By Kenneth S. Weinberg, MSc, PhD

In Part 1 of this series, I explained how using lift teams can help reduce ergonomic injuries in a healthcare facility. (The same is true in other kinds of facilities and many of the principles discussed in this story might apply outside the healthcare context.) But to get the best results, though, you need to build a team approach before you build the actual team. This article will explain how. There's also a model questionnaire in Tools that you can access if you're a SafetyXChange member.

Identify Potential Users

Your first step is to identify who in your facility would use the team. Do some research and compile a list of those in your facility who occasionally need to move or lift patients. In most healthcare facilities, lift teams would benefit:

• Nurses
• Transporters
• Radiology technicians
• Physical therapists

Conduct a Survey

Once you've completed your list, invite those groups to participate in a survey. The objective is to get employees in your facility thinking about how they would use lift teams and what effect such use might have on their daily work routine. Some questions to include on your survey:

• How often are patient lifts required on your unit?
• What types of patients are housed in your unit: surgical, elderly, obese, etc.?
• Are you willing/able to participate in a lift team?

(Also see the questionnaire in Tools.)

Promote the Lift Team

Once you collect and analyze the survey information, let everyone in your facility know about this new resource. You can do this by:

• Implementing a public relations campaign to advertise the formation of these teams and the benefits they will bring to your organization;
• Offering education programs to teach employees about the specific duties of the lift teams, the training that team members have received, and what to expect from them.

Conclusion

Finally, let me address the issue of the costs and benefits of lift teams. Hiring employees to work on lift teams costs money. However, the money saved by not paying workers' compensation and sick leave claims will more than balance the cost of new staff. More importantly, there is no price that can be placed on maintaining the health and safety of employees by eliminating ergonomics injuries.

Seasonal Safety Quiz

By Catherine Jones
Managing Editor
SafetyXChange

Question: Which hazard faced by outdoor workers increases significantly in mid to late September?

Answer: Stinging insects.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) a nest that two months ago contained only a few dozen yellow jackets (or bees, hornets or fire ants) may now house thousands of the stinging insects. This is bad news for the 5% of Americans who are at risk for the severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis. And bad news for those who don't know they're at risk.

Some people experience a severe allergic reaction after being stung only once. But other people can be stung several times before experiencing an allergic reaction. In severe allergic reactions, a quick drop in blood pressure may lead to shock, loss of consciousness and even death.

The AAAAI recommends these treatment tips in the event of a sting:

1. Watch for symptoms of anaphylaxis (itching, hives, swelling of throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea). If any appear, call 911 right away.

2. Those who know they have a severe allergy should inject epinephrine immediately and call 911.

3. If victim is dizzy, have them lie flat on the ground until help arrives.

4. Elevate affected area and apply ice to reduce pain and swelling

5. To prevent secondary infection, gently clean blisters with soap and water. Do not break the blisters.

6. Relieve itching with topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines.

7. Do not pinch the area to remove the stinger. This may cause more venom to be released into the skin.

Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

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