• Call: (888) 472-4262
  • Client Access
Graham Company
  • Call: (888) 472-4262
  • Who we work with
    Construction Manufacturing & Distribution Health & Human Services Real Estate Financial & Professional Services Other Industries
  • What we do
    Property & Casualty Employee Benefits Surety Services Personal Lines Cyber Solutions Risk Financing Our Specialties
  • Who we are
    Our History Our People Our ESOP Our Community
  • Our Difference
    The Graham Way Innovation Technical Development Safety Services Claims Management
  • Careers
    Our Job Board
  • Knowledge Center
Three Tips for Safe Patient Handling

October 25, 2017

A Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed that across all industries, 33 of 10,000 full time workers suffered from overexertion injuries. However, this type of injury doubled when looking at hospital workers – and more than tripled for employees working in long-term care facilities. In long-term care facilities, this heightened rate of injury is attributed to the fact that healthcare workers are often responsible for the lifting, repositioning or moving of their residents.

A frequently cited study by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that in an eight hour shift, the average weight lifted by a nurse is about 1.8 tons. Repeatedly lifting this amount of weight in an improper manner can lead to a variety of injuries, including sprains, strains and tears.
To reduce the risk of injury to caregivers and residents, healthcare facilities must ensure that all employees are properly trained in safe patient handling techniques:

  1. Utilize equipment: All employees should be taught to properly utilize mechanical lift equipment to help ease weight burdens. This type of equipment is safer for employees, but is more secure for the patient, as well. Staff should not only be instructed on the functionality of the equipment, but should also be educated on when to use specific devices and how to properly assess the resident’s condition beforehand. The cognitive status, mobility and the size and weight of the resident should always be taken into consideration first.
  2. Proper body mechanics. Even when utilizing lift equipment, proper body mechanics are still necessary for healthcare workers. Staff should be taught to always keep a wide leg base with the resident directly in front of them to avoid rotating the spine, and to hold the resident as close as possible to minimize strenuous reaching. In addition, slow and steady movements will help to avoid startling or hurting the resident.
  3. Designate peer mentors. When proper safe patient handling education is administered, there will be veteran employees who truly understand and adhere to safety protocols. Veteran employees should be identified and paired with newer employees who do not have the same skilled understanding of proper handling techniques. By serving as mentors, these individuals can ensure that their peers are moving and lifting residents correctly and also provide ongoing training to the rest of the workforce.

Having an employee hurt or injured on the job can not only adversely affect your workforce and employee morale, but it can have a negative impact on overall patient care and can even damage your company’s bottom line. In a 2011 study, OSHA reported that 25 percent of workers compensation claims in the healthcare industry resulted from patient handling injuries, further proving how crucial safe patient handling education is in healthcare institutions. To mitigate risk, organizational leadership and nurse managers should ensure that safe patient handling remains a priority. Guidelines should be set and staff members should be trained and re-trained to ensure they’re fully comfortable with equipment and body positioning.

Bette McNee, RN, NHA
Senior Clinical Risk Management Consultant
BMcNee@grahamco.com
The Graham Building
Philadelphia, PA, 19102
215-701-5429
SAVE AS PDF >
Share:
Tags: The Graham Company Risk Management Health and Human Services healthcare Bette McNee Worker's Compensation OSHA health claims safe patient handling
RECENT POSTS
Be Strategic About Your Insurance Needs in the Gig Economy: Consider Choosing a Captive
Be Strategic About Your Insurance Needs in the Gig Economy: Consider Choosing a Captive

Jan 23, 2023

2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, including Telemedicine & HSA Relief, Signed into Law
2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, including Telemedicine & HSA Relief, Signed into Law

Jan 05, 2023

Holiday Safe Shopping 2022
Holiday Safe Shopping 2022

Nov 25, 2022

Protect Your Business from Wire Transfer Fraud
Protect Your Business from Wire Transfer Fraud

Oct 07, 2022

RELATED POSTS
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Vital Role in Risk Management and Success
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Vital Role in Risk Management and Success

Jul 25, 2022

Hurricane Preparedness is Key to Managing Risk
Hurricane Preparedness is Key to Managing Risk

Jul 21, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions re: Impact of Dobbs on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans
Frequently Asked Questions re: Impact of Dobbs on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

Jul 08, 2022

New Year, New Rules: Healthcare Transparency Rules and Plan Sponsor Obligations
New Year, New Rules: Healthcare Transparency Rules and Plan Sponsor Obligations

Apr 05, 2022

Home
Contact
Events
Company News
News
Branding
Privacy Policy
Graham Company

Follow us

Graham Company
Home
Contact
Events
News
Branding
Privacy Policy

Follow us

Thank you for your submission.

Sorry! something went wrong. Please try again.

© Copyright . The Graham Company. All Rights Reserved. Site by Brand X Republic