What should employees do to minimize the risks of lifting and transferring patients? Select all that apply.

Answer

To minimize the risks of lifting and transferring patients, healthcare workers should employ safe patient handling techniques. This includes using available ergonomic assistive devices (such as mechanical lifts and transfer boards) to reduce physical strain, communicating clearly by explaining planned lifting procedures to patients so they can cooperate and anticipate movements, and using proper body mechanics (such as keeping the load close to the body, bending at the knees, and avoiding twisting). Relying solely on their own strength to move patients should be avoided, as manual lifting without assistance is a primary cause of musculoskeletal injuries in healthcare.