Healthcare workers, especially nurses and aides, frequently perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and repositioning patients. These repetitive movements put them at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries, which can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even long-term disability.
Knowing how to prevent lifting injuries and properly report workplace accidents can help protect both your health and your legal rights. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free legal consultation.
Common Causes of Lifting Injuries in Healthcare
Lifting and moving patients, equipment, and supplies can place significant strain on the body. Some of the most common causes of lifting injuries in healthcare settings include:
- Transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs
- Repositioning patients in bed
- Lifting heavy medical equipment or supplies
- Performing repetitive tasks without sufficient breaks
- Lack of access to assistive lifting devices
- Insufficient staff to assist with lifting tasks
These risk factors make nurses and aides vulnerable to injuries such as muscle strains, herniated discs, and joint damage.
Tips for Preventing Lifting Injuries
While lifting is a necessary part of many healthcare jobs, proper techniques and workplace safety measures can help reduce the risk of injury.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
- Bend at the knees, not the waist, to protect your lower back
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart for stability
- Hold objects or patients close to your body to minimize strain
- Avoid twisting your torso while lifting
- Engage your leg muscles instead of relying on your back
Utilize Assistive Devices
Many healthcare facilities provide mechanical lifting devices to reduce the physical strain on workers. These may include:
- Ceiling-mounted lifts
- Transfer slings
- Adjustable beds
- Slide sheets
If your workplace has these devices available, always use them instead of lifting patients manually whenever possible.
Request Assistance When Needed
Healthcare workers often feel pressured to complete tasks quickly, but lifting alone can increase the risk of serious injury. If a patient or object is too heavy, ask a coworker for assistance. Team lifting reduces strain and ensures patient safety.
Advocate for Workplace Safety
If you notice unsafe lifting conditions at work, report them to your supervisor or safety committee. Employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment, including proper training and equipment to prevent injuries.
Steps to Take After a Lifting Injury
Even with precautions, lifting injuries can still happen. If you experience pain or strain from a workplace lifting incident, take the following steps to protect your health and your rights.
Report the Injury Immediately
- Notify your supervisor as soon as possible
- Complete an incident report and request a copy for your records
- Document the date, time, and circumstances of the injury
Delays in reporting an injury could jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.
Seek Medical Attention
- Visit a healthcare provider immediately to assess the extent of your injury
- Follow all treatment recommendations, including physical therapy or rest
- Keep detailed records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and work restrictions
Medical documentation is critical for proving that your injury is work-related.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for employees injured on the job. To ensure your claim is successful:
- File your claim as soon as possible to meet legal deadlines
- Provide supporting medical evidence
- Follow up on your claim’s status and comply with any requests for additional documentation
If your claim is denied, an employment attorney can help you file an appeal.
When to Seek Legal Assistance
Lifting injuries can lead to long-term health issues that affect your ability to work. If you are struggling to get the benefits you deserve, an attorney can help.
An employment law attorney can:
- Ensure your workers’ compensation claim is filed correctly
- Challenge unfair claim denials or delays
- Advocate for full compensation, including medical treatment and lost wages
- Protect you from employer retaliation for reporting your injury
If you have suffered a lifting injury at work, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 today to discuss your case and secure the compensation you are entitled to receive.