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Case study

Safe patient handling and mobility program helps enhance safety and reduce costs for healthcare organizations

01/07/2026

Many healthcare organizations continually face challenges in maintaining a safe environment for both staff and patients. High injury rates — especially strain-related cases among staff — affect employee wellbeing and can result in substantial financial costs.

The challenge

A large nonprofit healthcare organization recognized the need to evaluate and strengthen its existing safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) program to create a safer, more efficient workplace. The organization was experiencing a high incidence of strain injuries among its staff, which are among the most expensive workplace injuries. These injuries contributed to increased claims, higher expenses, and decreased staff morale. An initial review identified gaps in employees’ policy adherence, training, equipment utilization, and patient mobility assessments.

The organization sought a comprehensive, data-driven approach to reduce injury rates and associated costs.

The solution

To more effectively address ergonomic challenges and help the company reduce its organizational costs, specialists within Marsh’s Workforce Strategies Practice performed a comprehensive review and data analysis of the organization’s existing ergonomic program, policies, and protocols across two high-risk units and environmental services. This process included virtual consultations and on-site ergonomic evaluations to help identify gaps and develop tailored solutions.

The analysis revealed a concerning rise in strain injury claims, underscoring the need for targeted intervention to address this issue. Additionally, strain injuries accounted for the highest loss costs among all injury types, emphasizing the importance of implementing ergonomic improvements and staff training to mitigate these risks and potentially reduce future claims.

The result

Between January and October of each year from 2022 to 2025, strain injury claims and associated costs showed a notable downward trend. In 2022, there were 42 claims with total incurred costs of approximately $583,000. Over the subsequent years, both claims and costs decreased, with 2025 reporting the lowest figures so far.

Marsh’s Workforce Strategies team began implementing solutions in December 2024 and saw significant decreases in claims and costs within just 10 months (December 2024 to October 2025). Comparing January to October year-over-year, the organization achieved a 43% decrease in claims and a 46% decrease in costs from 2024 to 2025. These improvements enhanced staff safety and morale while saving the organization hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Benefits to the organization included:

  • Reduced injury claims: Strain injury claims decreased markedly—from 40 claims in January to October 2024 to 23 claims as of October 31, 2025.
  • Cost savings: Total incurred costs related to strain injuries declined from approximately $320,000 in January to October 2024 to about $173,000 as of October 31, 2025.
  • Positive cultural impact: Safety improvements fostered a stronger safety culture, increasing staff engagement and confidence in safely handling patient mobility.

Conclusion

Marsh’s safe patient handling and mobility program recommendations empowered the healthcare organization to develop safer work environments, boost staff morale, and achieve significant financial benefits. This case exemplifies how a strategic, data-driven approach to safe patient handling can dramatically reduce workplace injuries and associated costs.

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