The study examines the action and lumbar forces when moving 12 hospital beds. Eight subjects moved the beds along the test course of a hospital ward. The action forces are recorded using 3D force measurement grips. A motion analysis system records the posture of the test subjects during the test in order to calculate the spinal pressure forces between the 5th lumbar and the 1st sacral vertebra (L5/S1) using the biodynamic model “The Dortmunder”. The action forces reach values of 100.5 (±12.7) N to 177.3 (±21.0) N for the initial force and 41.6 (±5.0) N to 85.1 (±9.4) N for the constant force. The calculated spinal pressure forces L5/S1 partially exceed the guideline value for 60-year-old female employees of 1.8 kN and demonstrate a slightly increased to increased load for the caregivers. Design measures, such as a 5th castor at the hospital bed, lead to a reduction in strain. Bed-Movers or active castors should be used for frequent transport of beds, for pushing over longer distances or for older employees or persons with pre-existing conditions.