What is Ergonomics? Simply put, ergonomics is the study of fitting a job to a person – Not a person to the job. The goal is to prevent injuries in the workplace. What does ergonomics in healthcare look like?
Poor ergonomics can lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders which are partly from bad posture, repetitive tasks, or an unnecessary overuse of muscles.
Some effects of poor ergonomics include joint swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve inflammation, muscle strain/sprain, lower back pain, tendon problems, and eye strain.
Properly understanding and implementing ergonomics in healthcare can save billions, lessen sick days, and create a safer environment for healthcare workers. In the healthcare industry, we see some risk factors that can lead to these problems.
Ergonomics in Healthcare: Risk Factors
- Poor and awkward postures can hinder the back as well as other muscles involved in the movements. If you are leaning over too much, try to work in different positions without bending or twisting your back.
- Repetitive motions, doing the same job over and over, can cause strain to the muscles being worked for a particular job.
- Force and effort used for a task can cause harm to the body. For example, lifting a patient improperly could lead to a Musculoskeletal Disorder.
- Contact stress from leaning against an item or carrying objects – such as carrying a heavy box on your shoulder that is leaning against your neck. This can cause an unnecessary injury.
- Vibration from certain tools can injure the hands, wrists, and joints if one doesn’t utilize a proper technique or take breaks.
- Low-temperature environments add pain to the joints and other parts of the body, so it’s important to dress appropriately for particular jobs.
Most healthcare careers involve several risk factors mentioned above. Those working with patients, in housekeeping, maintenance, in the office, and others perform tasks that involve lifting, force, repetitive motions, vibration, and low temperatures.
Being aware of the issues you may be facing can certainly help to prevent injuries. If you or a coworker is feeling pain, stiffness, numbness, or swelling, this could be a sign of a Musculoskeletal Disorder.
Be sure to seek professional help and discern if your job contains any of the risk factors listed above.
Ergonomics in Healthcare: Safe Techniques
Utilizing safety guidelines when performing tasks will greatly reduce your chances of getting a Musculoskeletal Disorder.
Learn and try to follow the ergonomics training techniques listed:
Ergonomic Lifting
- Plan your lift before starting the action. Is it too heavy for one person?
- Position your body close to the object being lifted – feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend at your knees using a squatting motion.
- Be attentive to your grip – be sure it’s in a comfortable position and firm.
- Use your legs to lift while keeping the item close to your body.
While carrying the object, be sure that your path is visible and unhindered. When you reach your destination, use the same downward motion, bending at the knee, and place the object in position.
Pushing/Pulling Techniques
When moving a cart or other items, try to be aware of ergonomics training guidelines:
- Using two hands when possible is better than using one.
- Heavy items should be easy to reach – as well as items that are often used.
- Unnecessary items should not be on the cart.
- Strength/force reduces as exertion increases.
- Getting started (initial force) is greater than maintaining motion.
- Maintain a balance of loads.
- Pushing is easier than pulling.
- Push at waist level – pull at thigh level.
Carrying Equipment
- If possible, replace carrying with pushing/pulling on a cart.
- Ask a coworker for help.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Sometimes it’s better to carry a few heavier loads than a lot of small loads.
- Use elevators if possible, not stairs.
- Raise the initial location of the objects to reduce bending motions.
Ergonomics Training for Kitchen and Housekeeping
- Use buckets with functioning rollers when cleaning floors.
- Do not overexert yourself when scrubbing – too much force can lead to injury.
- Utilize proper lifting techniques.
- Avoid heavy lifting where possible.
- Use the guidelines above when performing laundry duties.
- Ask for help when necessary.
Charting/Office Workstation
Sitting at a computer while charting or doing other office work can be a factor in back strain as well as wrists, fingers, feet, eyes, and other body parts.
Implementing ergonomics in healthcare can help here as well!
- Maintain good posture – Ears, shoulders, and hips should line up vertically using the chair support.
- Sit as far back in the chair as you can.
- Keep the computer monitor between eye level and a 30-degree downward position.
- Elbows should bend at about a 90-degree angle when using the mouse and keyboard.
- Be aware of the edge of the desk or other sharp objects poking into your body.
- Keep your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and feet supported on the floor.
- Be sure to have an adjustable chair.
Ergonomics in Healthcare and Back Health
- Attempt to always have proper posture.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Maintain a healthy BMI.
- Don’t twist or make awkward movements.
- Don’t lift heavy objects.
- Exercise Regularly.
For any position or task, it’s important to analyze the tasks and improve the high-risk duties first. Take turns performing a job if necessary.
Minimize strain on joints and other body parts, as well as force utilized in daily tasks.
Having the ability to recognize Musculoskeletal Disorder symptoms, while reducing risk factors and taking precautionary measures will get you on a path to better health!
If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to notify your supervisor and seek medical help.
Here are some helpful links for more information:
https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/hospital-ergonomics/
https://www.knoll.com/media/760/617/healthcare_ergonomics.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/ergo/ergo.html