In 1992, the facility instituted a no-lift policy that requires nursing personnel to use lifting equipment for residents unable to move or walk on their own. A notice on each resident's bed informs the staff of what equipment, if any, is required to lift the patient. Initially the facility used lifts with manual cranking, but within a year, switched to ones with electrical cranks. Since implementing its program, the facility has had only one back injury due to lifting. The committee demonstrated to all staff how to use lifts, designed a process for evaluating whether residents can be lifted, and instituted awards for safety.
Safety now is presented as the first topic at all meetings.
The number of lost work days dropped from 573 in 1991 to 12 in 1996.