Every day, healthcare workers lift, transfer, and reposition patients—often without a second thought. But behind these everyday tasks lies a hidden crisis: manual patient handling is one of the top causes of occupational injuries in healthcare, leading to chronic pain, missed workdays, and long-term disability. According to , nurses and nursing assistants suffer musculoskeletal injuries at rates significantly higher than workers in construction or manufacturing.

“Patient handling isn’t just a physical task—it’s a safety moment, every time,” says Ed Sowers, Risk Management Service Specialist at 91şÚÁĎÍř.

What’s more troubling? Many of these injuries are preventable—but persistent myths and outdated practices continue to put caregivers at risk.

More Than Lifting

One common misconception is that lifting is the sole hazard in patient handling. In reality, horizontal movements—like sliding a patient from a bed to a stretcher or repositioning them in bed—are equally, if not more, dangerous. These movements often involve awkward postures, repetitive strain, and high physical exertion, all of which contribute to cumulative trauma injuries.

According to the , these high-risk activities place stress on the spine and shoulders, especially when performed without proper assistive equipment or technique. OSHA also reports that back injuries account for a majority of musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare, making safer patient handling an urgent priority.

Training Is Not a One-and-Done

Even the best equipment won’t prevent injuries if staff aren’t trained to use it properly—and consistently. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) key components of an effective Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) program, including:

• Annual hands-on competency evaluations
• Ongoing mentoring by trained “safety champions”
• Training tailored to patient mobility levels
• Hands-on instruction with powered and non-powered equipment

Training should be continuous, not just during onboarding. The data shows facilities that implemented ongoing SPHM training programs saw a dramatic reduction in injury rates—

Equipment Quality Matters—and So Does Staff Buy-In

Slide sheets. Sit-to-stand lifts. Air-assisted lateral transfer devices. Reusable slings. While these tools are essential to reducing physical strain, not all equipment is created equal, and poor design or lack of user comfort often leads to underuse.

Research when selecting equipment—one that includes nurses, aides, and other frontline caregivers. Their feedback on usability, ease of cleaning, and comfort helps ensure tools are effective and actually used.

Facilities should regularly evaluate patient handling devices for ergonomics, durability, and staff acceptance, and make upgrades when needed to support safe work practices.

Handle Proactive Solutions

The consequences of unsafe patient handling go beyond injury. from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing assistants had the highest number of cases involving days away from work among all occupations—most commonly due to overexertion and bodily reaction.

The financial impact of these injuries is staggering: workers’ compensation costs, staffing shortages, and lost productivity quickly add up. More importantly, these injuries are emotionally and physically devastating for the dedicated caregivers we rely on every day.

Redesigning Care

Reducing these risks requires more than compliance—it requires a culture of safety, supported by leadership, equipment, education, and empowerment. Safe patient handling should be viewed as a core element of quality care—one that protects not only patients, but also the skilled professionals who care for them.

“When we invest in better tools, smarter training, and a culture of accountability, we’re not just checking a compliance box—we’re protecting the people at the heart of healthcare,” Sowers added. “Safe patient handling is about making sure everyone goes home healthy at the end of the day.”

At 91şÚÁĎÍř, we help healthcare facilities design and implement evidence-based safe patient handling programs tailored to their unique needs. From ergonomic assessments to staff training support, our team works with you to prevent injuries before they occur.

To learn how we can support your facility’s safety goals, contact your local 91şÚÁĎÍř Risk Management Consultant.

Numbers like these remind us that workplace safety is more than a regulatory checkbox. It is a shared responsibility, a moral obligation, and an investment in the well-being of every person who steps onto a jobsite or into a facility each day. This is the driving force behind the , taking place August 11 – 17, 2025.

Why This Week Matters

The urgency of addressing workplace safety is clear when we look at broader health statistics. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 40 million emergency department visits due to injuries, with a significant percentage relating to workplace incidents. And nearly 6% of adults are sidelined by injuries that limit their daily activities over a three-month period. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real people whose lives and livelihoods are drastically altered by workplace accidents.

Preparing for the Unexpected

This year’s focus—Emergency Preparedness and Response—underscores the importance of having strong, actionable plans in place before a crisis strikes. Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time: natural disasters, fires, hazardous spills, or unexpected mechanical failures. A well-practiced plan can mean the difference between swift recovery and catastrophic loss.

Through OSHA’s free resources, organizations can:

• ASSESS and improve response plans to ensure workers know what to do in a crisis.
• CONDUCT realistic drills that prepare teams for evacuation, shelter-in-place scenarios, or first-aid emergencies.
• STRENGTHEN communication strategies so vital information reaches every worker quickly and clearly.
• ENGAGE leadership and employees together, fostering trust and shared responsibility for safety.

Investing in safety yields significant returns, both economically and in human terms. For every dollar invested in safety programs, businesses can between $4 to $6 from reduced injury rates and lower Workers’ Compensation costs, according to OSHA’s estimates. These activities not only protect lives but also reinforce a culture where workers feel valued, heard, and confident in their safety.

Commit to Safety

While Safe + Sound Week shines a spotlight on workplace safety, true impact comes when businesses embed these principles into daily operations. three core elements of an effective safety and health program:

1. Leadership Commitment: When executives and managers visibly champion safety, it sets the tone for the entire organization.
2. Worker Participation: Employees often know hazards best; involving them in solutions builds stronger, safer processes.
3. Hazard Identification and Control: assessments and timely fixes prevent accidents before they happen.

Every injury prevented is a life changed. Every workplace improvement is a step toward ensuring everyone returns home safely each day.

Looking Ahead

Initiatives like Safe + Sound Week remind us of the ongoing importance of prioritizing workplace safety. By committing to comprehensive safety strategies, businesses not only protect their workforce but also enhance their operational efficiency and sustainability.

Creating a culture of safety goes beyond compliance—it involves education, awareness, and continuous improvement. For more resources on risk management and safe equipment operation, visit our Risk Management page, or contact a member of our Risk Management Team. Let’s make workplace safety a priority not just this week but every week, showcasing that safety is more than a policy—it’s a cornerstone of responsible business practice.

While they play a significant role in driving progress, these activities can also carry inherent risks that lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that from 2003 to 2017 there were a total of 373 trenching fatalities, 80% of which occurred within the construction industry. Engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices can reduce hazards to workers and prevent trench cave-ins. Read on to explore crucial strategies for implementing safety measures that promote a secure jobsite and mitigate potential liabilities.

The Proactive Approach

• : Before beginning any trenching or excavation work, conduct a thorough analysis of the soil to determine its stability and potential for collapse. It’s also important to test for hazardous atmospheres, such as low oxygen or toxic gases before workers enter the trench. Ensure proper ventilation and respiratory protection when needed.
• Put in place robust protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, or trench boxes to prevent cave-ins. Perform daily inspections of the trench or excavation area and address any changes in soil conditions, water accumulation, or other potential hazards.
• Provide safe entry and exit points to the trench or excavation site, such as ladders, ramps, or stairways, that are located within 25 feet of workers. Guard against falling soil, equipment, and materials by placing them at a safe distance from the edge of the trench. Use barricades and warning signs to keep unauthorized personnel away from the site.
• Ensure workers receive extensive training encompassing hazard recognition, equipment operation, emergency response, and adherence to safety protocols. Develop an emergency action plan that includes procedures for rescue and medical attention in case of an incident. Ensure workers know how to respond to emergencies.
• Follow Regulatory Standards: Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for trenching and excavation to ensure legal adherence and create a safe work environment.

Looking Ahead

Trenching and excavating safety is a critical aspect of the jobsite. By prioritizing the well-being of workers and adhering to OSHA regulations and guidelines, you can create a safer working environment while also minimizing potential liabilities. Ultimately, safety is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but also a strategic decision that contributes to the overall success of your bottom line.

91şÚÁĎÍř policyholders rely on our risk management team for an array of customized and innovative solutions to help ensure your company’s safe and successful workplace. Learn more about this area of our service.

Manufacturing Day is held on the first Friday of October each year with the purpose of highlighting the importance of this significant sector along with the opportunities and challenges within this field. In total, manufacturing  contributes 20% of the nation’s capital investment, 35% of productivity growth, and 60% of exports, .

The annual Manufacturing Day event is coordinated by The Manufacturing Institute and helps to inspire the next generation of workers, an especially important focus during today’s changing landscape — which has become more digital and more sustainable — and the cross-industry skilled labor shortage.

Participate in Manufacturing Day 2022

Businesses and educational institutions across the U.S. are encouraged to check out the virtual and in-person resources and events taking place as part of National Manufacturing Day and help inform the workforce of tomorrow about what it means to be a part of today’s manufacturing world.

Learn More About the Manufacturing Outlook

Visit these resources to learn more about trends in the manufacturing industry today, including the common risks and opportunities associated with the transformation of manufacturing and the top manufacturing trends to watch including changes to the workforce, supply chains, and more.

• Manufacturing Industry Trends: What Successful Companies Are Doing Differently

Protection Forged in Partnership

91şÚÁĎÍř is expanding its focus on the manufacturing industry by investing in our products and people who provide the expertise you rely on to help protect your manufacturing business. Learn more about the unique coverage and technologies to complement your manufacturing programs, including our new Product Recall and Manufacturers Errors & Omissions products, expanded appetite to provide industry-leading service to more manufacturing businesses, and an increased investment in our expert employees with manufacturing knowledge.