Evanoff B, Wolf L, Aton E, Canos J, Collins J, et al.
American journal of industrial medicine. Date of publication 2003 Nov 1;volume 44(5):451-7.
1. Am J Ind Med. 2003 Nov;44(5):451-7. doi: 10.1002/ajim.10294.
Reduction in injury rates in nursing personnel through introduction of
mechanical lifts in the workplace.
Evanoff B(1), Wolf L, Aton E, Canos J, Collins J.
Author information:
(1)Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
bevanoff@im.wustl.edu
BACKGROUND: Health care workers incur frequent injuries resulting from patient
transfer and handling tasks. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of
mechanical lifts in preventing injuries and time loss due to these injuries.
METHODS: We examined injury and lost workday rates before and after the
introduction of mechanical lifts in acute care hospitals and long-term care
(LTC) facilities, and surveyed workers regarding lift use.
RESULTS: The post-intervention period showed decreased rates of musculoskeletal
injuries (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-1.00), lost workday injuries (RR = 0.56, 95%
CI: 0.41-0.78), and total lost days due to injury (RR = 0.42). Larger reductions
were seen in LTC facilities than in hospitals. Self-reported frequency of lift
use by registered nurses and by nursing aides were higher in the LTC facilities
than in acute care hospitals. Observed reductions in injury and lost day injury
rates were greater on nursing units that reported greater use of the lifts.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of patient lifts can be effective in reducing
occupational musculoskeletal injuries to nursing personnel in both LTC and acute
care settings. Strategies to facilitate greater use of mechanical lifting
devices should be explored, as further reductions in injuries may be possible
with increased use.
Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.10294
PMID: 14571508 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
