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](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/990350/the-load-cell.jpg)
The load cell
![The weighing attachment and spreader bar](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0007/990349/the-weighing-attachment-spreader-bar_840.jpg)
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