THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING PATIENT LIFT INJURIES

A recent study suggests that in Australia the turnover rate for residential aged care workers is 29% and for registered nurses it is 35%. Quality workers are already in short supply and the cost of replacing even a single nurse in Australia can be as high as $104,686. Thus, it is paramount to implement solutions that reduce the risk of manual handling injuries amongst healthcare workers.

Lifting people is an unavoidable aspect of working in the healthcare industry. Nurses, paramedics and aged care workers regularly lift weights that, in any other industry, would be assisted by equipment. That is why patient manual handling poses one of the highest injury risks out of all industries with the most common types of musculoskeletal injuries sustained by healthcare workers being lower back injuries, as seen in...

Aged Care Australia

Magazine Issue 1 - 2023

Page 124 strains, rotator cuff injuries and tendinitis.

One study found that as many as 83% of all injuries sustained in the healthcare sector were as a result of musculoskeletal factors. Every year, 55% of nurses experience lower back pain and 44% experience shoulder pain. Research shows that some healthcare workers spend as much as 20 minutes out of every hour with their back in an awkward position.

So, what can be done to reduce manual handling injuries in healthcare workers? One of the most critical way to addressing handling injuries is using appropriate equipment and patient handling aides.

Some companies have successfully reduced or eliminated ergonomic injuries through supplying additional equipment to assist workers with lifting patients. These aides include things like mechanical hoists or slings and low-friction mats. The downside of many of these items are that they mostly require more than one worker to use them. The healthcare industry is often understaffed, and researchers have found that workers will forgo equipment that requires two people to operate to move a patient because even if there is no one there to help them the patient still needs to be moved.

Raizer II Lift Up Chair The Ultimate Floor Recovery Device

The Raizer II Liftup Chair simplifies the process of lifting someone off the floor, protecting both the fallen and the caregiver and helping them stay safe and comfortable during the process. As the chair is operated by one button or remote control, the caregiver can stay focused observing and caring for the fallen, keeping them calm and helping support their head or limbs during the lifting process. Since the fallen has direct contact with the floor, the chair and physical and eye contact with their caregiver, staying calm is easier. The raising and transfer operation is very smooth and steady, creating a dignified experience.

Raizer II Key features

Easy to Assemble

• 4 identical legs and 2 identical back rests ensure correct assembly every time.

Cleaning Friendly

• Sleek surfaces make it possible to disinfect more easily.

Remote Control

• Purpose built storage cavity for remote, moulded to the side of seat casing. Emergency stop button is more intuitive.

Adjustable Seatbelt

• Independently adjustable seatbelt placed on the back rest ensures improved upper body stability when lifting fallen person. 10% OFF when you book