Sometimes we are thinking consistently about the patient and not so much about the therapist, the body mechanics used, and the ergonomics to help prevent major problems later on!
Universal Precautions are actions that you take to place a barrier between yourself and potentially infected body fluids. This fact sheet goes on to further show what you can do to keep yourself safe.
Here is an example of an OT using the transfer technique I was educated on by the PTA during the mock clinicals. It states in the video that this was her first time getting up since her surgery. I wonder if having the patients on their side right after surgery in frowned upon. I am going to look for more resources about this. From everything I have found, this is the best way to go if they are able to use their upper body.