Comp Carriers Take Steps to Encourage Safe Patient-Lifting Practices

With safe patient-handling procedures gaining recognition as a way to reduce workplace injuries in hospitals, one workers’ comp insurer has taken an unusual step: SFM Insurance in Minnesota has purchased Barrier Free Access, a provider of lifts and slings used for lifting patients. The acquisition will help Barrier Free Access with its expansion efforts and makes sense given both businesses’ interest in worker safety, company representatives said in announcing the deal on June 30. Barrier Free Access, based in Byron, Minnesota, also provides consultation on safe pati...