Mechanical Lifts

Caregivers have a high risk for serious back injuries.  Nearly 80 percent of all injuries to caregivers are the result of  lifting, pulling, pushing, holding, carrying, and turning clients.   Using both proper body mechanics and a mechanical lift is often the best—and safest—way to transfer clients.  The most common mechanical lift is the Hoyer-type sling lift.

PREPARE BEFORE YOU LIFT!

• Check each client’s plan of care so you know how—and with what equipment—that person needs to be transferred.
• Ask yourself if your client has been moved before with a mechanical lift.  If so, how did it go?  Is there anything you can do to improve the experience?
• Do an inspection of the mechanical lift and the sling prior to performing any transfer to ensure they are in proper working order.
• Always set the base legs to the widest possible position to ensure stability of the mechanical lift.
• Make sure you select the correct type of sling for your client.  Consider the lift being used as well as the size, weight and mobility issues of your client.
• Explain the lift procedure to your client before you begin!

MECHANICAL LIFTING STEPS

• Arrange the sling under the client, making sure you have the correct side facing the client.
• Move the life into position...with the client’s weight centered over the base of the lift.
• Lower the boom so that you can attach the sling.  Be sure to attach each loop, strap or chain to the proper hook.
• Do another safety check before lifting the client!
• Raise the boom so that the client’s buttocks and legs clear the bed.
• Move the lift to your destination using the steering handle.
• Lower the client slowly and remove the sling.

MECHANICAL LIFTING SAFETY TIPS

• Think about the floor over which you need to move the lift.  Is it uneven?  Make sure the mechanical lift you are using will remain stable if used on carpet.
• For electric lifts, be sure to check that the battery is charged and that you know where the emergency control(s) are.
• Never use a mechanical lift with a client without first having practiced doing transfers with a healthy volunteer or co-worker in the sling.
• If you work in home care, make sure you have a back up plan should a mechanical lift malfunction midway through the transfer.