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Learning Objectives

Guidelines for Lifting and Transferring Students in a School Setting Maribeth Wilkins,PT May 12, 2010. Learning Objectives. Increase knowledge regarding lifting requirements as stated by OSHA Increase knowledge concerning the need to train school staff to safely handle their students

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Learning Objectives

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  1. Guidelines for Lifting and Transferring Students in a School SettingMaribethWilkins,PTMay 12, 2010

  2. Learning Objectives • Increase knowledge regarding lifting requirements as stated by OSHA • Increase knowledge concerning the need to train school staff to safely handle their students • Increase safety awareness of staff of their well- being of students • Improve the lifting and handling decision making process • Increase knowledge concerning the need for documentation and its importance if and OSHA complaint is filed

  3. Origin of the Lifting Work Group • OSHA complaint filed in Montgomery County • History of Work Group • Result of the complaint

  4. Introduction • Our purpose is to promote safety for students and staff in a school setting during student transfers and movement tasks. • School Based Therapists and MSDE Steering Committee for OT/PT will be guided by the OSHA Ergonomics Publication and the Safe Handling and Movement Algorithms developed by the Veterans Administration.

  5. STEPS IN THE PROCESS • Gathering Information • Decision making • Training • Documentation

  6. GATHERING INFORMATION Student Characteristics • Student size and weight • Weight bearing capability (with and without braces) • Level of assistance required • Arm function • Student’s level of comprehension • Student’s level of cooperation • Medical conditions that may influence the choice of methods for lifting or repositioning • Presence of IEP goals for increasing independence in transferring

  7. GATHERING INFORMATION Staff Characteristics • Number of staff available for training and implementation • Presence of lifting restrictions • Height of staff members • Willing participants Environmental Factors • Anticipated frequency of lifts and/or repositioning • Space where task will occur (presence of guard rails, adequate room for staff members and/or equipment, flooring) • Time constraints • Alternative sites for task (i.e. field trips)

  8. DECISION MAKING • An example of the Safe Handling and Movement Algorithm developed by the Veterans Administration

  9. Can student bear weight? Caregiver assistance not needed; Stand by for safety as needed. Is the student cooperative? If changing table can be positioned to a low level, use a stand assist transfer. If not, use a mechanical lift or a 2 person lift, if > 35 lbs.. Use mechanical lift and/ or 2 or more caregivers, if caregiver is lifting > 35 lbs. • Adjustable height changing tables would be ideal. • During any transferring task, if any caregiver is required to lift more than 35 lbs. of a student’s weight, then the student should be considered to be fully dependent and assistive devices and/or additional staff should be used for the transfer. (Guidelines for Nursing Homes: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (OSHA 3182-2007) www.osha.gov)

  10. Components of Training • Identify staff/ designated trainees • Identify Resources needed to support training: space; materials; release time for trainers and trainees • Identify methods of training: role playing; ongoing collaboration; plan for follow-up • Content of training: physical disabilities; features of equipment; student cognition/ behavior

  11. Documentation • The purpose is to document the evidence of training for staff members in the task of movement and transferring students. • Information needed to document is date; subject and information covered; printed name of staff and their signature • Plan for rechecking of skills as needed • Indication of whether the training is the initial one or a follow up training

  12. A copy of the document should be kept in therapists’ records and a copy should be sent to designated administrator as per your jurisdiction • Pictures of transfers may be beneficial in the location used • This is proof that the training has occurred and the staff member has signed to verify the training

  13. TRANSFER TOOLS AND MECHANICAL DEVICES

  14. LIFTING WORK GROUP MEMBERS: • Maribeth Wilkins, PT, Chairperson, Calvert County Public Schools • Lynn Borgmann, PT, Maryland School for the Blind • Patricia Brooks, PT, Howard County Public Schools • Judith Davidson, PT, Anne Arundel County Public Schools • Karen Greeley, PT, Baltimore County Public Schools • Donna Lesch, PT, Montgomery County Public Schools • Lisa Spencer, Risk Management Officer, Maryland Association of Boards of Education

  15. Thanks for attending today. Enjoy your summer!

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