We are trying to reduce our number of work related lifting injuries and wondered if you could respond to the following:

1. Does your facility utilize Lift Teams?

2. If yes—what type of initial and annual training/education do you provide for them?

3. Does your facility have a “no lift” policy?

4. If yes, did you purchase/install additional  lift assistive in order to achieve the “no lift” requirement.

5. We are finding that many of our “lifting” injuries are “in bed”types of  moving—sliding, rolling etc. The nurses say they don’t have time to call and wait on the lift team.  Is the lift team utilized for these types of movements in your facility?

We are also seeing some issues r/t the Howard Medical Carts http://www.howard-medical.com/medcarts/ .  The nurses are required to always use them when giving meds. They take them into the patient room because they scan the band prior to giving the medicine. The nurses turn off the steer assist because when the steer assist is on—the carts do not turn unless you come to a complete stop first. We are seeing c/o back, hip and knee pain. Are any of you seeing these type of issues in your facility?

Thanks much

Betsy

Betsy Pless, PhD, FNP-C, COHN-S

Director,  Employee Health Center

Athens Regional Health System

1199 Prince Ave.

Athens, Georgia  30606

706-475-3071