TITLE 23

Health and Safety

CHAPTER 23-80

Safe Patient Handling Act of 2006

SECTION 23-80-2



   § 23-80-2  Legislative findings. –

(a) Patients are at greater risk of injury, including skin tears, falls, and

musculoskeletal injuries, when being lifted, transferred, or repositioned

manually.



   (b) Safe patient handling can reduce skin tears suffered by

patients by threefold, and can significantly reduce other injuries to patients

as well.



   (c) Health care workers lead the nation in work-related

musculoskeletal disorders. Between thirty-eight percent (38%) and fifty percent

(50%) of nurses and other health care workers will suffer a work-related back

injury during their career. Forty-four percent (44%) of these workers will be

unable to return to their pre-injury position.



   (d) Research indicates that nurses lift an estimated 1.8 tons

per shift. Eighty-three percent (83%) of nurses work in spite of back pain, and

sixty percent (60%) of nurses fear a disabling back injury. Twelve percent

(12%) to thirty-nine percent (39%) of nurses not yet disabled are considering

leaving nursing due to back pain and injuries.



   (e) Safe patient handling reduces injuries and costs. In nine

(9) case studies evaluating the impact of lifting equipment, injuries decreased

sixty percent (60%) to ninety-five percent (95%), Workers' Compensation costs

dropped by ninety-five percent (95%), and absenteeism due to lifting and

handling was reduced by ninety-eight percent (98%).



History of Section.

(P.L. 2006, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 463, § 1.)