International Round Table Discussion: Does Federal, Government, or State Legislation Mandating SPHM Make a Difference to Compliance?

Over the years, much emphasis has been placed on the need for SPHM legislation to ensure compliance with employers to provide the equipment necessary to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to staff from moving and handling patients. The inconsistency with the success of staff and employer compliance, even in those states or countries that have legislation, indicates the legislation is not being taken as seriously as it should be. This roundtable discussion looks at the question of whether federal government or state legislation mandating safe patient handling and mobility/movement actually makes a difference to employer and employee compliance. Experts from the US, Australia, and the UK offer their perspectives both from their own country’s situation as well as a more general opinion on what is needed to make a difference to increase compliance.

Francis R, Fray M, Morley S

Keywords: safe patient handling and mobility, compliance, legislation