Safe Lifting Practices in your Workplace Derrick Person, CAWC Senior Loss Control Consultant

Causes of Back Injuries Lifting too much Twisting Reaching over shoulders Carrying odd shaped items Sitting or standing too long in one position Slips/Falls

Common Causes of Back Injuries Twisting at the waist while lifting or holding a heavy load . . .

Common Causes of Back Injuries Reaching and lifting . . . over your head, across a table, or a bed . . . .

Prevention Measures Use proper lifting techniques If you don’t know how much it weighs-try to lightly move the box with your foot to determine weight Get help Use mechanical device

Reducing Lifting by Sliding Arrange Storage The person has placed a cart just below the level of the shelf so she can just slide the box onto the cart deck rather than lift and carry it.

Prevention Measures Stack heavier items in optimal “power” zone rather than over shoulder height or below the waist Stack lighter and less frequently used items on lower and upper shelves. Food Storage and in the linen area.

Material Handling Laundry Bags – ½ full to ¾ full – only ½ full if soiled linen. Rotation in Job – take out trash, clean a bed, clean the sink

Laundry Carts Spring loaded bottoms in carts makes it easier to take laundry out of the basket, especially when wet.

Material Handling Kitchen Trash Bags – ½ full to ¾ full. Ergonomics – taking only a small stack of plates at a time. Look at the height of work areas for reaching other items

LIFTING GARBAGE BAGS Hazards: How heavy is the bag? What’s in the bag? Chemicals Needles PPE required?

DISPOSING OF TRASH INTO DUMPSTERS Potential for back / shoulder injuries Possible to build platform near dumpster to reduce height? Empty garbage more often to reduce weight?

MATERIAL HANDLING Know your Capabilities and Limitations

Nursing – Gait Belts

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 Caregivers Reduced risk of injury Improved job satisfaction Increased morale Injured caregivers are more likely to be re-injured More energy at the end of the work shift Less pain and muscle fatigue

Safe Patient Handling Research has shown that safe resident lifting programs reduce resident-handling workers’ compensation injury rates by as much as 61%

One Person Gait Belt Transfer Tell the resident who you are and what you are going to do. If the resident is able to comprehend, ask if he or she understands.

Step 1 Ask the resident to “scoot” forward on the bed, chair, etc… If the resident is in a wheelchair, make sure to lock the brakes and remove the foot pedals.

Step 2 Place the belt around the resident’s waist and fasten snugly enough so it will not slip around the ribs (allow two fingers space). Never place belt on bare skin. Enlist the help of the resident. Talk to the resident throughout the procedure. Allow him/her to do as much as possible.

Step 3 Grip the belt with your palms facing upward. Your hands should be on each side of the resident when grasping the gait belt.

Step 4 Caregiver stands directly in front of the resident with his/her feet slightly apart and one foot between the feet of the resident. The other foot should be behind and in line with the shoulder. This provides the caregiver a more stable base and the ability to shift his/her center of gravity as needed. When transferring to the left, the right foot goes between the resident’s legs. When transferring to the right, the left foot goes between the resident’s legs.

Step 4 Observe good posture

Step 5 Tell the resident that “on the count of three, you are going to stand up.” Make sure the resident is leaning forward so his/her “nose is over the toes.” Begin to rock slightly to gain forward momentum for standing.

Step 6 Remember to maintain good body position and to use good body mechanics. Pull the patient to a standing position, do not lift.

Step 7 Pivot resident towards the destination and then slowly lower the resident into a seated position. Make sure to continue to use good body mechanics throughout the transfer.

Gait Belt Transfers - Key Points Speak to resident in clear one step commands (stand, turn, sit) Lock the brakes and remove foot pedals if the resident is in a wheelchair Bring the resident forward and keep their nose over their toes Place belt with two finger tightness Rock resident onto their feet by counting to three Instruct the resident to stand

Key Points Keep elbows tucked into your sides with palms or thumbs facing upward Assure the resident does not hold onto you and if able assist with the standing motion by pushing with their arms. Assure they have feet flat on the floor and non skid footwear Instruct them to turn slowly and reach back to their destination Slowly lower them to the destination with good body mechanics and one foot between the resident’s feet.

Questions/Discussion

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