Think about the weight involved in a typical patient transfer.
According to U.S. health data:
- The average adult man in the United States weighs about 199 pounds.
- More than 73% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, meaning many patients weigh significantly more than average.
This means radiology staff may be pulling, repositioning, or sliding patients who weigh 200 pounds or more multiple times per hour. And unlike lifting a box or a piece of equipment, patients are not stable loads. They may be sedated, injured, unable to assist, or connected to IV lines and monitoring equipment. This creates unpredictable movement and significant strain on the back, shoulders, and joints of the staff performing the transfer.
A Major Cause of Injury in Healthcare
Manual patient handling is one of the leading causes of injury for healthcare workers. Research from occupational health organizations shows:
- Healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries across all industries.
- Hospital workers experience 7.6 workplace injuries per 100 full-time employees, nearly three times the average for all industries.
- Overexertion injuries from lifting and moving patients occur about twice as often in hospitals compared with the average workplace.
The most common injuries include:
- Lower back strain
- Shoulder injuries
- Herniated discs
- Chronic musculoskeletal disorders
These injuries can end careers early and lead to long-term disability for healthcare professionals.
Why Radiology Departments Face Unique Risks
Radiology environments introduce additional challenges that increase injury risk:
- Constant Lateral Transfers
Unlike some hospital units, radiology frequently requires lateral transfers between surfaces, such as:
- Stretcher → CT table
- Bed → MRI table
- Procedure table → recovery stretcher
These movements often require pulling rather than lifting, which creates intense strain on the spine.
- Narrow Equipment and Fixed Surfaces
Imaging tables cannot always be adjusted to the same height as stretchers. Even small height differences can dramatically increase the force required to move a patient.
- Time Pressure
Radiology departments operate under tight schedules. Emergency scans, trauma patients, and high patient volumes can create pressure to move quickly—sometimes skipping safer methods.
- Reduced Night Staffing
Night shifts often operate with minimal personnel. A transfer that might normally involve four staff members may be attempted with two.
This increases the likelihood of:
- Staff injuries
- Dropped or unstable patients
- Delays in imaging
The Tools That Protect Both Staff and Patients
The good news is that safe patient handling technology has evolved significantly. Modern radiology departments are increasingly using equipment designed to reduce the physical burden of patient transfers.
Rollboards
Rollboards create a rigid surface that allows staff to slide patients more easily between surfaces, reducing friction and force.
Slide Tubes
Slide tubes and friction-reducing sheets allow caregivers to glide patients laterally rather than pulling them across the surface.
Air-Assisted Transfer Systems
Air transfer devices use a cushion of air to lift the patient slightly, dramatically reducing friction and allowing staff to move even heavy patients with minimal effort. In many cases, one or two staff members can safely move a patient that would otherwise require four or more people. These tools protect both the caregiver and the patient by:
- Reducing physical strain
- Preventing patient skin injuries
- Minimizing fall risk during transfers
- Improving efficiency in high-volume departments
Real-World Impact: Safe Patient Handling Programs
Hospitals that implement Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs often see measurable improvements.
These programs typically include:
- Transfer equipment
- Staff training
- policies requiring assistive devices for high-risk transfers
Studies have shown that these programs significantly reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers.
Beyond safety, they also improve:
- staff retention
- workflow efficiency
- patient satisfaction
A Simple Message for Healthcare Leaders
Radiology teams perform some of the most physically demanding work in healthcare.
They deserve:
- the right equipment
- the right staffing
- and the right safety protocols
Because when it comes to patient care, we should never have to choose between protecting patients and protecting the people who care for them.
We deserve better.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Team
Radiology professionals show up every day to care for patients, often putting their own physical well-being at risk in the process. But workplace injuries from patient transfers are not inevitable—they are preventable.
With the right equipment, training, and safety protocols in place, healthcare organizations can dramatically reduce injuries, improve workflow efficiency, and create a safer environment for both patients and staff.
That’s where the right partner makes all the difference.
Bridge Healthcare specializes in safe patient handling solutions designed specifically for the real challenges healthcare teams face every day. From rollboards and slide tubes to advanced air-assisted transfer systems, Bridge Healthcare helps hospitals and imaging departments implement practical solutions that protect caregivers while improving patient care.
Safer transfers lead to stronger teams, healthier staff, and better outcomes for everyone.
Don’t wait until an injury happens to take action.
If your facility is ready to create a safer future for your staff and your patients, contact Bridge Healthcare today to learn how safe patient handling solutions can transform your radiology department.
Because protecting the people who care for patients should always come first.