Lifting Policy and Guidelines 2011

Lifting Policy and Guidelines 2011

PROCEDURES • Size up the load and check overall conditions. Prepare loads that are a reasonable weight when possible, “reasonable weight” for any given job title being related to those defined in the “Physical Demands” section of their job description. • Don't attempt the lift by yourself if the load appears to be too heavy or awkward. • Check that there is enough space for movement, and that the footing is good. • "Good housekeeping" ensures that you won't trip or stumble over an obstacle.

PROCEDURES • When possible, lifting will be planned so that assistance (mechanical or otherwise) can be arranged in advance. This is particularly important if it is non-routine and involves a heavy or bulky object, emergency situations notwithstanding. • Use the assistance of mechanical means, co-workers, and facility staff whenever possible. • Employ proper body mechanics to facilitate a safe lift and transportation.

MECHANICS • Make certain that your balance is good. Feet should be shoulder width apart, with one foot beside and the other foot behind the object that is to be lifted if able. • Bend at the knees; don't stoop. Keep the back straight, but not vertical. (There is a difference. Tucking in the chin straightens the back.) • Grip the load with the palms of your hands and your fingers. The palm grip is much more secure. Tuck in the chin again to make certain your back is straight before starting to lift.

MECHANICS • Use your body weight to start the load moving, then lift by pushing up with the legs. This makes full use of the strongest set of muscles. • Keep the arms and elbows close to the body while lifting. • Carry the load close to the body. Don't twist your body while carrying the load. To change direction, shift your foot position and turn your whole body.

MECHANICS • Watch where you are going! • To lower the object, bend the knees. Don't stoop. To deposit the load on a bench or shelf, place it on the edge and push it into position. • Make sure your hands and feet are clear when placing the load.

TEAM LIFTING • Team lifting must be coordinated: If the weight, shape, or size of an object makes the job too much for one person, ask for help. • One individual needs to be responsible for control of the action to ensure proper coordination. If one worker lifts too soon, shifts the load, or lowers it improperly, either they or the person working with them may be injured.

LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS • Safe lifting of heavy items requires training and practice. For example, we've probably all seen a small person move heavy loads with apparent ease. • The secret lies in taking the proper stance and grip. • When equipment is available, it should be used to lift and carry heavy objects. Loaders, forklifts, hoists, etc. are made for this purpose.

USING LIFTING DEVICES • Employees are encouraged to employ the use of lifting devices, such as hoya lifts, at facilities that possess such equipment. • If you wish to use a lifting device but are not familiar with it’s function, ask the staff for help, since the devices can be dangerous if used improperly.

USING LIFTING DEVICES • Carolina MedCare Provides heavy-duty mechanical lift slings for use on patients that are beyond the lifting capability of the crew. • This device should be used whenever there is a possibility that the patient will be transported to and/or from a facility that employs mechanical lift devices. The sling should be placed under the patient before moving the first time, to ensure that it is available for use immediately when needed.

Lift Testing Memo • October 1, 2009 • To: All Ambulance and Wheel Chair Personnel • From: Mark Self • Director of Compliance, Training and Education • Subject: Lift Testing

In an effort to decrease the incidents of work place injuries we have instituted a change in the hiring and retention of employees. Effective as of this date we will begin using lift testing as part of the hiring, annual performance review process and for personnel returning from workman’s compensation related injuries for all ambulance and wheel chair personnel. Each employee will be evaluated by a supervisor or a member of management prior to employment, on return to full duty status from an injury and/or during their annual performance evaluation. This will be a hands on physical agility test as noted in the attached sheets.

Current employees who fail any portion of the test initially, will be retested in 30 days. Failure on the second attempt will be grounds for termination for not meeting minimum job requirements. Failure of any portion of the test for new employees will prevent their hire.

This change in policy is designed to ensure all employees have safe working conditions and maintain the needed abilities to properly perform their duties. This memo supersedes all prior performance review or hiring memos.

Wheelchair Drivers Task One Equipment needed: 50 lb. weight and a waist levprevent injury. The purpose of this event is that it is meant to simulate lifting various weights to chair height. The event requires proper lifting technique and challenges the candidate’s leg, torso, and arm strength. el shelf The candidate will lift 50lb. weight from floor to waist level shelf. During this event, the candidate will lift square to the box, not from the side, using proper lifting mechanics to help

Task Two • Equipment needed: wheelchair, weighted manikin, and a wheelchair van • Task two will require the candidate to safely load the patient into the wheelchair van and secure the patient into the truck using the 5 point restraint system. • The purpose of this task is to ensure the wheelchair driver can do their everyday tasks.

Lifting, Ambulance Crew Members • Task One • Equipment needed: 50 lb. weight and a waist level shelf • The candidate will lift 50lb. weight from floor to waist level shelf. During this event, the candidate will lift square to the box, not from the side, using proper lifting mechanics to help prevent injury. • The purpose of this event is that it is meant to simulate lifting various weights to chair height. The event requires proper lifting technique and challenges the candidate’s leg, torso, and arm strength.

Task Two • Equipment needed: one trauma bag with 30lb weight in the bag, cardiac monitor, and stretcher • In this event, the candidate will remove one trauma bag and a monitor from the cabinet one at a time and place them on the ground. The candidate will then pick up both the monitor and the trauma bag, one in each hand, and carry them while walking 100 feet to the stretcher (which was placed prior to the event). The candidate will place the trauma bag and the monitor onto the stretcher and then return back to the starting point while pushing the stretcher in a controlled manner. Upon return to the unit, the candidate will remove the bag and monitor one at a time and place them back into the cabinet. Running in not permitted for this event. • The purpose of this event is to simulate removing equipment bags from an ambulance, carrying them to the emergency scene, and returning the equipment and the stretcher to the ambulance.

Task Three • Equipment needed: Weighted manikin of 175 lbs, Stretcher and 1 flight of stairs consisting of 4 steps, 1 assistant (partner) • The candidate will be required to carry the weighted manikin on a stretcher up the flight of stairs. The candidate will be required to alternate between going forward and backward to simulate carrying either end of the stretcher. The candidate may not stop during this event, however; they may place the weight on the floor after the lift to adjust their grip. The candidate will then move the weighted manikin down the flight of steps. There must be a spotter for this event to ensure safety for the candidate. • The purpose of this event is to simulate carrying the stretcher up and down the stairs. The candidate will utilize proper lifting techniques at all times during this exercise.

Task Four • Equipment needed: stretcher and manikin weighing 175 lbs • The candidate must be able to lift a 175lb patient in various positions, while lying on the floor, bed, and pulling the patient in and out of the ambulance. The candidate will have the help of one qualified individual with lifting the patient onto the stretcher. This will be a three step event. The first will consist of the patient lying on the ground. The patient will be securely strapped to the backboard and then lifted and placed onto the stretcher. The second will have the patient lying on the bed and the candidate will have to pull the patient onto the stretcher with assistance. The third event the candidate will have to be able to pull the patient while on the stretcher in and out of the ambulance with assistance from a qualified employee. • The purpose of this event is to ensure the candidate can lift the average weight of a patient using proper lifting technique. It is also designed to ensure that the candidate knows the proper techniques for engaging and disengaging the stretcher locking mechanism.

Lift Testing Acknowledgement • I __________________________________ acknowledge receipt of the lift testing requirement instituted by Carolina Medcare on October 1, 2009. I understand that annual and return to duty testing will be required as part of the minimum job requirements for my position. • ______________________________ __________________ • Signature Date • ______________________________ __________________ • Witness Date • Next Section click here

Lifting Policy and Guidelines 2011