The effect of ergonomic interventions in healthcare facilities on musculoskeletal disorders.
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.
Fujishiro
Kaori
K
University of Illinois at Chicago, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Illinois 60612-7260, USA. kfujish@uic.edu
Weaver
Jean L
JL
Heaney
Catherine A
CA
Hamrick
Christopher A
CA
Marras
William S
WS
D006804:Ergonomics; D006268:Health Facilities; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009820:Ohio; D010354:Patient Escort Service; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients