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OSHA Sets Sights on Safe Lifting Alarmed by the high incidence of employee injuries in the long-term care industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a National Emphasis Program (NEP) aimed at reducing the causes of those injuries. According to 2010 data that was reviewed by OSHA, nursing and residential care facilities experienced one of the highest rates of lost workdays due to injuries and illnesses of all major American industries. In fact, the incidence rate of cases involving days away from work in the long-term care field was 2.3 times greater than private industry as a whole. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of the injuries could be attributed to overexertion as well as slips, trips and falls.1

Announced on April 5, 2012, the NEP will last for three years and cover nursing homes, residential mental retardation facilities and continuing care retirement communities. The NEP provides specific guidance on how OSHA compliance officers should conduct their inspections, including evaluating resident handling, evaluating whether the facility has adequate "lift, transfer or reposition" assistive devices available and inspecting the "lift, transfer and reposition" training that is provided to employees.1 For the NEP, OSHA will be targeting facilities that have a days away, restricted, transfer (DART) rate of 10 or higher per 100 full-time workers. To view the NEP directive in its entirety, click the link above. To learn more about ProMed's safe lifting equipment solutions, or to schedule a demonstration in your facility, please contact your territory manager. Reference 1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration. US Labor Department's OSHA announces new National Emphasis Program for Nursing and Residential Care Facilities. Available at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=2211. Accessed June 27, 2012. .

The Hoyer Presence Lift is engineered and designed to handle almost any resident-handling task. With its outstanding lift range, the Presence can accommodate lifts from the floor as well as transfers to higher surfaces. The higher safe working load and greater spatial area make this lift a perfect fit for larger residents. Additional features: 500 lb weight capacity Ergonomic foot pad assists caregivers with initiating movement Hand control clip holds the pendant in place when it is not being used, preventing it from falling and possible damage Two-year warranty To purchase both the lift and a scale to simplify resident weighing activities, please view item no. 076-HOY-PRESENCEWSC.

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