title: Ergonomic evaluation: part of a treatment protocol for musculoskeletal injuries.
abstract: Ergonomic analyses and interventions are used as primary prevention methods to reduce physical stressors in the workplace and to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These methods can also be used for the treatment of injured employees. In this study, 103 employees with WMSDs resulting in more than 5 days away from usual work received an ergonomic evaluation which consisted of observation of usual work tasks, recommendations to minimize identified stressors, and case coordination. The goal of the intervention was to make simple job changes that would assist employees to return safely to usual job duties. The process for implementing this protocol for health care, airline, and university employees is described. The results show that after ergonomic evaluations were performed, the majority of recommendations were fully or partially (89%) implemented. Behavior changes were more likely to occur than administrative and equipment changes (p < .001). Occupational health nurses can use a similar program to enhance treatment plans for clients with WMSDs.
authors.affiliation: Washington University in St Louis, General Medical Sciences, St Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grayson
authors.forename: Ann Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bohr
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Evanoff
mesh_terms: D001359:Aviation; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011187:Posture; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014495:Universities; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation