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News Release

For immediate release                       Contact: Melissa Nowitz 508-553-3993

Pro Bono "Safe Lifting Environment" Campaign
Targets Reduction of Caregiver Injuries

Franklin, MA – June 30, 2005 – Liko North America, a leading global supplier of patient lift and transfer solutions, has launched a "pro bono" healthcare industry awareness campaign designed to raise public consciousness about preventing injuries through safer patient lifting.   The "Safe Lifting Environment" campaign and symbol are being provided to healthcare facilities free of charge for use on web sites, on facility doors and windows, in individual units, and for use in advertising, newsletters, and related communications activities.  Liko has trademarked the symbol as a means of protecting the mark and concept from future commercialization.

According to Hans Sigvardsson, president of Liko Inc, "Healthcare remains in the 1st and 6th place among high risk occupations for musculoskeletal injuries. Our objective with this Safe Lifting Environment public awareness campaign is to galvanize the healthcare industry into action at a faster rate than we have experienced to date.  Statistics have shown that evidence-based safe patient handling has proven to be a key component of caregiver injury prevention, and this is our way of actively encouraging healthcare employees to protect themselves against injuries.  Our company believes the time has come for everyone in this industry to join efforts toward the common goal of eliminating caregiver injuries once and for all."   Sigvardsson noted that the concept for the campaign came from Liko employees, and he further reiterated Liko’s pledge not to directly tie the company’s sponsorship to commercial gain.

Campaign elements, including graphic elements, a "flash" animation for web sites, and suggestions for common usage, are available from a special download site, www.safeliftingenvironment.com

Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions.  The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions.  For more information on the Safe Lifting Environment campaign, contact Liko North America, 842 Upper Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com