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Ceiling hoists - a cost-effective solution to reduce people handling injuries in homes, residential aged care and hospitals

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the HealthSAFE committee are running a ceiling hoist workshop on Tuesday, 9 March 2010, at the Education Centre of Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

Back and shoulder injuries continue to be commonplace in the health and aged care sector, with about half of all injuries due to people handling. Nearly 2000 people each year sustain injuries that could have been prevented by using simple lifting equipment.

Two recent studies¹ have shown that mechanical aids in health and aged care settings reduce musculoskeletal injuries from people handling.

Despite such research, there has been limited uptake of ceiling hoists within the industry. There is a misconception that the installation (both retrofitting and in new buildings) of ceiling hoists can be costly. However, most ceiling hoists can be purchased and fitted for around $6000 and are not very expensive compared with the cost of a single shoulder or back injury.

The workshop will feature information about how ceiling hoists are used in a variety of settings, with health professionals and technical experts highlighting practical case studies covering hospitals, special education and aged care, as well as the home.

There will also be information about the types of clients suitable for ceiling hoists, what sorts of ceiling hoists are available, what practical issues need be considered in selecting and installing a ceiling hoist, what it costs and how to get funding.

¹Pompeii L et al. Musculoskeletal injuries resulting from patient handling tasks among hospital workers. Am J Ind Med; 2009. 52:571-578.

¹Park R et al. Impact of publicly sponsored interventions on musculoskeletal injury claims in nursing homes. Am J Ind med; 52:683-697.