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Injury Prevention Resources for Health Care - Patient Handling


Patient Handling | General Ergonomics | Violence | Infectious Disease |
Home Care | Chemical and Physical Hazards | General Safety |

The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the health care industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.

Soaker pads are not for repositioning new item

Healthcare workers are using soaker pads to reposition (boost or turn) patients in bed, despite the risk of sprains or strains (musculoskeletal injury) to themselves. Soaker pads, also known as incontinence pads or bed pads, are designed to absorb urine in order to keep beds and linens dry, and protect patients' skin. Soaker pads should only be used for their intended purpose -- they are not meant for repositioning patients.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* HTML

Handle with Care: Patient Handling and the Application of Ergonomics (MSI) Requirements BK79

This publication discusses how to implement a "no lift" approach to patient handling in the health care sector.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Last updated: December 2006

For possible convenience in printing and downloading, Handle with Care is also available as a series of smaller PDF files:

You can also download only the blank forms:

Patient Handling in Small Facilities: A Companion Guide to Handle with Care BK100

This handbook illustrates how small facilities within the health care sector can apply WorkSafeBC's Ergonomics (MSI) Requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to their individual facility. It will guide you through the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling the risks of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) for patient handling.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2 MB)
Dated: March 2006

High-Risk Manual Handling of Patients in Healthcare BK97

This guide has been written to provide information on patient moving and handling techniques that present higher risks of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) to healthcare workers. Information on safer patient-handling strategies is also viewed.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2 MB)
Dated: September 2005

Transfer Assist Devices for the Safer Handling of Patients: A Guide for Selection and Safe Use BK103

Health care professionals can use this guide as a resource for evaluating and selecting appropriate transfer assist devices for use in their care environment. Transfer assist devices are non-mechanical devices, such as slide sheets and transfer boards that can reduce the forces or awkward postures associated with some patient-handling activities. When properly selected and used, these devices can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) to caregivers.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (368 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos, and Forms Distribution.
Dated: October 2006

Assess Every Time

A patient's physical and cognitive abilities can change at any time. This video reviews a quick assessment you should complete prior to moving your patient.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* Video (4 min 23 sec)

WorkSafe Bulletin: Properly Install, Inspect, and Load Test Overhead Patient/Resident Track Lifts

This bulletin briefly describes the causes of an accident involving an overhead patient/resident track lift system and actions required by employers, lift suppliers, installers, and workers to prevent recurrence of such an incident.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (206 KB)
Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Comprehensive Ceiling Lift Program in Continuing Care at Queen's Park Care Centre

This document outlines the progress of the Comprehensive Ceiling Lift Program in Continuing Care Project performed at residential care unit 3 West at Queen's Park Care Centre in New Westminster, British Columbia. Dated November 2, 2002.
Source: Fraser Health Authority
* PDF (464 KB)

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