Adviser Spring 2017 Vol 1 | Page 7
The Benefits of ...
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(Continued from page 5)
Hazard assessment: Address high-risk units, areas and patient-handling tasks. Hazard
evaluation should consider factors such as types of nursing units, the physical environment
of patient care areas, and existing equipment and its utilization. It is important to consider
characteristics of the patient population such as level of patient mobility and cognition.
Technology and prevention through design: Implement methods to control hazards such as
lifting, transferring and repositioning patients. Manual lifting should be minimized in all cases
and eliminated when feasible. For example, a “zero lift” program or policy minimizes direct
patient lifting by using specialized lifting equipment and transfer tools.
Establish safe patient handling policies that are based on patients’ physical and medical
conditions and the availability of lifting equipment and lift teams.
Select appropriate lifting equipment in accordance with the hazard assessment, and install
and maintain lifting devices according to manufacturer recommendations. The best proactive
approach is through proper design of the work environment, including incorporating health
hazard controls into the design of facilities during construction and remodeling.
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Education and training: Provide sufficient education and training so that each worker
understands the elements of the safe patient handling program and how to participate. The
education and training of health care workers should be geared toward the assessment of
hazards, selection and use of appropriate patient lifting equipment and devices, and review of
evidence-based practices for safe patient handling. Training should include when and how to
report injuries.
Regular evaluation: Regular program evaluation within the environment of care is critical to
the success of the program. Establish evaluation procedures necessary to assess the effectiveness
of the safe patient handling program and to ensure its continuous improvement and long-term
success. Credible data sources, including the
OSHA Recordkeeping Log 300 and forms
301 and 300A, can be used to track and
analyze injuries and trends related to the
ongoing implementation of the program.
Lastly, effective 10/1/17, you can qualify for
up to a 2.5 percent credit on your workers’
compensation premium for implementing a safe
patient handling program.
If you need help implementing a program, call
John Snow at Cool Insuring: 800 233-0115 or
email: [email protected].
Provided by Cool Insuring Agency, Inc. This Is Cool
is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any
discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice.
Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance
professional for appropriate advice. © 2015 Zywave,
Inc. All rights reserved.
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