Imagine This…
It’s a quiet morning in an aged care facility. Birds chirp outside, toast is on the griddle, and a caregiver gently knocks on a resident’s door. Behind that door lies one of the most crucial daily tasks: Safety First helping an elderly resident out of bed. It seems simple, routine, even. But in that moment, one piece of equipment becomes the hero of the day: the hoist sling.
But not all heroes wear capes. Some come in soft, durable fabric with reinforced loops. And when that hero is from CHS Healthcare hoist slings, it’s engineered for one purpose only—to make dignity, safety, and comfort a seamless part of care.
Let’s explore how to keep these unsung heroes doing what they do best—through clever use, rigorous inspection, and empowered training.
Why Hoist Sling Safety Isn’t Optional
Think of hoist slings as the invisible bridge between mobility and vulnerability. When used correctly, they reduce the risk of falls, prevent back injuries for carers, and give residents the dignity of secure movement.
But when things go wrong? The risks are high: torn ligaments, bruising, even long-term trauma. That’s why using CHS Healthcare hoist slings with intention and care isn’t just a best practice—it’s a life-altering difference.
Whether you’re in a high-volume aged care facility or providing in-home support, these slings become a vital extension of patient care. The right sling, used the right way, is not just equipment—it’s peace of mind.
1. Risk Mitigation: Preventing Before You React
If safety is a recipe, risk mitigation is the mise en place—it needs to be prepped before you touch the stove.
Choose Wisely: One Size Never Fits All
You wouldn’t use a raincoat for a snowstorm. So why use the wrong sling for a resident?
CHS Healthcare hoist slings offer an array of types designed for specific needs:
- Toileting slings offer freedom and access but limited support.
- Full-body slings cradle residents entirely—ideal for those with minimal mobility.
- Divided-leg slings are versatile and comfortable for amputees or residents with tight hips.
Selecting the right size and style matters. An ill-fitting sling can cause skin tears, pressure points, or worse—fall risk.
Risk-Check Before Every Lift
- Treat every transfer like it’s the first time. Before lifting:
- Reassess the resident – Are they in pain? Is there a new wound?
- Reinspect the sling – Are there frays, faded labels, or dodgy stitching?
- Scan the environment – Is the floor clear? Is the hoist working?
That 60-second scan could prevent a 6-week injury. Every time a caregiver uses CHS Healthcare hoist slings, they’re taking on a responsibility that begins well before the actual lift.
2. Inspection Protocols: Hoist Slings Don’t Last Forever
You wouldn’t drive on bald tyres. So don’t lift a person with a worn sling.
Daily Visual Checks
Start each shift with a simple ritual:
- Look for frayed edges or loose threads
- Check that the clips and loops are intact.
- Ensure label instructions are legible.
If anything seems off? Tag it out. No shortcuts.
Sling inspections should be logged and followed like clockwork. By documenting wear and tear over time, facilities using CHS Healthcare hoist slings can forecast replacements and budget accordingly.
Routine Deep Inspections
Create a sling inspection calendar—weekly or monthly, depending on usage.
Inspect for:
- Stretch fatigue (the silent killer of sling strength)
- Chemical damage (from improper laundering or disinfectants)
- Stitch integrity (especially around load-bearing seams)
CHS Healthcare recommends adhering strictly to sling usage guidelines to maintain compliance with safety regulations. Their hoist slings are designed to last, but regular checks are what make that promise a reality.
Lifecycle Tracking
Each sling should be assigned an ID and tracked:
- Date of issue
- Inspection schedule
- Replacement cycle
Facilities that implement tracking systems for CHS Healthcare hoist slings tend to reduce downtime and unexpected equipment failures significantly.
3. Caregiver Training: The People Behind the Safety
Even the most advanced sling is only as safe as the hands using it.
Practical Over Theoretical
Reading manuals is helpful, but doing is essential. Every caregiver should train with actual CHS Healthcare hoist slings, not generic versions.
Hands-on training should include:
- Correct attachment (loop vs clip)
- Safe sling application techniques
- How to communicate with residents during transfers
And yes, even seasoned carers need refreshers. Muscle memory fades. Techniques evolve.
Competency Checks & Culture Building
Make regular skill assessments part of facility culture—not as punishment, but as empowerment. Celebrate the caregivers who speak up, double-check, or tag a worn sling. They’re not being difficult—they’re being life-savers.
Resident-Specific Handling Plans
Each resident is a unique puzzle. Their sling needs may shift monthly or even weekly. Create custom handling guides:
- Sling type and size
- Preferred transfer techniques
- Personal preferences (e.g., “doesn’t like being lifted while talking”)
A shared plan builds consistency, comfort, and trust. And with CHS Healthcare hoist slings, customisation is easy, thanks to their wide variety of designs and sizes suited for every mobility challenge.
Caring Is a Culture, Not a Checklist
In the quiet corners of aged care, where so much of life is lived gently and slowly, the little things become enormous. A misaligned loop. A faded label. A caregiver who hesitates.
CHS Healthcare hoist slings aren’t just equipment—they’re enablers of dignity, protectors of safety, and the backbone of caregiving confidence. But their strength lies not just in their materials, but in how we choose to use them.
With the right sling, the proper inspection process, and the right training, aged care facilities don’t just meet standards—they set them.
Even more importantly, they create environments where residents feel safe, respected, and cared for. And that’s the real goal, isn’t it?
Final Checklist: Your Hoist Sling Safety Snapshot
- Choose the right sling for the resident’s needs
- Check the sling visually every time it’s used
- Perform regular scheduled inspections
- Train and re-train all caregivers
- Personalise handling plans for every resident
- Retire slings at the first sign of failure
- Keep track of inspection and replacement dates
- Use only trusted, tested equipment like CHS Healthcare hoist slings
- Avoid shortcuts, even on the busiest days
- Foster a culture where speaking up equals saving lives
In Summary: Tools Matter. People Matter More.
Every aged care facility has a responsibility: to care not only for residents but also for the carers themselves. And CHS Healthcare hoist slings support both. Built to high standards, backed by real-world experience, and trusted across Australian care settings, they are a gold standard in mobility safety.
Looking to improve your facility’s manual handling practices?
Now’s the time to review your equipment, retrain your team, and reinforce your values. Start with the best tools—CHS Healthcare hoist slings—and build a safer tomorrow, today.
