Plus 6 Common Sense Tips to Prevent Caregiver Injuries
You might think hospitals and doctor’s offices would be the safest places to work. In reality, ergonomic injuries in health care settings can and do occur. Ergonomic injuries can impact workers with negative economic consequences, as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most frequently cited causes of lost work hours. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2013, MSD cases accounted for 33% of cumulative worker illnesses and injuries.
Common workplace injuries in health care and social care are due to workplace activities and risk factors like these.
- Lifting
- Bending
- Reaching
- Pushing
- Pulling
- Awkward positioning
- Repetitive movement
- And more
These dire ergonomic injuries statistics mean that preventing ergonomic injuries has become a significant focus for many industries, including health care.
Musculoskeletal Ergonomic Injuries in Health Care Workers
U.S. hospitals recorded 221,400 work-related injuries and illnesses in 2019. That’s 5.5 work-related injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time employees. OSHA suggests that a hospital is one of the most hazardous workplaces in the country. Health care professionals who work to improve and protect health in the community include doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and other health practitioners. You can find them in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other care centers.
The most common health care ergonomic injuries involve fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, and back injuries. Health care workers engage in demanding tasks that frequently put them at risk for physical harm. According to research studies, they are seven times more likely to develop MSDs than workers in other industries.
Patient-handling procedures account for much of the musculoskeletal injuries in health care. Paramedics and nurses face the most significant risk of ergonomic-related injuries because they engage in lifting, pushing, pulling, and other taxing physical tasks when moving patients during rescues and transfers.
3 Most Common Health Care Ergonomic Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most common ergonomic hand injuries, causes pain and weakness in the hand and wrist, specifically, tingling, pain, and numbness. This condition often occurs due to repetitive motions involving the wrist.
Fractures
Health care professionals are more prone to slips and falls that could cause fractures. They’re also at risk for violent patient attacks, making bone fractures a common concern in health care settings.
Muscular Injuries
Health care jobs demand flexibility, but the human body has its limits. Rescuing or transferring patients from one place to another or repositioning them requires awkward postures, rotations, and flexions that stress the spinal cord and back muscles. These common practices can cause several injuries.
- Lower limb trauma
- Upper limb trauma
- Spinal strains
- Sprains
- Strains
Other physical demands take their toll as well.
- Bends
- Twists
- Quick movements
- Heavy lifting
Are you thinking of hiring an ergonomics specialist to ensure your health care professionals’ health and safety?
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Ergonomic Injuries Symptoms
Since ergonomic injuries can be highly varied, the symptoms of injury can vary greatly as well. The effects of ergonomic injuries may include any of the following symptoms.
- Dull, sharp, stabbing pain
- Burning sensation
- Numbness or tingling
- Inflammation, swelling, or stiffness
- Muscle weakness or discomfort
- White or cold extremities
- Muscle tightness, cramping, or pain
- Clumsiness or loss of coordination
- Decreased range of motion
- Pain with specific movements
How to Prevent Ergonomic Injuries
Human resource departments in health care settings need to know how to avoid ergonomic injuries. Ergonomic-related injuries in the workplace cause loss of productivity which, in turn, can impact the industry in at least three areas.
- Income loss and increased health care costs for health care workers
- Payroll increases as health care professionals work overtime to cover absent employees
- Potential disruption to quality patient care
Given the stakes, it makes sense to do everything possible to avoid these injuries.
6 Commonsense Tips to Prevent Caregiver Injuries
- Shoes: Wear sensible, slip-resistant, comfortable shoes to minimize the risk of falls.
- Pathways: Keep walking surfaces dry and clear of obstructions.
- Body position: Square the body and shoulders and lift with the legs. Don’t twist the back while lifting.
- Tools: Gait belts, pivot pads, lever bars, and grab bars can help to proactively avoid injuries from patient handling.
- Showers: Use sliding transfer shower benches to avoid slips and falls while assisting patients in the shower.
- Recovery: Health care professionals work hard in physically and emotionally demanding situations. Self-care is essential to maintain strength and stamina to care for others. Give muscles the care they need to heal. And take time to rest and recover!
Ergonomic Injuries in Health Care Are a Pressing Concern
Is it time to conduct an ergonomic risk assessment at your health facility?