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Guidelines for Lifting

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, July 7, 2005

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Certified nursing assistants are at particular risk for suffering occupational injuries, and more than 50% of those injuries involve the back. An awkward twist, a sudden increase in weight, or an incorrect body position while lifting can all result in injury. Some guidelines for lifting are as follows.

Think before you lift, move, transfer, or position a patient or object. Consider:

• The weight of the patient to be moved
• The ability of the patient to assist
• The difficulty of the move
• The distance you must move the weight

Prepare the area before attempting to move a person or object.

• Clear objects out of the way
• Adjust the bed to an appropriate height
• Obtain extra help or a mechanical lift
• Place a turning sheet under the patient

Prepare your body correctly for the move.

• Place your feet about shoulder width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other
• Bend your knees
• Keep your back straight
• Tighten your abdominal muscles

Move the person correctly

• Have the person or object to be moved as close to you as possible
• Pull, roll, drag, even push, rather than lifting
• Take a deep breath before you begin and breathe out as you make the mvoe
• If more than one person is required, have one person take charge of the move

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