Safe ambulation of an orthopaedic patient.

Nurses and other caregivers face high risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual ambulation of patients with orthopaedic conditions. In addition to the physical demands needed to support the patient's weight during ambulation, injury risk increases if the patient falls. A task force including representatives from the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, American Nurses Association, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and Patient Safety Center of Inquiry at the James A.