In the world of moving and handling, few topics spark as much curiosity, and debate, as single-handed care (SHC). Often misunderstood, SHC is not about cutting corners or doing more with less. It’s about smarter, safer, and more person-centred care, achieved through thoughtful assessment, equipment, and skill.
What Single-Handed Care Is
At its core, SHC is optimised or proportionate care, the idea that each person’s care should match their actual needs, not habitual routines. It starts from the assumption that 1:1 care (one worker to one person) is the baseline for assessment, and additional support is added only if risk requires it.
When implemented properly, SHC:
- Focuses on safety, dignity, and efficiency.
- Uses risk-based, person-centred assessment instead of blanket policies.
- Relies on mechanical aids and ergonomic design, not just muscle power.
- Promotes independence and privacy for the client while reducing carer strain.
It’s about achieving equal or greater safety and dignity through better assessment, training, and equipment, not about reducing support indiscriminately.
What Single-Handed Care Isn’t
Despite myths, SHC is not:
- About saving money.
- About removing support workers.
- About ignoring clinical judgment.
Instead, it’s about reducing risk through design, improving continuity, and matching support to need rather than habit.
The Evidence Base
The UK has led the way in SHC research, with over 12,000 reviews in one year (Whitehead et al., 2022) showing that when SHC is implemented through structured risk assessment, there’s no increase in incidents or injuries. In fact, staff reported fewer near misses and better use of modern equipment.
Other key findings:
- 40–80% of individuals assessed were suitable for SHC when supported by proper equipment and training.
- No recorded fatalities from moving and handling incidents where SHC was correctly risk assessed and care planned (Office for National Statistics, 2021).
- Staff efficiency, privacy, and dignity all improved under SHC models.
While most evidence is UK-based, these findings align closely with Australian OT practice principles: enablement, participation, safety, and dignity, making SHC a relevant and transferable model here.
Is It Safe and Legal in Australia?
Yes, provided it’s risk assessed and documented.
There’s no law in Australia requiring two carers for any manual handling task. Under the WHS Act (2011) and the Hazardous Manual Tasks Codes of Practice, what matters is that risk is “eliminated or minimised so far as reasonably practicable.” That can often be achieved through equipment, environmental design, and training, rather than extra personnel.
So, SHC doesn’t conflict with Australian regulations; it actually fulfils them, when done properly.
Bringing It Into Practice
Before introducing SHC:
- Conduct a holistic and thorough risk assessment.
- Identify hazards or manual handling tasks that can be eliminated or mechanised.
- Train carers on how to use equipment and techniques to implement SHC.
- Trial, review, and document.
- If outcomes are positive, formally change to single-handed care.
In Summary
Single-Handed Care is about rethinking manual handling, not reducing care.
It’s about smarter systems, better equipment, and empowered clinicians. When done safely, it enhances both dignity for the person and efficiency for the workforce, without compromising safety.
