Using Proper techniques and equipment for Safe & Effective Client Handling Presented by: Daniel Cohen

Risks identified with Client Handling The size and weight of the client exceeds the carrying capabilities of the employee Client may be combative, agitated or uncooperative Employee may lose his/her balance while trying to move a client Small spaces, especially bathrooms, inhibit employees movements and proper lifting/ moving techniques Furnishings limit the employees ability to get under the client to lift them

General Client Handling Risks Repetitive and/or strenuous tasks Engaging in awkward body positions and postures Using extreme force Overexertion Attempting to prevent a fall or picking client off floor or bed Lifting more than 20 times per shift Lifting alone; or failure to ask for assistance or utilize mechanical lift Lifting clients who cannot support their own weight Lifting un-cooperative, agitated or combative clients

What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science and practice of designing tasks to fit one’s physical abilities by doing the following:  Using equipment to assist with tasks  Adjusting the work environment to prevent injuries  Identifying risks associated with tasks and eliminating or reducing those risks

Benefits of Ergonomics For the clients: Improved quality of care and client satisfaction Improved safety and comfort Reduced risk of falling, being dropped or injured Reduced risk of skin tears and bruising For the Employee: Reduced risk of injury Improved job satisfaction and morale Pregnant caregivers can work longer into their pregnancy More energy at the end of a shift Less pain and muscle fatigue For the Facility: Reduced workers’ compensation costs Reduced sick leave and lost workdays Improved client safety Reduced staff injuries

The highest incidence of employee work injuries result from the following tasks: Client Handling Program -Assisting client with Bathing and personal hygiene activities -Moving client from room to room -Moving client from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a toilet -Repositioning of the client while in bed

Bathing and toileting: Use a shower chair that sits over the toilet and is then moved into the shower for bathing easily Use a bath cabinet or adjustable tub to bath clients easily with minimal movement Use a toilet seat riser to equalize the height of the toilet seat and wheelchair for easy transfer Opt for a mechanical lift for patients who cannot support their own weight Client Handling Program Mechanical Lift Adjustable Tub

Client Handling Program Moving from room to room: Use an overheard track mounted lifter to move patients from room to room Attach a sling lift into the track mounted device and transfer clients without have to manually lift them Overhead Track Mounted Lifter Sling Lift

Client Handling Program Moving from bed to wheelchair (and back): Use a lateral transfer to move patients from the bed to a wheelchair or gurney Place a sliding board underneath the client to minimize lifting when transferring from the bed to a wheelchair Use adjustable electric beds to move clients to their wheelchair height for easy transfer Use a wheelchair with removable arms for easier lateral transfers Use a sitting-standing wheelchair that mechanically moves the client from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa Lateral Transfer

Client Handling Program Repositioning in bed: Use slip (roller) sheets to reduce the friction when repositioning clients and reduce the force you need to exert Use a repositioning device to mechanically pull clients up in bed Use a trapeze lift suspended over the bed to allow clients with upper body strength to reposition themselves Slip Sheet Repositioning Device

Questions? Thank you for your attention and participation! Questions?