REDUCING THE RISK - TRAINING

Is initial training provided for all new staff? And in-service courses provided regularly?

Training should be available for new staff when they start work.

Training should include:

• the many work risk factors that contribute to back injury;
• the principles of back care and the prevention of injury through work organisation, workplace design and use of appropriate equipment;
• instruction and supervised practice of manual handling techniques and patient handling equipment in the workplace.

Make sure new staff can demonstrate the recommended patient handling techniques used in the home.

Refresher and in-service courses need to be a regular part of the training program. These should reinforce the principles of back care and injury prevention, and ensure the development of handling skills.

Are practical handling techniques demonstrated in the workplace by trained staff?

Good patient handling techniques need to be demonstrated in the real-life setting of the home. Any limitations of the workplace can then be discussed and necessary changes made as appropriate.

Continue with Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Back Strain in Nursing Homes
Return to Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Back Strain in Nursing Homes Index

[Last Updated: May 1996 - Worksafe Western Australia]