Safe Patient Handling

The Hospital Patient and Health Care Worker Injury Protection Act (AB 1136) became effective on January 1, 2012. This law, which has been incorporated into the California Labor Code as Section 6403.5 requires general acute care hospitals to adopt a safe patient handling policy as part of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program. The law does not apply to hospitals operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or the California Department of Developmental Services.

Cal/OSHA is currently working on implementing this law, including developing educational materials, providing training to field staff, and working on an implementing regulation. Cal/OSHA is also holding advisory meetings in regards to an implementing regulation. More information about meetings, including minutes of the January 24, 2012 meeting when they become available, will be available at the advisory committee webpage: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/DoshReg/5120Meetings.htm

Links:

Cal/OSHA’s Interim Implementation Policy

Cal/OSHA’s Safe Patient Handling Frequently Asked Questions

Technical documents and handouts

• FGI Patient Handling White Paper
• AOHP Resource Guide for Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in the Acute Care Setting
• NIOSH Safe Patient Handling Training for Schools of Nursing
• VA Hospital Safe Patient Handling and Movement Guidelines