Patient handling
Patient handling is the top cause of injury among care workers. Care workers who move people are at significant risk of sprains and strain injuries. Physically dependent people need to be assessed, taking into account the task being performed and the space in which the work will take place. Controlling the risk involves providing appropriate mechanical equipment, and training workers on safe work procedures and use of equipment.
The risks
Many factors are related to injuries resulting from patient handling:
- Frequency, force, and postures associated with the task
- Design and layout of the care environment
- Availability and use of appropriate patient handling equipment and aids
- Patient characteristics
Reducing the risks
Employers must ensure steps are taken to reduce workers' risk of injury as much as possible when transferring people.
Before any transfer or repositioning of a person, conduct a risk assessment. Based on that assessment, choose the most effective control that is most appropriate for the person and the worker. Employers must train workers about the safe use of patient handling equipment.
This is the most effective type of control for reducing the risk of injury resulting from patient handling. Select a patient handling device that minimizes the risk of injury to workers:
- Overhead lift
- Floor lift
- Sit-stand lift
If mechanical devices are not practicable, and the person can do most of the weight-bearing themselves, consider one of the following:
- Slider sheet
- Transfer board
- Bed ladder
- Grab bar
- Triangle trapeze handle
If mechanical devices and non-mechanical aids are not possible, consider temporarily providing care while the person remains in bed, until appropriate equipment can be obtained.
Resources
Patient handling: Assessing the risks
Patient handling is the top cause of injury among health care workers. Care workers who manually transfer or reposition patients are at significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) such as sprains...
Patient handling: Overhead lifts vs. floor lifts—what's the difference?
Overhead lifts and floor lifts perform similar patient-handling functions, and care facilities often need a combination of both. This bulletin compares both types of lifts in terms of safe handling,...
Patient handling: Soaker pads
This bulletin warns of the risks of using soaker pads to reposition patients. It also outlines appropriate ways to minimize the risks to workers when repositioning patients.
For more information...
Patient handling: Using slings with overhead lifts and floor lifts
Manual handling of patients is a leading cause of injury among health care workers. This bulletin outlines how the correct use of slings with overhead lifts and floor lifts can help to reduce the risk...
Highlights
- New online tool helps workers and employers manage risk by delivering a custom list of health and safety resources Published on: December 05, 2022
- New resources help you manage risks in your workplace Published on: April 14, 2022
- Updated resource helps assess risks in patient handling Published on: May 20, 2021
- Updated resources help reduce risks in patient handling Published on: July 15, 2020