Introduction
Hospital healthcare workers—particularly nursing assistants, who perform most of the patient lifting—are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including:
- Muscle and ligament strains or tears
- Joint and tendon inflammation
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
For example, two healthcare providers shifting a patient in bed must use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.
Best practices include continually identifying the most hazardous tasks and implementing engineering controls and safe work practices to reduce or prevent injuries.
Employers are responsible for providing appropriate assistive devices and equipment to minimize excessive lifting hazards. Selecting the proper equipment should be tailored to the needs of the facility, the patients, the staff, and management.