Fujishiro K, Weaver JL, Heaney CA, Hamrick CA, Marras WS, et al.
American journal of industrial medicine. Date of publication 2005 Nov 1;volume 48(5):338-47.
1. Am J Ind Med. 2005 Nov;48(5):338-47. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20225.
The effect of ergonomic interventions in healthcare facilities on
musculoskeletal disorders.
Fujishiro K(1), Weaver JL, Heaney CA, Hamrick CA, Marras WS.
Author information:
(1)University of Illinois at Chicago, Environmental and Occupational Health
Sciences, School of Public Health, Illinois 60612-7260, USA. kfujish@uic.edu
Erratum in
Am J Ind Med. 2006 Jan;49(1):65.
BACKGROUND: The high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among
healthcare workers suggests that the introduction of ergonomic interventions
could be beneficial. While laboratory studies have clearly documented the
efficacy of ergonomic devices, few studies have examined their effectiveness in
the healthcare workplace.
METHODS: This study evaluated a statewide program that provided ergonomic
consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic devices, which aid
in patient handling and lifting. Changes in MSD rates between baseline (1 year
pre-intervention) and post-intervention (up to 2 years) periods were examined in
100 work units in 86 healthcare facilities.
RESULTS: The median MSD rate decreased from 12.32 to 6.64 per 200,000
employee-hours, a decrease greater than the secular trend for the study period
(1999-2003).
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that ergonomic consultation and financial
support for purchasing ergonomic equipment can be an effective intervention to
reduce MSDs among healthcare workers.
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20225
PMID: 16254947 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
