Most hospitals not protecting nurses from injuries

There are more than 35,000 back and other injuries among nursing employees every year


There are more than 35,000 back and other injuries among nursing employees every year from moving, lifting patients, according to an article on the NPR website.

Nursing assistants and orderlies each suffer roughly three times the rate of back and other musculoskeletal injuries as construction laborers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that nursing assistants are injured more than any other occupation. The reason for most of these injuries is moving and lifting patients.

Some hospitals have reduced lifting injuries among nursing staff by up to 80 percent — using an approach often called "safe patient handling,"  according to the article. They use special machinery to lift patients, similar to motorized hoists that factory workers use to move heavy parts. But most hospitals have not taken similar action.

Read the article.

 

 



February 12, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families

Designers who can incorporate distractions into pediatric healthcare facilities can help children and families successfully navigate healthcare journeys.


Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies

Labor shortages and health system consolidation are driving new approaches to outpatient facility planning.


Adams Health Network Falls Victim to Phishing Attack

Adams Health Network does not have any evidence that the attacker was seeking patient information.


Ventilation and Filtering for Infection ControlĀ 

Poor IAQ can be deadly in healthcare facilities, so maintaining proper air conditioning and filter systems is key in controlling the spread of infection.


ChristianaCare Opens Aston Campus Neighborhood Hospital

The hospital is expected to care for approximately 15,000 patients each year.


 
 


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.