HEALTHCARE ERGONOMICS
Brian C. Garrett CHSP, CHEP, CHFSP, FLSD Associate Director of Health Care Standards, Safety Management
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. Some effects of poor ergonomics include joint swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve inflammation, muscle strain/sprain, lower back pain, tendon problems, and eye strain. Hospital employees tasked with handling and transferring patients are especially exposed to injuries such as muscle and ligament strain and tears, joint, and tendon inflammation, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and other injuries from ergonomic stressors. Properly understanding and implementing proper ergonomics can lessen sick days and create a safer environment.
THERE ARE SEVERAL RISK FACTORS THAT CAN LEAD TO THESE PROBLEMS.
Properly understanding and implementing proper ergonomics can lessen sick days and create a safer environment. There are several risk factors that can lead to these problems. 1.
Poor and awkward postures can hinder the back and other muscles involved in movements. If you are leaning over too much, try working in different positions without bending or twisting. 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | October 2023
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs