Patient lifter fall (27 February 2021)
A 76-year-old male resident in an aged care facility suffered fatal injuries when he fell whilst being transferred using a Patient Lifter. The resident was suspended in a sling connected to a hoist weighing attachment and spreader bar. A load cell was fitted to the patient lift boom and connected to the spreader bar. When the spreader bar released from the load cell the patient fell approximately 1 metre onto the ground below. The weighing attachment and spreader bar landed on top of him.
The load cell
The weighing attachment spreader bar
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with using plant and equipment when using patient lifters to transfer patients, including:
Before use - check manufacturer’s guidelines
- Ensure patient lifters are only used in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines
Alterations to plant
- Ensure any alteration to plant is authorised by the manufacturer or competent person
Maintenance
- Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of the patient lifters are carried out by a trained person and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Conduct operational checks as per the manufacturer’s recommendations
Ensure staff training
- Provide adequate training and instruction for workers on the use of patient lifters
- Provide guidance on ways to control the risk of a person falling from a patient lifter and to ensure a safe system of work is followed