Work Space Considerations

Space is another key issue in preventing injury. Small rooms and tight spaces incur more injuries and are more labor intensive than spacious rooms. Room size and congestion hamper lift usage. If at all possible, limit the amount of furniture in the room and store items like wheelchairs outside the room when not in use. Room congestion and carpeting can lead to upper back pain as new muscle groups are being used. It is important that the caregivers learn techniques to easily maneuver lifts and to move furniture to facilitate lift use. There should be continuous, easy access to the lift.