June 2002

Nurses launch back attack

A ‘back attack’ program for nurses has received a $1.5 million boost after Health Minister John Thwaites said preliminary results of a prevention campaign showed a 74 per cent reduction in injuries.

‘Nurses have the highest injury rate in the female workforce with back injuries accounting for more than half of WorkCover claims by nurses.

‘So it is extremely encouraging that an analysis by LaTrobe University of back injuries at 25 of the 111 health facilities that have now implemented the back prevention program found days lost to injury had fallen by 74 per cent and WorkCover claims by 54 per cent.’

Celebrating International Nurses Day, Mr Thwaites said the State Government would continue the back prevention program and provide more hospital equipment at hospital and aged care facilities.

The extra funding will provide lifting machines, adjustable beds and other measures to reduce injuries to nurses.

‘This state of the art equipment will help nurses carry out their duties without the need for heavy manual lifting as required in the past.

‘By providing extra funding for the Nurse Back Injury Prevention Program and more lifting equipment we hope to be able to further reduce the number of back injuries among nurses.’

LaTrobe University surveyed 25 health facilities with back injury prevention programs in place and evaluated the injury rates before and after the program.

‘More than 100 health and aged care facilities across the State have implemented the program which provides practical information to nurses about how to avoid manual lifting and identify tasks that could lead to serious back injury.

‘The program has led to a policy of ‘no lifting’ in the workplace and many nurses have taken responsibility for identifying risk situations and taking action to protect themselves from injury.

‘It is important that we continue to improve workplace safety for nurses to avoid unnecessary injuries and to provide quality care to patients,’ Mr Thwaites said