In 2010 the rate of musculoskeletal injuries for every 10,000 employees was 249 for nursing assistants, which was greater than the all-industry injury average by a factor of more than seven (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, n.d.). In 2013 the American Nurses Association published their standards for safety in moving patients and encouraged the implementation of policies to facilitate mechanical lifts rather than manually lifting patients (American Nurses Association, 2013). By 2014 musculoskeletal injuries improved somewhat for nursing assistants decreasing from seven time the all-industry average to five times the average, or 205 per 10,000, (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). Musculoskeletal injuries continue to be a problem for the nursing profession and hospital workers. Hospitals are implementing mechanical lifts and encouraging a culture of safety; however, more can be done to decrease the rate of musculoskeletal injuries and protect staff and
In 2010 the rate of musculoskeletal injuries for every 10,000 employees was 249 for nursing assistants, which was greater than the all-industry injury average by a factor of more than seven (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, n.d.). In 2013 the American Nurses Association published their standards for safety in moving patients and encouraged the implementation of policies to facilitate mechanical lifts rather than manually lifting patients (American Nurses Association, 2013). By 2014 musculoskeletal injuries improved somewhat for nursing assistants decreasing from seven time the all-industry average to five times the average, or 205 per 10,000, (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). Musculoskeletal injuries continue to be a problem for the nursing profession and hospital workers. Hospitals are implementing mechanical lifts and encouraging a culture of safety; however, more can be done to decrease the rate of musculoskeletal injuries and protect staff and