A major source of injury to health-care workers is musculoskeletal disorders, often due to overexertion and manual patient handling activities. Consequently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a new outreach campaign to raise awareness about the hazards associated with MSDs. According to OSHA, improper patient handling is a leading cause of sprains, strains, and soft tissue and back injuries. As part of the campaign, OSHA is providing employers, unions and associations in the health-care industry throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia with information on proper methods for lifting and transferring patients.
