Waters T, Collins J, Galinsky T, Caruso C, et al.
Orthopedic nursing. Date of publication 2006 Nov 1;volume 25(6):380-9.
1. Orthop Nurs. 2006 Nov-Dec;25(6):380-9. doi: 10.1097/00006416-200611000-00007.
NIOSH research efforts to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the healthcare
industry.
Waters T(1), Collins J, Galinsky T, Caruso C.
Author information:
(1)Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Healthcare workers, including orthopaedic nurses, face a number of risk factors
in the workplace for musculoskeletal disorders such as back and shoulder
injuries. These disorders are associated with excessive back and shoulder
loading due to manual patient handling, applying excessive forces during pushing
and/or pulling of objects, required use of awkward postures during patient care,
and working long hours and shiftwork. No healthcare workers are immune from
injury because workers in all clinical areas are exposed to occupational risk
factors, including hospitals, nursing homes, emergency services, critical care,
operating rooms, orthopaedic units, and home healthcare environments. This
article includes a summary of the scientific efforts of the researchers and
their partners at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) in evaluating and developing the best practice recommendations for
reducing risk of these disorders for exposed workers. The studies conducted by
NIOSH researchers and their partners approach the problem from a variety of
perspectives, ranging from comprehensive epidemiological studies examining the
effectiveness of implementation of a safe patient handling and movement program
to laboratory studies evaluating the biomechanical stress associated with using
patient handling equipment, and education training programs for use in schools
of nursing to educate new workers about safe work practices. Results of these
studies have provided scientific evidence that significant occupational risks
for musculoskeletal disorders exist and that effective interventions are
available to reduce the risk for these workers.
DOI: 10.1097/00006416-200611000-00007
PMID: 17130760 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
