Risk Alert for Senior Living Communities
Preventing Injuries to Caregivers
Every year, Church Mutual senior living customers report more than 500 injuries to their employees. One occupation needing specific risk management attention is caregivers.
Employees in this category include CNAs, LPNs and those giving hands-on care to residents. Past claims provide insight into key safety issues to help prevent similar injuries. Use the following guidelines to help evaluate, develop and implement good risk management practices and procedures for caregivers:
Lifting Strains
- Instruct employees on proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
- Reinforce proper body mechanics for lifting and transferring residents.
- Plan ahead to minimize the number of transfers a resident needs to complete an activity.
- Enforce the two-person lift rule when needed.
Struck by or Collision With Objects
- Place mirrors at corners or other visually obstructed areas to help reduce collisions.
- Place guards over moving parts on heating, cooling, elevator and other equipment to prevent contact.
- Clearly mark and define walkways. Keep carts out of hallways when not in use.
- Mark or pad obstructions that cannot be removed to help reduce the possibility of direct contact or injury if contact is made.
Slips, Trips and Falls
- Design the layout of hallways and rooms to allow smooth traffic flow.
- Keep spill kits available in areas where spills are common. Clean up spills immediately.
- Require all employees to wear slip-resistant footwear.
- Arrange furniture, telephone and electrical cords and supplies to minimize slip-and-fall hazards.
Cuts, Punctures and Scrapes
- Ensure that employees are trained in the safe use and disposal of needles.
- Eliminate the use of needles where safe and effective alternatives are available.
- Modify work practices to make them safer from needlestick injury hazards.
- Dispose of used needles promptly in appropriate sharps disposal containers.
For a complete collection of the Risk Alert for Senior Living Communities series, click here.