UNDATED A Milwaukee nurse is urging lawmakers to relieve nurses' aching backs.

Dian Palmer says moving heavy patients is tough on nurses. She says they face what could be career-ending back injuries from bending awkwardly to keep patients comfortable.

Palmer is pushing for a law to require the use of mechanical lifts instead.

Judith Warmuth is a former nurse now with the Wisconsin Hospital Association. She agrees the risk is significant but shies away from saying lifts should be mandatory.

Warmuth says the main problem is convincing patients and their families that the devices are safe.

The state Department of Workforce Development is working with the trade association to find solutions. That may include commercials to advertise the safety of the mechanical lifts.

Palmer says her profession is dominated by women and the average nurse is around 50.