREQUENCY OF WORK

Frequenc

y of work Physical demand strength rating

Sedentary Light Medium Heavy Very

heavy

Occasion

al

Up to 5kgs Up to 9kgs 9-23kgs 23-45kgs >45kgs

Frequent Negligible Up to 5kgs 5-11kgs 11-23kgs >23kgs

Constant 0 Negligible Up to 5kgs 5-9kgs >9kgs

Sitting most of

the

time; may

involve

walking or

standing

for brief periods.

(1)

Standing/walking to a significant degree; or

(2)

Lifting most of the time but entails pushing and/or

pulling of arm or leg controls and/or

(3)

job requires working at a production rate pace

entailing constant pushing and/or pulling of

materials, even though the weight is negligible.

Standing/walking to a significant degree

for all

categories. Medium to Very heavy

The strength factor rating refers to the force exerted to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

FREQUENCY OF WORK

Occasionally: Activity or condition exists to 1/3 of the time (0-33%)

Frequently: Activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time (34-66%)

Constantly: Activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time (67-100%)

For convenience, the percentages, noted in brackets (), have been widely used in describing frequency of work.

TABLE 2: PERSON TRANSFERS – FORCES

ACTIVITY PERSON WEIGHT

60 KG 80 KG 100 KG 120 KG

SIT PATIENT FORWARD

Min. head control 17.8 28.9 35.3

SIT ON EDGE OF BED

HEAVY - 100% OF SIT

FORWARD

17.8 28.9 35.3

LIGHT – 60% OF SIT FORWARD 10.7 17.3 21.2

ROLL ONTO SIDE (no slide

sheet)

1- ROLL 8.7 16.5 27.9

2- PULL BOTTOM THROUGH 28.5 42.4 53.5

LIFT LEGS 8.5 15.2 16.3

SLIDE SHEETS

SLIDE UP BED 60 KG 80 KG 100 KG 120 KG

1 slide sheet (doubled)

Patient’s knees bent

9.9 14.8 20.1 N/A

1 slide sheet (doubled)

Patient’s legs straight

18.9 24 32.2 N/A

2 slide sheets

Patient’s legs straight

14 20.4 24.9 28

ROLLING

1 slide sheet doubled.

Knee bent, arm reach, head

turned

16.9 14.5 16.4 20.4

Reference: ‘Patient transfers – forces’, 2004. Paul Rothmore, Senior Physiotherapist / Ergonomist, Repatriation General Hospital, and Gillian Elix,

Ergonomist, Flinders Medical Centre.

TABLE 3: PUSH / PULL FORCES OF EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT EMPTY EMPTY

WITH

LOAD WITH LOAD

PUSH PULL PUSH PULL

Wheelchair

(standard):

empty; light client

4 kg 4 kg (52 kg Res)

6 kg

(52 kg Res)

5 kg

Wheelchair:

heavier client - -

(79kg Res)

7 kg

(79kg Res)

7 kg

Shower chair:

Flat carpeted surface


13 – 15 kg

(72 kg Res)

10 –12 kg

Shower chair:

linoleum/bathroom floor

empty; heavier client


9 - 10 kg

(72 kg Res)

10 –12 kg

Note: ‘shower chair with load’: the range refers to residents feet being off, and then on, the pull-out

footplate

Q foams: empty 5 kg 4 kg - -

Q foams: heavier

resident/client - -

(72 kg Res)

17 kg

(72 kg Res)

13 – 15 kg

Lifter - flat carpeted

surface 6 kg 6 kg

(72kg Res)

13 kg

(72kg Res)

14 kg

Beds 10 kg 16 kg (72 kg Res)

13 – 15 kg

(72 kg Res)

20 - 22 kg

Cleaning Trolley 4 kg 4 kg

Linen Trolley

(¾ full)

6 kg

(¾ full)

6 kg

Reference: Mary Hill, Safe Work Practice, Clinical Application, 2005. Forces were measured using a ‘Baseline’ hydraulic push/pull dynamometer.

Physical Demands Factors

CARRYING Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms or on

the shoulder.

CLIMBING Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, poles

and the like; using feet and legs, and/or hands and arms.

CROUCHING Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.

FEELING Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or

texture, by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.

HANDLING Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand

or hands. Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an

extension of the hand.

KNEELING Bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees.

LIFTING Raising or lowering an object from one level to another – includes

upward pulling.

PULLING Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the

force (includes jerking).

PUSHING Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the

force (includes slapping, striking, kicking, and treadle actions).

REACHING Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

SITTING Remaining in the normal seated position.

STANDING Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position at a workstation without

moving about.

STOOPING Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and

requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.

WALKING Moving about on foot.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Abduction: Movement of a body part away from the median plane (of the body, in the case of the limbs; of the hand or foot, in the case of digits).

Adduction: Movement of a body part toward the median plane (of the body, in the case of the limbs; of the hand or foot, in the case of digits).

ASCO: Australian Standard Classification of Occupations

Bending: To force into a different or particular, especially curved, shape, as by pressure.

Biceps: A muscle with two origins or heads. Commonly used to refer to the biceps brachii muscle.

Carpal tunnel: Channel on the palmar side of the wrist formed by the irregular small bones of the wrist and tough ligament stretched across it.

The flexor tendons of the fingers, the median nerve, and some blood vessels pass through the carpal tunnel.

Deltoid: Large muscle of the shoulder that abducts and otherwise moves the upper arm about the shoulder joint against external loads.

Distal: Situated away from the centre of the body, or from the point of origin; specifically applied to the extremity or distant part of a limb or organ.

Dorsiflexion: Turning upward of the foot or toes or of the hand or fingers.

Dynamic: The science of motion in response to forces.

Ergonomics: A branch of ecology concerned with human factors in the design and operations of machines and the physical environment.

Extension: The act of bringing the distal portion of a joint in continuity (though only parallel) with the long axis of the proximal portion.

Flexion: The act of flexing or bending, e.g. bending of a joint so as to approximate the parts it connects.

Force: That which tends to produce motion in a body.

Frontal plane: In front; relating to the anterior part of a body.

Goniometer: A calibrated device designed to measure the arc or range of motion of a joint.

Gross: Gripping: Grasping, seizing, holding with a large finger span.

Isometric: In physiology, denoting the condition when the ends of a contracting muscle are held fixed so that the contraction produces Increased

tension at a constant overall length.

Job: A set of tasks designed to be performed by one individual in return for a wage or salary.

Kyphosis: A deformity of the spine characterised by extensive flexion.

Lordosis: An abnormal extension deformity; anteroposterior curvature of the spine, generally lumbar with the convexity looking anteriorly.

Lumbar: Relating to the loins, or the part of the back and sides between the ribs and the pelvis.

Lumbosacral joint: Joint between fifth lumbar vertebra and sacrum.

Medial: Relating to the middle or centre; nearer to the median or midsagittal plane.

Median Nerve: A large important nerve that activates muscles that pronate the forearm and flex forearm, wrist and fingers. The sensory part of the

nerve provides feedback information from the thumb and the first two and one half fingers.

Occupation: A set of jobs with similar sets of tasks.

Plantar flexion: Bending about the ankle joint in the direction of the sole of the foot.

Prehensile: Adapted for taking hold of or grasping.

Pronation of the forearm: Rotation of the forearm in such a way that the palm of the hand faces backward when the arm is in the anatomical

position, or downward when the arm is extended at a right angle to the body.

Proximal: Nearest the trunk or the point of the origin, said of part of a limb.

Pulmonary: Pertaining to the lung.

Range of motion: The range of translation and rotation of a joint for each of its degrees of freedom.

Rotation: Turning or movement of a body round its axis.

Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column (spine).

Stiffness: Rigid or firm in substance; not flexible, pliant or easily bent.

Strain: To make an effort to the limit of ones strength; or, the change in shape that a body undergoes when acted upon by an external force.

Stress: The force or pressure applied or exerted between portion of a body or bodies, generally expressed in pounds per square inch.

Supination: Supination of the forearm: Rotation of the forearm in such a way that the palm of the hand faces forward when the arm is in the

anatomical position, or upward when the arm is extended at a right angle to the body.

Tendinitis: Also tendonitis, inflammation of tendon (including tendon sheath).

Tendon: A fibrous cord or band of variable length that connects a muscle with its bony attachments.

Tendon sheaths: A sheath of synovial membrane enveloping certain of the tendons.

Torsion: Twisting or rotation of a part upon its long axis.

Transverse: Crosswise; lying across the long axis of the body.

Triceps: Three-headed large extensor muscle of the upper arm. Originates from the back of the humerus and the shoulder blade and inserts into the

proximal tip of the ulna.

Work: That which is accomplished when a force acts against resistance to produce motion.

DIAGRAM 1. GRIP POSITIONS OF THE HANDS/FINGERS

Cylindrical

Ball/spherical

Hook

Palmar Pinch Key/lateral Pincer

DIAGRAM 2. POSITIONS OF THE HAND AND ARM

Neutral Radial deviation

Neutral

Ulnar deviation

Neutral Radial deviation

Abduction

Pronation Neutral Adduction

Supination

Ulnar deviation

Abduction

Adduction

Pronation

Flexion

Extension

Supination

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