Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Checklist

Comprehensive safe patient handling and mobility assessment including lift equipment utilization and caregiver injury prevention.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Per patient/Per transfer
  • Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Role: Clinical Staff
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: NIOSH Safe Patient Handling, ANA Safe Patient Handling, OSHA Guidelines

Mobility Assessment

Patient mobility status

  • Weight-bearing status assessed?
  • Upper body strength assessed?
  • Cooperation/cognitive ability assessed?

Equipment Selection

Appropriate equipment

  • Decision algorithm used?
  • Appropriate equipment selected?
  • Equipment available and functional?

Transfer Execution

Safe transfer

  • Adequate staff for transfer?
  • Mechanical lift used when indicated?
  • Proper body mechanics used?

Pre-Assessment Information

Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification

  • Assessor Name / Credentials
  • Assessment Date
  • Department / Unit
  • Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
  • Previous assessment findings reviewed?

Infection Prevention & Control

Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards

  • Hand hygiene compliance observed?
  • Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
  • Isolation precautions properly implemented?
  • Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
  • High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?

Patient Safety & Identification

Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures

  • Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
  • Fall risk assessment completed?
  • Call light within patient reach?
  • Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?

Medication Safety & Management

Verify medication handling and administration practices

  • Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
  • Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
  • No expired medications in stock?
  • High-alert medications properly labeled?

Environment of Care & Safety

Verify facility environment meets safety standards

  • Fire exits clear and unobstructed?
  • Emergency equipment functional and accessible?
  • Spill kits available and stocked?
  • Electrical cords and outlets in safe condition?

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Why Use This Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Checklist?

This safe patient handling and mobility checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for clinical staff professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per patient/per transfer.

Ensures compliance with NIOSH Safe Patient Handling, ANA Safe Patient Handling, OSHA Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: Mobility Assessment, Equipment Selection, Transfer Execution, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management, Environment of Care & Safety. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per patient/per transfer. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Who should use this Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Clinical Staff professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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