Simple Signs Lead to Drop in Patient-Lifting Injuries

Patient-handling injuries among the nursing staff were contributing to extended absences, increased workplace compensation claims, and higher stress and financial difficulties for injured staff members and their families. The biggest barrier to creating an effective plan was communicating with staff working different shifts—nights, weekends and days. Visual signs hung just above the head of the patients’ beds proved to be a consistent and effective reminder. The unit has gone 140 days without a staff injury related to patient transport.

Here's What Worked

• Using signs as a visual reminder to nurses and other staff to lift and transport patients safely
• Communicating face-to-face and at huddles about patient-lifting equipment and procedures

What can your team do to remind each other to use patient-lifting procedures? What else could your team do to prevent injuries when lifting or transporting patients?