Key Points in the Ergonomics System Approach to Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries Related to Patient-Handling
1. Risk Identification and Assessment
• identify perceived high-risk situations
• determine methods of assessment
• develop specific data collection tools
2. Risk Analysis
• examine injury experience
• determine correlations
• match with perceived high-risk activities
• analyze jobs for risk factors
• prioritize tasks, jobs, or areas for prevention programs
3. Formulation of Recommendations
• determine where change is needed
• consider available engineering controls (examples: lifting devices, height-adjustable beds, wheelchairs that convert into stretchers)
• assess possible administrative controls (examples: scheduling changes, minimized patient transfers, job rotation, worker preselection, lifting teams)
4. Implementation of Recommendations
• establish implementation team
• provide widespread educational awareness sessions
• teach staff new techniques for transferring patients
• establish specific mechanisms for implementation
• create buy-in and enthusiasm
• set up effective medical management system
5. Measurement and Evaluation
• select indicators for evaluation
• collect and organize data
• present data as useful information
• modify system as needed
• establish continuous improvement cycle
Source: Guy Fragala, PhD, PE, CSP, "Applying ergonomics to prevent nursing back injuries in hospitals," Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare annual conference, Oct. 22, 1998, Orlando, FL.
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