Abstract: This is an action study where 298 patient lifts were observed and analysed according to environmental patient and nurse activity factors, frequency of different types of lifts were also recorded and Nursing lifting loads estimated. Findings showed lack of planning in preparation for lifts, a tendency for Nurses to perform lifts without help and lifting loads and lift types which put Nurses at increased risk of injury. Suggestions are made for giving patient lifting a lift. These require action at individual nurse and organisational levels