Efforts to reduce injuries associated with patient handling are often based on tradition and personal experience rather than
scientific evidence. The purpose of this article is to summarize current evidence for interventions designed to reduce caregiver
injuries, a significant problem for decades. Despite strong evidence, published over three decades, the most commonly used
strategies have demonstrated that they are ineffective. There is a growing body of evidence to support newer interventions
that are effective or show promise in reducing musculoskeletal pain and injuries in care providers. The authors have organized
potential solutions into three established ergonomic solution types: engineering-based, administrative, and behavioral. For
each intervention, the level of evidence to support its use is provided.
Key words Work-related musculoskeletal injuries - patient handling - no-lift policy - ergonomics - lifting techniques - nurse safety