Engst C, Chhokar R, Miller A, Tate RB, Yassi A, et al.
Ergonomics. Date of publication 2005 Feb 1;volume 48(2):187-99.
1. Ergonomics. 2005 Feb;48(2):187-99. doi: 10.1080/00140130412331290826.
Effectiveness of overhead lifting devices in reducing the risk of injury to care
staff in extended care facilities.
Engst C(1), Chhokar R, Miller A, Tate RB, Yassi A.
Author information:
(1)Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in British Columbia,
Vancouver, BC V6H 3X5, Canada. chris@ohsah.bc.ca
Patient and/or resident handling is a major cause of injury to healthcare
workers. The effectiveness of an overhead ceiling lift programme at mitigating
the risk of injury from resident handling was evaluated by comparing injury data
and staff perceptions before and after implementation of the programme, and by
comparison with a similar unit that did not implement an overhead ceiling lift
programme. A questionnaire was used to assess perceived risk of injury and
discomfort, preferred resident handling methods, frequency of performing
designated resident handling tasks, perceived physical demands, work
organization, and staff satisfaction. Staff preferred overhead ceiling lifts to
other methods of transfer (manual or floor lifts) when lifting or transferring
residents. A significant reduction was observed in the perceived risk of injury
and discomfort to the neck, shoulders, back, hands, and arms of care staff.
Compensation costs due to lifting and transferring tasks were reduced by 68% for
the intervention unit and increased by 68% for the comparison unit. Overhead
ceiling lifts were not beneficial in reducing the perceived risk of injury, pain
or discomfort, or compensation costs when used to reposition residents. The
study demonstrated an overall cost-savings associated with the installation of
the overhead lifts, and highlighted areas for further improvement.
DOI: 10.1080/00140130412331290826
PMID: 15764316 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
