25 April 2025

How Ceiling Track Hoists Improve Safety for Carers

Safety is of paramount importance when moving someone with a hoist.

Whether in care homes, hospitals, or home environments, musculoskeletal injuries among carers are common. At Fortuna.Bambach, we believe that risk can be significantly reduced by the use of ceiling track hoists.

1. Reducing Manual Lifting Reduces Injury Risk

Back injuries are the leading cause of time off work for healthcare staff, according to NHS statistics. Many of these injuries result from lifting, repositioning, or transferring patients manually — even with two carers.

Ceiling hoists reduce physical strain by handling the heavy lifting. Whether transferring someone from bed to chair, or assisting with toileting or bathing, the hoist takes the load — not the carer’s body.

Key stat: Manual handling injuries account for up to 40% of sick leave in the healthcare sector.

2. Improving Transfer Precision and Control

Mobile hoists often require carers to push and steer them into tight spaces, which can lead to awkward and sometimes unsafe adjustments.

Ceiling hoists, on the other hand, glide along a fixed track — offering smooth, stable movement that reduces twisting, bending, and sudden strain.

This is especially helpful in time-sensitive situations, like repositioning someone who has slipped in bed or needs urgent access to the bathroom.

3. Freeing Up Staff Resources

With ceiling track hoists, many transfers that would typically require two carers can often be carried out safely by just one — depending on the individual’s needs and care plan.

This frees up valuable staff time and helps streamline workflows, especially in settings where staffing levels are under pressure.

4. Encouraging Best Practice and Compliance

Under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), care providers are legally required to ensure lifting equipment is used safely and properly maintained.

Using modern ceiling hoists — supported by regular testing and servicing — helps ensure compliance and reduces the risk of injury from faulty or outdated equipment.

At Fortuna.Bambach, we offer maintenance contracts and LOLER testing as part of our full-service package, giving you peace of mind that your equipment is fully compliant and operating safely.

5. Promoting Staff Wellbeing and Retention

When carers feel physically safer and more supported, morale and job satisfaction improve. Ceiling track hoists help reduce injury-related stress and make daily tasks less physically demanding — which can improve staff retention, reduce absenteeism, and boost overall wellbeing.

How Can We Help?

At Fortuna.Bambach, we provide complete ceiling track hoist solutions — from supply and building works to training and ongoing maintenance.

✔ Expert advice tailored to your facility
✔ A free site survey and fully costed quote
✔ Fully qualified installers
✔ Ongoing LOLER testing & servicing
✔ Hands-on staff training sessions

📞 Contact us to learn more about how we can help enhance safety for both carers and the people they support.

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