Shift Handover Protocol - FREE Editable PDF Template

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Shift handover protocol template

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Use this template with Lumiform

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

Don’t let critical information fall through the cracks during shift changes. This shift handover protocol template provides a standardized structure for documenting and transferring essential information between outgoing and incoming teams. Studies show that communication failures during handovers contribute to up to 80% of serious medical errors, making proper documentation vital across all industries.

We created this template to help you capture equipment status, ongoing tasks, safety concerns, and priority issues in one organized format. Whether you’re managing a manufacturing floor, healthcare facility, or any operation with rotating staff, this template helps maintain operational continuity while significantly reducing the risk of costly mistakes and safety incidents during transitions.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Entity

Critical Information

Any incidents or accidents during the shift?

Any equipment issues or breakdowns?

Any customer or client concerns?

Any employee issues or concerns?

Outstanding Tasks

List any unfinished tasks from the shift

Estimated time to complete outstanding tasks

Equipment Transfer

List any equipment or tools that need to be transferred

Confirm the equipment is in good working order

Shift Readiness

Are you confident the incoming shift is prepared to continue operations?

Any additional comments or concerns?

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a shift handover protocol and a shift report?

A shift handover protocol is a standardized process with specific documentation requirements for transferring responsibility between teams, while a shift report is typically a one-way communication summarizing what happened during a shift. The protocol focuses on two-way communication with verification, while reports often lack the structured verification step needed to confirm understanding between shifts.

How can a shift handover protocol template reduce safety incidents?

A shift handover protocol template reduces safety incidents by creating a standardized information transfer process that eliminates dangerous knowledge gaps. By documenting equipment status, ongoing hazards, and safety concerns systematically, incoming teams are fully aware of potential risks and can maintain safety protocols without interruption, preventing the communication breakdowns that commonly lead to accidents.

What common mistakes should I avoid when implementing a shift handover protocol?

Common mistakes when implementing a shift handover protocol include creating overly complex forms that discourage completion, failing to train staff properly, not allowing adequate time for handovers, neglecting face-to-face communication, focusing only on routine information while missing exceptions, and not reviewing the effectiveness of your protocol regularly to make necessary improvements.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.