Queen’s gets
pat on back

Star-Bulletin staff

The Queen's Medical Center has received a certificate of appreciation from the state for assistance in developing a safety and health program, particularly in nursing homes.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations cited the hospital for its efforts toward "reduction and prevention of back injuries and in appreciation of dedicated support of a true partnership" with the agency's Occupational Safety and Health Division.

Queen's helped to develop a program to reduce hazards from manually lifting nursing home patients.

The outreach program offers free comprehensive training and consultation services to reduce back injuries while handling residents, as well as risks from blood-borne pathogens and other hazards.

Emphasis also is placed on awareness and prevention of workplace abuse of patients and residents.

Division Administrator Jennifer Shishido said the nursing home industry in Hawaii is expected to grow in the next six years, with the number of jobs increasing from about 3,000 to 4,000.

"Accidents and mistreatment must be avoided and we are seeing significant improvements because of our outreach," she said.

"The injury rate has dropped 35 percent in recent years and millions have been saved in workers' compensation costs alone, not to mention the human suffering."

Labor Director Lorraine Akiba said, "Hundreds of injuries per year can be avoided with proven and effective safety and health training and prevention programs using simple, low-cost measures and equipment."

She urged providers to work with the division for free consultation and training.