Safe Patient Handling Policy

BENEFITS

Workplaces in different industry sectors often have similar ergonomics-related issues, such as manual materials handling challenges and the proper layout of workstations. But those issues in the healthcare sector are unique, especially when it comes to patient handling. Workers in hospitals, nursing homes and similar facilities must be able to move patients, say, from their beds to a wheelchair, in a way that doesn’t endanger either the patients or themselves.

HOW TO USE THE TOOL

Adapt this model safe patient handling policy for the applicable OHS requirements in your jurisdiction’s OHS regulations, your operation and equipment, and your OHS program. Ensure that all workers are properly trained on the policy.

OTHER RESOURCES:

AOHP’s Resource Guide for Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in the Acute Care Setting