Cincinnati Area Paramedics Taking Measures to Reduce Worker Injury

Paramedics and firefighters in the Cincinnati area will soon have a cot-loading device to help them load people into the backs of ambulances, according to Cincinnati.com. The apparatus will help to reduce back injuries. The first two will be installed on two ambulances in Anderson, Ohio. The Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation provided a $40,000 grant to install the devices, and Anderson Township matched with another $40,000. Soon all six ambulances in the township will have the device.

“This device will eliminate the need to actually lift a patient on the back of the ambulance,” said Anderson Township firefighter/paramedic Brian Jones. “This is going to significantly reduce our risk. It is a game-changer in the field, the first of its kind.”

Anderson Township was looking into a solution to the problem all year. Jones said that bureau paid more than $60,000 in the past ten years for claims to employees with back injuries. Hopefully this measure will help to cut down on costs and prevent worker injury at the same time.

Have you or a loved one been injured on the job? Are there any measures your employer can take to reduce the risk of injury?

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.