Patient handling, also called people moving and handling, covers the safe moving and positioning of patients, residents, clients and other service users in healthcare and care settings. It can include bed transfers, repositioning and the use of handling aids such as hoists, slings and sliding sheets. HSA guidance says staff involved in people moving and handling must receive appropriate training from a competent person that is specific to the setting; instructors should hold the QQI Level 6 People Handling Instruction award. That is an instructor qualification, not a QQI Level 6 award for every employee who attends workplace training. HSE booking guidance says its classroom-based theory and practical training is delivered by HSE instructors where available, or by Usafety.
People handling training should be based on the employee’s role, work activities, equipment and environment. A training-needs assessment and task-specific risk assessment should determine the practical content required.
HSA healthcare guidance places training within a wider risk-management system that includes risk assessment, suitable equipment and handling aids, safe systems of work, supervision and implementation of the skills taught.
HSA guidance for hoists and slings says people moving and handling training should be repeated at regular intervals, as a guide no more than every three years, and more often where new or changed risks arise, such as different equipment.
Reviewed by our specialist ergonomics team. Last updated 11 June 2026.
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