A Safe Patient Handling Program has the potential to:

Reduce patient injuries --- The average health care cost of a fall injury to a person 72 or older was $19,440. This figure includes hospital, nursing home, emergency room, and home health care, but not physician services.

Reduce Injuries to Personnel --- Reduced injuries to nurses and other personnel lowers workers compensation costs and the associated administrative costs. How much time does just your HR department spend on work related injuries?

Reduce Escalating Personnel Recruitment Costs --- It is estimated that hospitals spend approximately $10,000 in direct recruitment costs each time a RN position turns over. In 2001, sign-on bonuses for nurses were estimated at more than $80 million. Obviously, it's easier and less expensive to keep a nurse than to lose one to a workers comp injury