Citation

St-Vincent M, Tellier C, Petitjean-Roget T. Safety Sci. 1999; 31(3): 197-212.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the analysis of accidents involving caregivers that occurred in three hospitals in one year. The analysis indicates that the accidents involving muscular effort must be given priority in prevention because they explain most absences (70%) and account for 77% of the lost days. Much emphasis has been put on the description of transfer accidents. In these accidents, caregivers are most often injured while transporting patients and, frequently, while supporting them. The accidents are, therefore, rarely associated with lifting. Also, the most prevalent problem involves the patient. These results have an impact on training and prevention. Most training programs focus on lifting, but it is in transporting the patient that the injuries occur. This may indicate problems with balance during transport. The study also suggests that knowledge about the patient plays an important role in the transfer; it would, therefore, be useful in prevention for caregivers to have a better knowledge about the patients handled.