From a risk management perspective, patient handling injuries to first responders remain a frequent and severe source of loss and expense to public entities. This reality is indicative of the need for cultural changes that will result in first responders consistently using body mechanics and equipment properly; even in the heat of the moment. Bryan Fass from Fit Responder offers additional insight:

Employees have dramatically changed in comparison to the workforce of 25 years ago. Starting in 2012, 10,000 Americans a day turn 65. Many of these Americans will continue to actively participate in the workforce.

With the changing demographics, further attention is required to ensure our employees remain safe and potential injuries are prevented. Within the next decade, 40 percent of the labor force will be eligible for retirement and as many as 75 percent of older adults expect to work after age 70.