Lakeridge Health’s ‘Zero Lift’ policy reduces staff injury
Tuesday December 11, 2007 -- Natalie Miller
With half of staff injuries over a two-year period related to lifting or moving patients, Lakeridge Health Corporation needed a plan.

Between 1998 and 2000, 38.3% of staff sustained low back injuries while 29.6% sustained upper extremity injuries. 

In a newly created position in the occupational health, safety and wellness department, Donna Murczek, musculoskeletal injury prevention co-ordinator, helped to develop a safer environment for healthcare workers.

“We needed to bring back some proactive intervention,” says Murczek.

Musculoskeletal injuries occur when the workload exceeds the strength of the muscles and other soft tissue.

Commencing January 2004, Lakeridge Health Coorporation supported the implementation of the Back in Action Program that was specifically designed for staff involved with direct patient care.

This program included purchase and installation of new equipment such as ceiling lifts and transfer aids, implementation of a Zero Lift Policy and extensive, mandatory staff training for registered nursing staff and allied health professionals. Conveniently, in 2004 the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced funding for ceiling lifts. “We were perfectly set up,” says Murczek, noting that several ceiling lifts were already installed, a policy in place and training organized.

Today, the hospital has ceiling lift coverage over 396 beds and has also installed lifts in three of the rehabilitation gyms and continues to plan future installations.

All employees involved in direct patient care have completed a full-day training session and receive annual reviews to continue to improve their patient handling knowledge and skills and to remain current with any new technology or skills that become available.

Statistically, in 2003 117 Lakeridge Health staff sustained musculoskeletal injuries related to lifting, transferring and repositioning patients.

In 2006, that number was reduced to 73.

“The Back in Action Program has come along way since 2004.  More research is required to assist in developing specialized accessories for ceiling lifts and other tools that will reduce over exertion in healthcare workers” says Murczek.

— See part-two, Ceiling lifts, adept staff ‘enhances patient safety’