Hoyer Lifts and Safety Accidents: Understanding Risks for Absolute Prevention

Hoyer Lifts themselves are outstanding inventions designed to enhance safety and the quality of care. However, like any powerful tool, if used improperly, maintained inadequately, or if safety protocols are ignored, they do pose risks of causing severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding these risks is the first step toward completely preventing them.

Important Declaration: When used correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and by trained caregivers, Hoyer Lifts are extremely safe. The vast majority of accidents stem from preventable human error or equipment negligence.

How Do Tragedies Happen? Analysis of Common Fatal Causes

1. User Falls from the Sling

Causes: This is one of the most fatal risks, typically resulting from:

Improperly secured slings: Hooks are not fully latched into safety locks, or accidentally disengage during movement.

Incorrect sling selection/use: Using slings that are too large or too small, or failing to use leg separators, causing the user to slip out of the sling.

Damaged slings: Old, cracked, or frayed webbing slings suddenly break under load.

Consequences: The user falls from a height, which may lead to head trauma, spinal injuries, or fatal fractures.

2. Lift Tip-Over

Causes:

Overloading: The user’s weight exceeds the equipment’s maximum weight capacity.

Incompletely extended base: The lift’s scissor-style base is not fully opened before lifting, resulting in drastically reduced stability.

Operation on uneven or soft surfaces: Using the lift on carpet edges or padded surfaces, causing unstable footing of the legs.

Improper caregiver operation: Pushing or pulling the boom (instead of the lift’s main pole) to move the user, creating excessive leverage that tips the entire device over.

Consequences: The lift tips over with the user, leading to the user being crushed by the equipment or injured by colliding with furniture.

3. Crushing Injuries and Pinch Point Accidents

Causes: Lifting or rotating the lift while the user is near walls, furniture, or other obstacles.

Consequences: The user’s head, limbs, or torso are crushed between the boom, the lift body, and fixed objects, which may cause severe internal injuries or suffocation.

4. Chain Reactions of Caregiver-Related Accidents

Causes: Although the focus of this article is on users, it is important to note that caregivers may also suffer severe injuries when attempting to prevent falls or lift a tipped-over device. This leaves them unable to call for help or provide assistance in a timely manner, indirectly worsening the user’s condition.

Absolute Prevention: Building a Zero-Accident Safety Culture

Preventing these tragedies requires a multi-layered, systematic approach.

1. Train, Train, and Train Again!

Mandatory requirement: Anyone who may operate the lift, including family members and professional caregivers, must receive hands-on training from qualified professionals (such as occupational therapists or equipment suppliers).

Content: Training must cover equipment inspection, sling selection and application, correct operating procedures, and emergency handling (e.g., how to manually lower the lift).

2. Conduct Equipment Inspections Before Every Use

Hooks and safety locks: Confirm that all safety latches can open and close properly without damage.

Slings: Check for tears, wear, or thinning areas. Inspect all seams and fasteners.

Lift body: Check for wear on cables/chains, ensure the base legs move flexibly, and verify that the battery is sufficiently charged.

Principle: If there is any doubt, stop using the lift immediately and contact the supplier for repairs.

3. Strictly Adhere to Operating Specifications

Always lock safety latches: After attaching the hooks, visually confirm and manually check that each safety lock is fully engaged.

Always fully extend the base: Before lifting, ensure the base is fully extended to its most stable position.

Always confirm balance before lifting: Adjust the hook chains to ensure the user will remain level and not tilt when lifted.

Always keep pathways clear: Ensure there are no obstacles in the transfer path.

Always operate smoothly: Avoid sudden stops or starts; move slowly and steadily.

4. Two-Person Collaboration Rule

Many care standards and institutional policies require that transfers be conducted by two trained caregivers. One operates the controller, while the other stabilizes the user, monitors the equipment, and assists with guidance. This adds a crucial layer of safety insurance.

Legal and Liability Considerations

After a severe accident, an investigation is usually conducted to determine the cause. This may involve:

Equipment failure: If the accident is due to manufacturing defects, the manufacturer may be held liable.

Improper use: If the accident results from caregivers failing to follow trained procedures or using damaged equipment, the care facility or individual may face charges of negligence.

Inadequate training: If the employer fails to provide sufficient training, the institution may bear primary responsibility.

Conclusion: Safety Begins with Respect

Deaths related to Hoyer Lifts are rare, but when they occur, they are devastating. They are almost always preventable. Safety is not an option—it is an indispensable core of every operation.

Treat the lift as a medical device that requires respect and a rigorous attitude, rather than a simple tool. By investing in comprehensive training, developing meticulous inspection habits, and always adhering to the best practice of two-person collaboration, we can ensure that Hoyer Lifts always fulfill their original purpose as a powerful asset: a safety guarantee that protects the dignity of users and the health of caregivers.