Every year in the United States, businesses spend billions of dollars on workplace injuries. Working in a health care setting, including hospitals and home care, presents unique challenges and risks for female and male caregivers. Luckily, proper handling practices and tools can reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries and improve ergonomics in nursing. Here’s what you need to know to protect your employees and business from costly workplace compensation claims in the following industries.
- Hospitals
- Rehab facilities
- Nursing homes
- Hospice care
- Assisted living
- Home health care agencies
- Traveling nurses
Why You Should Invest in Nursing Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of people’s relationship to their environment. The goal is to create a comfortable and healthy working environment that optimizes both productivity and health while reducing risks of injury or illness. These statistics paint a powerful picture if you’re wondering why ergonomics is important.
- According to the National Health Institute (NIH), 70% of registered nurses have musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- MSDs cost employers $24 billion annually.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports MSDs are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims in health care facilities.
Is it time to conduct an ergonomic risk assessment at your health care facility?
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5 Ergonomic Principles in Nursing
Are you ready to invest in the safety of your employees, patients, and business? Here are five principles to follow for better ergonomics in nursing care.
1. Optimize your facility layout to improve hospital ergonomics.
Follow safe patient handling principles, so nurses can carry patients with minimal effort and risk of injury. Position beds and tools optimally to reduce unnecessary bending and back strain.
2. Invest in proper equipment.
Staff should have access to equipment that reduces manual handling tasks. Tools such as automated patient lifts or carts with built-in scales provide more accessible patient transport between rooms or bedside care areas. These devices can reduce musculoskeletal pain in nurses by up to 75%!
3. Ensure pathways are clear.
Nurses should have clear walkways free from tripping hazards like cords, wires, medical tubing, or step stools.
4. Provide adequate lighting to optimize nursing ergonomics.
Employees should have a clear view of what they’re doing without straining their eyes. This is especially true when performing patient transfers or helping patients in wheelchairs into beds or chairs. To ensure good lighting during patient handling, install bright lights over beds and wheelchairs, so caregivers can see well as they move patients.
5. Offer ongoing nursing ergonomics training.
In addition to training new staff members on ergonomics, offer continuing education courses for experienced workers who may not be aware of safe patient handling techniques — or who need refresher training after time away from their jobs due to illness or injury. Be sure to cover trips for reducing strains, sprains, MSDs, and more.
Trust McClure Ergonomics for All of Your Hospital Ergonomics Needs
Are you considering hiring an ergonomics specialist to ensure you’re following the proper ergonomics practices in nursing? McClure Ergonomics Consulting has 25+ years of health care industry expertise. Share your needs, and our team of experts will work hard to evaluate the best solutions for your employees and health care facility.
Don’t leave your employees’ health and safety to chance.