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SAFE LIFTING AND MOVEMENT OF NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

Beneﬁts, Cost and Effectiveness

of a Safe Resident Lifting Program

What are the beneﬁts of a safe resident lifting program?

How effective is mechanical lifting equipment in preventing injuries to caregivers?

The following beneﬁts can be derived from a safe

resident lifting program that includes mechanical lifting

equipment, worker training on the use of the lifts,

and a written resident lifting policy:

Beneﬁts for Residents

• Improved quality of care

• Improved resident safety and comfort

• Improved resident satisfaction

• Reduced risk of falls, being dropped, friction burns,

dislocated shoulders

• Reduced skin tears and bruises

Beneﬁts for Employers

• Reduced number and severity of staff injuries

• Improved resident safety

• Reduced workers’ compensation medical and

indemnity costs

• Reduced lost workdays

• Reduced restricted workdays

• Reduced overtime and sick leave

• Improved recruitment and retention of caregivers

• Fewer resources required to replace injured staff

Beneﬁts for Caregivers

• Reduced risk of injury

• Improved job satisfaction

• Increased morale

• Injured caregivers are less likely to be re-injured

• Pregnant caregivers can work longer

• Staff can work to an older age

• More energy at the end of the work shift

• Less pain and muscle fatigue on a daily basis

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2006-117

Research has shown that safe resident lifting programs

reduce resident-handling workers’ compensation

injury rates by 61%, lost workday injury rates by

66%, restricted workdays by 38%, and the number

of workers suffering from repeat injuries (Collins et al.,

2004). Similar ﬁndings have been reported by other

investigators (Tiesman et al., 2003; Nelson et al., 2003;

Garg, 1999). Furthermore, this research has shown an

increase in caregiver job satisfaction, and a decrease in

“unsafe” patient handling practices performed. Nurses

ranked lifting equipment as the most important element

in a safe lifting program (Nelson et al., 2003).

What beneﬁts will a safe resident lifting program have for nursing home residents?

Although some residents may be reluctant to try new

lifting devices, studies have shown that the use of

mechanical lifting equipment increases a resident’s

comfort and feelings of security when compared to

manual methods (Zhuang et al., 2000; Garg and Owen

1992). Injuries to residents are also reduced because

the mechanical lifts protect residents from being

dropped. Anecdotal information indicates that a

reduction in skin tears and bruises may result when

residents are handled mechanically rather than

manually (Garg, 1999).

Workplace

Safety and Health

Beneﬁts/Lifting Program

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