The Safe Patient Handling law requires hospitals to implement a patient handling policy that requires installation of lifting devices. The law also requires staff training so nurses are proficient in using those devices, rather than manually lifting patients.
According to the report, approximately 12 percent of California nurses leave the nursing field each year due to back injuries. A study by Kaiser Permanente also revealed nurses’ injuries can be costly, amounting to $53 million for worker’s compensation claims and other costs in 1999.
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