Lifting injuries growing issue for nurses

Hospitals can prevent many of those injuries with special equipment to move patients


Nursing employees suffer more debilitating back and other body injuries than almost any other occupation, and most of those injuries are caused by lifting and moving patients, according to an article on the Rhode Island NPR website.

The article describes the case of a nurse at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., for more than 20 years who was fired after a series of back injuries, mainly from lifting patients. 

Studies by the U.S. government and university researchers in the 1990s began showing that hospitals can prevent many of those injuries, if hospital administrators invest enough time and money. They have to buy special equipment to move patients, such as powered ceiling hoists, and they have to conduct intensive training for the staff, the article said.

Some hospitals have purchased a limited amount of equipment and conducted some staff training, researchers say, but most have not taken aggressive steps to protect their nursing staff.

Read the article.

 

 



March 2, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


Northwest Medical Specialties Reports Data Breach

An investigation determined that certain data within the network was potentially copied without authorization on August 15, 2025.


Streamlined Integrated Project Delivery Tackles Design Challenges

Successful implementation of IPD Light can improve patient care, project outcomes and bottom lines.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida - Sumter County Opens

It is a satellite location of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.