Ergonomics and Work Injury Prevention: A Key to Safer Workplace
Do you know that awkward postures are the leading reason for ergonomic injuries in healthcare? If you think about the physical demands that healthcare workers must endure daily, you might not be surprised at this. Such tasks as bending over patients or reaching for equipment , or standing on one’s feet for long hours, are, for example, very hard on the body. But if ergonomics is not approached properly, injuries due to common ergonomic conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and repeated strain injuries, are of great concern in the workplace.
For healthcare workers, guarding against these injuries isn’t about providing comfort—it is about keeping them healthy, and doing so enables them to provide quality care. An ergonomic strategy is key here to reduce the risks and make the workplace better for everyone.
La Clínica SC in Chicago can help if you are experiencing aches, strains or injuries. Physical therapy is their expertise, with an expert team that goes into detail on recovery as well as prevention. You don’t have to let ergonomic injuries hold you back, book today to get back to feeling your best.
What Is an Ergonomic Injury?
An ergonomic injury occurs when the body is continuously exposed to repeated strain, awkward movements or poor posture on a continuous basis. They aren’t from a traumatic fall, they occur from day to day activities that accumulate, causing pain, interference, or even long term damage.
In healthcare this is particularly higher for ergonomic injury, as you are lifting patients, typing on a keystroke all day or standing for hours. Healthcare workers as a group are affected by work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and lower back pain. These conditions may affect muscles, joints, or ligaments leading to lost work time and poor quality of life.
What Is The Most Common Factor Contributing To Ergonomic Injury In Healthcare?
Across the board, awkward postures are the top root cause of ergonomic injuries in healthcare. Often, healthcare workers bend, twist, or reach requiring the body to be strained. This happens over time causing things such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder problems. Furthermore, contact stress and excessive force, such as pushing a cart, can cause these disorders if they exist.
Let’s say a nurse keeps bending to adjust a patient’s bed or a physical therapist reaches to assist a client with exercises. The biggest problem is that if these small movements are not done properly or with enough support you can do a lot of injury.
Common Ergonomic Challenges in Healthcare
1. Awkward Postures
Often, transfer of patients, adjustment of equipment or long electronic work on the computer cause the body into unnatural positions, which can cause injury to the nurse’s spine or discs. With design, as it pertains to businesses, and overall education on the principles that make up ergonomic design, the risk is greatly reduced of these types of injuries.
2. Repetitive Motions
Repetitive tasks are common in healthcare everyday routines like typing your notes, operating equipment, moving patients. Repeated actions can over strain muscles and joints, causing conditions such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Heavy Lifting and Forceful Movements
Lifting patients or heavy equipment can be very hard on the body. This can be dangerous and even harmful to your lower back and shoulders unless you know the right lifting techniques and support.
4. Standing for Extended Periods
Some healthcare professional, including nurses, surgeons, spend many hours on their feet. Long periods of standing are bad for the legs and back and can cause fatigue, swelling and pain.
5. Poor Lighting Conditions
While not always paid attention, it can be a source of eye strain and headaches which make them less able to keep proper posture or focus.
Preventing Ergonomic Injuries
The good news? Many ergonomic injuries are preventable with the right strategies, including ergonomic training. Here’s how healthcare organizations and workers can take action:
1. Evaluate the Workplace
Start by identifying risk areas and potential ergonomic hazards. Assess how tasks are performed, observe workstations, and ask employees for feedback on any discomfort they’re experiencing.
2. Redesign Workspaces
Make adjustments to equipment and workstations. For instance, adjustable-height desks, ergonomic chairs, and repositioning frequently used tools can reduce strain on the body.
3. Educate and Train Employees
Teach proper techniques for lifting, reaching, and maintaining good posture, including providing ergonomic training to prevent injuries. Simple tips, like bending at the knees when lifting, can make a big difference.
4. Encourage Movement Breaks
Sitting or standing in one position for too long can lead to stiffness and fatigue. Encourage employees to take short breaks to stretch and move throughout their shifts.
5. Use the Right Tools
Provide ergonomic tools, such as supportive chairs, anti-fatigue mats, or assistive devices for patient lifting, to minimize strain.
The Role of Management in Ergonomic Safety
Creating a safer workplace starts at the top. Management needs to prioritize ergonomics as part of occupational safety, emphasizing compliance with regulations and policies set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Here are some ways leaders can support this effort:
- Commit to Change: Set clear goals for ergonomic improvements and ensure employees know these initiatives are a priority.
- Involve Workers: Get feedback from employees about the challenges they face and work together to find solutions.
- Track Progress: Regularly review injury reports and evaluate whether ergonomic programs are achieving their goals.
Ergonomics in Action: Case Study
Consider a healthcare facility where nurses frequently experienced back pain from transferring patients. By introducing lifting equipment and training staff on its use, the facility saw a dramatic reduction in injuries. Employees reported feeling less fatigued, and productivity improved as a result.
This example highlights how small changes can have a big impact, both in reducing injuries and improving workplace morale.
Why Ergonomics Matters for Employers
Ignoring ergonomics can be costly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers face some of the highest rates of workplace injuries, with nonfatal occupational injuries, including approximately 540,000 reported cases in 2019, significantly impacting the workforce. These injuries lead to higher costs for workers’ compensation, lost productivity, medical expenses, and legal expenses.
By implementing an ergonomic program, employers can reduce these risks, saving money and creating a healthier environment for their teams.
Call to Action
If you’re struggling with work-related pain or discomfort, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. At La Clínica SC in Chicago, our physical therapy services are designed to help you recover and prevent future injuries. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a personalized plan to address your needs and improve your quality of life.
Take the first step toward a healthier you—schedule your appointment with La Clínica SC today.
Final Thoughts
Ergonomic injuries don’t just affect workers—they impact entire organizations. Workers compensation claims significantly contribute to the financial burden of workplace injuries, highlighting the importance of early reporting and intervention. By focusing on prevention and investing in ergonomic solutions, healthcare facilities can create safer, more efficient workplaces that benefit everyone involved.
The next time you’re at work, pay attention to how you move, lift, and sit. A few simple adjustments might save you from years of discomfort. And if you need help, remember that experts like those at La Clínica SC are just a call away.
