Lifting patients

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I am a nurse in the US, where many of us are injuring our backs having to lift and turn obese patients frequently. A coworker told me that in England there is a 'no lift law' where nurse's don't lift their heavy patients to save their backs and help retain nurses because of the shortage.

Is this true, and if so, how do we get it? =):chuckle

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Hi

Yes to a certain degree we have a no lifting policy in the UK. It all comes from the EU who approx decade ago stated that employers should provide the appropriate lifting equipment for the situation at hand, I have known one hospital hire lifting equipment from Sweden due to an extreme heavy patient. On most of the wards I worked on we had notices informing patients and their family/friends that the hospital had a no lifting policy and where ever possible the patient was encouraged to manage self and if they couldn't they were aware of the use of a hoist.

There are still some people who use the lifting techniques they were shown yrs ago but if they injure their back they would not be covered and could not sue the health authority unless they could prove that inadequate lifting equipment was not available.

hope this answers some of your question

Anna

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I don't know that the "no lift" rule helps retain nurses, but it does save their backs.

Here are a few links and documents to get you started on the "No Lift" rule.

NHS Plus Manual Handling

Nursing Times - Defining and implementing a 'no lifting' standard

Safer staff, better care: RCN manual handling training guidance and competencies (February 2003)

Code of Practice for Patient Handling

NHS Back In Work Campaign

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Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.

Yes that is true... We have a Reduced Lifting Policy in our Nursing Home whereby if the resident cant push themselves up in the chair/take any weight etc - we have to use hoists...my back is so much better since using hoists - the only problem being in a nursing home is using them on carpets!!!!Can be hard work;) We also use Slide sheets to turn them in bed or use the hoist to reposition!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Also, let's not forget to ask for assistance when it's needed.

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It might also be worth liasing with your psych colleagues for physical intervention skills. (Doesn't work if a patient refuses to get up off the floor)

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There was an "ergonomics standard" in the OSHA regs pertaining to nursing homes. this reg states that nursing homes have to have enough staff and proper equipment for staff to do lifts without getting injured, or the LTC can be fined/cited by OSHA.

HOWEVER- Bush just did away w/ this reg.

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49416&highlight=bush+osha

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Eviene, I'm not sure I understand the point you make, but as a psych nurse, if a patient lays on the floor and refuses to get up, then they can stay there until they do! The only problems would be moving them to avoid them being a tripping hazard, without lifting them, and preventing other patients getting injured attempting to "help" them.

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There are situations in which you have a duty of care that the patient does not acquiesce, threfore training (with its black-and-white presentation) is inadequate.

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Specializes in Medical/Surg, Dialysis, Nephrology.

In our Health Region, and pretty much all over the province (I believe), we have a strict no lift policy. We are trained in TLR...

Transferring, Lifting and Repositioning. "Minimal amount of effort with the maximum use of equipment'. This training is offered by SAHO, Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations. And in most facilities, you are expcected to hold a certificate in TLR before allowed to work.

This training teaches us to use good body mechanics, and there is certain criteria that a client or patient must meet to fit into different catagories of transfers and moves.

Independent Transfer

Supervised Transfer

Minimum Assistance Transfer

One-person Transfer with Belt

One-person Transfer with Belt and assistant

Sit/Stand Lift

Total Lift

Now all this being said, there are times when you have to tug, pull, push, and rotate, twist, and bend over. It isn't always possible to follow the techniques exactly, but for the most part, it is good training to have. It cuts back on the amount of injuries nurses and caregivers get and probably claims to Workers Compensation for injuries on the job. I have no idea how that works, it has never happened to me so I am not sure of the whole process.

So we have a No Lift Policy in effect here. This has been in place for a number of years I believe.

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I am amazed at the fact so many of u even use the term LIFTING.The word alone is forbidden where I work!. We move and handle patients and I can assure you NO MORE LIFTING. I have gone from a woman who hobbles accross the living room after a days LIFTING to one who also employs a no lifting policy in my own home. We are supported when we need extra equipment, staff, moving and handling equipment ectect so here is one nurse who wont have to take retirement early.

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Specializes in ICU.

We also have a "no lift policy" here in Australia. If you want a good example of how to "sell" the idea to your management

http://www.qnu.org.au/about_qnu/occupational_health_and_safety/no_lifting_2000

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