Nursing home employees have long been sufferers of musculoskeletal injuries at work. Manual handling of residents can cause significant strain on the body, particularly to the lumbar spine and upper extremities. Nursing home companies have tried numerous strategies to decrease workers’ compensation claims and create safer work environments, but high claims continue to consistently impact the industry.
A recent study published in Safety Science examined the effectiveness of a Safe Resident Handling Program (SRHP) that was instituted by a large nursing home corporation over an eight year period. The program implemented worker training as well as the institution of mechanical lifting equipment. The authors (Kurowski, et al) measured resident handling related Workers’ Compensation claims during two periods of time following the beginning of the program.
During the first three years of the program claims related to resident handling decreased 32%, and claims during years 4 to 6 decreased 38%.
The study demonstrates that safety programs with training and proper equipment can have a significant return on investment. More importantly, it is the right thing to do to keep our employees safe. These types of studies should be considering budgeting for workplace safety program. What wasn’t measured in the study was any improvement in the safety of the nursing home residents, but one would surmise that their safety improved in addition to the employees.
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