N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43E-12.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:43E-12.8 - Needs assessment

(a) The covered facility, under the direction of the safe patient handling committee, shall conduct a needs assessment for each unit or department within the facility every three years, or sooner if needed, to determine the type and quantity of assisted patient handling equipment required and, if necessary, to prioritize the need for equipment among the units or areas within the covered facility based on the needs assessments.

(b) The needs assessment for each unit or department shall focus on, at a minimum, the following:

1. Typical patient type and care needs on each unit;

2. The categories of staff and types of patients to whom injuries are occurring;

3. When and where injuries are occurring (department, unit, date, time and shift);

4. The number and leading types of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders among healthcare workers;

5. Types of tasks that caused injury (or are difficult or painful to perform) including, at a minimum, lifting, repositioning and transferring patients;

6. Specific equipment associated with employee or patient injuries;

7. Available patient handling equipment and any problems associated with its use;

8. Potential problems with new equipment and assurance of access, storage and maintenance;

9. Facility costs associated with unassisted and assisted patient handling injuries including, at a minimum, medical and workers' compensation costs; and

10. Indirect impact of injuries on staff turnover and replacement.

(c) The covered facility and its committee shall conduct a needs assessment required by (a) and (b) above by using resources including, at a minimum, the following:

1. New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Form 300 (12:110-5.1 );

2. OSHA Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Forms 300 and 301) required by 29 CFR Part 1904, which is incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented;