Guidelines for Lifting and Transferring Students in a School

Setting

Maribeth Wilkins,PTMay 12, 2010

Learning Objectives

Increase knowledge regarding lifting requirements as stated by OSHA

Increase knowledge concerning the need to train school staff to safely handle their students

Increase safety awareness of staff of their well- being of students

Improve the lifting and handling decision making process Increase knowledge concerning the need for

documentation and its importance if and OSHA complaint is filed

Origin of the Lifting Work Group

OSHA complaint filed in Montgomery CountyHistory of Work GroupResult of the complaint

Introduction

Our purpose is to promote safety for students and staff in a school setting during student transfers and movement tasks.

School Based Therapists and MSDE Steering Committee for OT/PT will be guided by the OSHA Ergonomics Publication and the Safe Handling and Movement Algorithms developed by the Veterans Administration.

STEPS IN THE PROCESS

Gathering InformationDecision makingTrainingDocumentation

GATHERING INFORMATION

Student Characteristics Student size and weight Weight bearing capability (with and without braces) Level of assistance required Arm function Student’s level of comprehension Student’s level of cooperation Medical conditions that may influence the choice of methods

for lifting or repositioning Presence of IEP goals for increasing independence in

transferring

GATHERING INFORMATION

Staff Characteristics Number of staff

available for training and implementation

Presence of lifting restrictions

Height of staff members Willing participants

Environmental Factors Anticipated frequency of

lifts and/or repositioning Space where task will

occur (presence of guard rails, adequate room for staff members and/or equipment, flooring)

Time constraints Alternative sites for task

(i.e. field trips)

DECISION MAKING

An example of the Safe Handling and Movement Algorithm developed by the Veterans Administration

Can student bear weight?

Caregiver assistance not needed; Stand by for safety as needed.

If changing table can be positioned to a low level, use a stand assist transfer. If not, use a mechanical lift or a 2 person lift, if > 35 lbs..

Use mechanical lift and/ or 2 or more

caregivers, if caregiver is lifting > 35 lbs. ·Adjustable height changing tables would be ideal.

·During any transferring task, if any caregiver is required to lift more than 35 lbs. of a student’s weight, then the student should be considered to be fully dependent and assistive devices and/or additional staff should be used for the transfer. (Guidelines for Nursing Homes: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (OSHA 3182-2007) www.osha.gov)

Is the student cooperative?

Components of Training

Identify staff/ designated traineesIdentify Resources needed to support training:

space; materials; release time for trainers and trainees

Identify methods of training: role playing; ongoing collaboration; plan for follow-up

Content of training: physical disabilities; features of equipment; student cognition/ behavior

Documentation

The purpose is to document the evidence of training for staff members in the task of movement and transferring students.

Information needed to document is date; subject and information covered; printed name of staff and their signature

Plan for rechecking of skills as neededIndication of whether the training is the initial

one or a follow up training

A copy of the document should be kept in therapists’ records and a copy should be sent to designated administrator as per your jurisdiction

Pictures of transfers may be beneficial in the location used

This is proof that the training has occurred and the staff member has signed to verify the training

TRANSFER TOOLS AND MECHANICAL DEVICES

LIFTING WORK GROUP MEMBERS:

Maribeth Wilkins, PT, Chairperson, Calvert County Public SchoolsLynn Borgmann, PT, Maryland School for the BlindPatricia Brooks, PT, Howard County Public SchoolsJudith Davidson, PT, Anne Arundel County Public SchoolsKaren Greeley, PT, Baltimore County Public SchoolsDonna Lesch, PT, Montgomery County Public SchoolsLisa Spencer, Risk Management Officer, Maryland Association of Boards of Education

Thanks for attending today.

Enjoy your summer!