OT Cadets course: manual handling solutions - Newcastle

Date: Wednesday, 21st May 2025
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Venue: Active Mobility Showroom, 7 Poynton Place, Thornton, NSW 2322
Presenter: Daniel Berends
CPD Points: 2 CPD Points

Manual handling is often a core component in occupational therapy assessment and treatment, as well as in providing guidance or instruction to caregivers/carers and clients.

Manual handling is any activity in which the body exerts force to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, move, hold, or restrain any object or person. If done incorrectly, manual handling can become hazardous, and if the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks are not eliminated or minimised, they can cause significant and even irreversible injuries or disorders.

In the fourth and final instalment of the OT Cadets Course, we explore the correct procedures for manual handling, the importance of correct manual handling techniques, how to conduct a risk assessment, and how to equip yourself with the skills to identify incorrect techniques.

We also delve into the essentials you need to know to better understand a client’s mobility status and how to use the right assistive equipment to suit the client and their carer’s manual handling needs.

At the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Understand the importance of correct manual handling techniques.
• Confidently explain basic manual handling techniques to clients, caregivers/ carers
• Identify possible equipment options from your assessments.
• Obtain a greater ability to Identify, assess and control manual task risks.

All attendees will receive an attendance certificate for their professional development requirements.

Daniel is a graduate occupational therapist from the Australian Catholic University. Through experience, training, and education, Daniel has gained a wealth of knowledge in the many areas of occupational therapy, including neurological, outpatient and community, aged care, and upper limb therapy.

Daniel is an accomplished Occupational Therapist who has collaboratively piloted a research program into Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and its effectiveness on its participants at St George Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and Liverpool Hospital. Furthermore, Daniel has had five years of experience working within a hospital setting as an In Theatre Wardsman and as a Disability Support Worker engaging clients in their self-care and leisure activities.

Currently, Daniel is positioned as an Assistive Technology Consultant and Occupational Therapist for Active Mobility, where he specializes in AT prescription and manufacturing, seating assessments and manual handling. He has in-depth knowledge and understanding of all AT equipment for community access and self-care assistance. Daniel observes and collaborates with a range of disabilities, highlighting the most effective strategies in providing an individual with long-term beneficial seating positions while encouraging increased mobility and independence. Daniel also focuses on key parts of the manual handling protocol, looking to provide up-to-date education and demonstrations of correct manual handling techniques and the correct utilization of transfer AT.