The Effect of Introduction of Motorized Stretchers on Hospital-Based Patient Transporter Injuries and Resultant Workers' Compensation Costs.

Abstract

Manual stretchers cause more injuries than hydraulic stretchers in workers who transport patients. To evaluate the impact of introducing motorized stretchers on transporter injuries and resultant workers' compensation costs. The number of transporters who sustained injuries related to stretcher manipulation, and associated workers' compensation costs, before and after the introduction of motorized stretchers, was determined. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used to examine costs and lost and restricted workdays. The number of injuries and restricted work days decreased after motorized stretchers were introduced. Transporters incurred less lost work days (median 24.5 vs 7 days, P = 0.050). Motorized stretchers were associated with decreased injuries and lost work days.