Close calls for low-back injuries.
Back injuries are a major hazard in the workplace, particularly in the nursing profession. In acute care in Alberta, nursing personnel account for almost 50 per cent of all lost-time claims per year. In extended care facilities, nursing personnel account for 60 per cent of lost-time claims. The source of injury is often another person (64%), the incident is often lifting or over-exertion (65%), and the injury is most often a sprain or strain (75%). Furthermore, 50 per cent of lost-time injuries are to the back. Clearly, back strains while handling clients are a major hazard in the health care industry.
Cheung
K
K
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*