Unsafe patient handling

Unsafe patient handling

Lifting, transferring, repositioning and moving patients without using proper techniques or handing equipment can cause musculoskeletal injury (e.g., back injury and chronic back pain).

Unsafe patient handling

Up to 72% of nurses are suffering from non-specific chronic low back pain (1).

Low back pain is associated with health workers’ absenteeism, reduced efficiency, increased economic burden, decreased quality of life, and burnout (2).

Preventive measures


Identify and assess occupational hazards related to patient handling (3, 4)

Avoid lifting or use fewer and more efficient lifting operations (3)

Plan tasks carefully to reduce ergonomic stress and strains (4)

Use lifting aids and mechanical devices for patient handling to prevent unnecessary lifting (3)

In absence of lifting aids, ensure that at least two workers lift the patient (3)

Provide training on safe patient handling (3, 4)

Adjust the layout of working areas to ensure enough space for safe transfers (3)

Install steps or ramps at the rear of the ambulance for easy transportation

Key resource


The intent is to assist organizations and workplaces to better prepare and respond to these events. The manual, which is particularly focused on needs...


References

(1)  The factors of non-specific chronic low back pain in nurses: A meta-analysis.

Sun W, Zhang H, Tang L, He Y, Tian S. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34:343-53.

(2)  The efficacy of interventions for low back pain in nurses: A systematic review.

Van Hoof W, O'Sullivan K, O'Keeffe M, Verschueren S, O'Sullivan P, Dankaerts W. Int J Nurs Stud. 2018;77:222-31.

(3)  HealthWISE Action Manual. Work improvement in health services.

International Labor Organization and World Health Organization. 2014.

(4)  HealthWISE Work Improvement in Health Services: Trainers’ Guide.

International Labor Organization and World Health Organization. 2014.