Safe Patient Handling

Training and Additional Resources

Training Resources

• Safe Patient Handling Training for Schools of Nursing [3 MB PDF, 40 pages]. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-127, (2009, November). The NIOSH "Safe Patient Handling and Movement" presentation and CD-ROM download are also available at:

• Safe Patient Handling and Movement. A web-based training presentation based on NIOSH Publication No. 2009-127, (2010, March). Provides an overview of safe patient handling principles. A CD-ROM is also available for advanced users.
  
  
• Handle with Care; Patient Handling and the Application of Ergonomics Requirements [4 MB PDF, 120 pages]. Work Safe BC, Working to make difference. This guide describes the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling the risk of musculoskeletal injuries associated with patient handling. Specifically, it promotes the implementation of a “no-lifting” policy (sometimes referred to as a minimal-lift or safer-lift policy) as a means of preventing musculoskeletal injuries.

Additional Resources

• Patient Care Ergonomics Resource Guide: Safe Patient Handling and Movement [413 KB PDF, 94 pages]. Developed by the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry (Tampa, FL), Veterans Heath Administration and Department of Defense, (2001). Audrey L. Nelson – Editor. The goal of this guidebook is to reduce the incidence and severity of job-related injuries related to patient handling and movement tasks. This resource guide is targeted for interdisciplinary facility-based safety teams, caregivers involved in direct patient care and patient movement, and risk managers, safety officers, quality managers, and administrators who influence workplace safety and support resources for lifting devices. The guidebook provides technology solutions and their categories for lateral transfers, repositioning, lifting, or transfer from sitting to standing.
  
  
• Patient Handling and Movement Assessments: A white paper [2 MB PDF, 149 pages]. Prepared by the 2010 Health Guidelines Revision Committee Specialty Subcommittee on Patient Movement; Martin H. Cohen, Gaius G. Nelson, David A. Green, Robert Leib, Mary W. Matz, et al. This publication includes information and resources for the preparation of a patient handling and movement assessment for specific projects. It analyzes costs and benefits, and helps the reader to establish a business case for the implementation of a patient handling and movement program for a facility. The white paper provides recommendations for acquisition of patient handling and movement equipment as well as implementation of technology programs defined within a facility’s patient handling and movement assessment – also with considerations for new construction and renovation projects.
  
  

Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF materials.