NIOSH posts safe patient handling web page
Manually moving and repositioning patients, residents or clients is the single greatest risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), according to the new NIOSH Safe Patient Handling web page.
The rising U.S. obesity rate, an aging healthcare workforce, and nurse shortages are some factors contributing to the negative health consequences of manual handling and repositioning patients, says NIOSH. “In 2009, nursing aides and orderlies, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses suffered the highest prevalence (16.6%) and reported the most annual cases (n=3,620) of work-related back pain involving days away from work in the HCSA” [healthcare social assistance].
The web page provides links to resources from NIOSH, healthcare journals, professional associations, and conferences and a list of state patient lifting legislation.
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