Ergonomics and Injury Prevention in Healthcare

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear ‘ergonomics and injury prevention?’ If the word evokes images of yoga ball chairs or a computer mouse shaped like the Matterhorn, we’re not surprised. We joke about it because of the niche products that have surfaced, all in the name of proper posture and comfort.

But what exactly is ergonomics? And what does ergonomics have to do with healthcare compliance? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is how humans interact with their work environment and how to design work environments and systems that are safe, comfortable, and efficient for workers. Simply, it is the science of fitting the job to the worker rather than the worker to the job.

Ergonomics aims to optimize the interaction between workers and their work environment, prevent injuries, reduce discomfort and fatigue, and increase productivity. Ergonomics considers many factors, including:

Workstation design and cleanliness
Tools and equipment
Work processes
Posture and movement patterns

Why Ergonomics Matter in Healthcare Compliance

In a healthcare setting, ergonomics is crucial as healthcare workers are often required to perform physically demanding tasks and are at risk of injuries and developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The compliance office is responsible for maintaining a safe workplace, which includes educating employees on dangers and best practices, as well as providing a way for employees to report incidents. By applying ergonomic principles, healthcare organizations can create a safer, healthier, and more efficient work environment for their workers.

Common Healthcare Industry Injuries

Healthcare workers are at risk of developing a range of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the physical demands of their work. What is the most common factor contributing to ergonomic injury? Awkward postures takes the number one spot and here are a few more to watch out for.

Awkward postures: Healthcare workers often work in awkward or uncomfortable positions for extended periods, such as bending, reaching, or twisting. It leads to strain on muscles and joints and can contribute to developing MSDs such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
Repetitive motions: Healthcare workers often perform repetitive movements such as lifting and transferring patients, typing on keyboards, or using medical equipment. These repetitive motions can cause muscle fatigue and strain, leading to MSDs such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Forceful exertions: Healthcare workers often have to exert significant force when performing tasks such as lifting patients or moving heavy equipment. This can strain muscles and joints and lead to MSDs such as back pain and shoulder pain.
Prolonged standing: Healthcare workers are often required to stand for long periods, leading to fatigue, swelling, and pain in the legs, feet, and back.
Inadequate lighting: Poor lighting conditions can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, increasing the risk of errors and accidents.

By addressing these ergonomic-related issues, healthcare organizations can reduce the risk of MSDs among their workers, improve productivity, and enhance the overall safety and comfort of the work environment.

The Cost of Bad Ergonomics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare and social assistance sector has one of the highest rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the United States, with approximately 540,000 injuries and illnesses reported in 2019. Among these injuries, MSDs are among the most common types of injuries reported in the healthcare industry.

The costs of healthcare workplace injuries are staggering, with estimates ranging from $7 billion to $20 billion annually. These costs include workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity, medical expenses, legal fees, and other indirect costs.

Preventing workplace injuries and promoting ergonomics can help reduce these costs, improve employee health and well-being, and enhance safety and productivity.

Preventing Workplace Injuries With Good Ergonomics

Healthcare organizations should implement an ergonomic program that identifies, evaluates, and controls ergonomic hazards in the workplace. It should include the following elements:

1. Identify and Evaluate Ergonomic Hazards

The first step should be to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential ergonomic hazards in the workplace. This could involve observing work activities, analyzing injury reports, and consulting with workers to identify areas of concern. Hazards are identified and evaluated to determine the level of risk they pose to workers.

2. Implement Control Measures

After identifying and evaluating ergonomic hazards, healthcare organizations should implement control measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury. These control measures include changing work processes, redesigning workstations or tools, and providing ergonomic training to workers.

3. Provide Ergonomic Training

Providing training for workers to help them recognize and address ergonomic hazards in the workplace raises awareness and helps with prevention. Training should cover proper lifting techniques, safe work practices, and recognizing early signs of MSDs. Include ergonomics training alongside other required courses and use an online learning management system to make it easy for employees to complete from anywhere.

4. Make It Easy To Report Incidents

Use an online incident reporting system to track ergonomic injuries or circumstances that might lead to an injury. Online platforms make it easy to identify trends and add policies or training to change employee behavior.

5. Monitor and Evaluate the Program

Healthcare organizations should regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their ergonomic program. Steps include reviewing injury reports, conducting worker surveys, and analyzing production data to determine whether the program is achieving its objectives.

Meet Injury Prevention Requirements With Compliance Software

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all healthcare workers to complete annual training on ergonomics to prevent injuries. Most healthcare organizations also have policies and procedures in place to minimize injury as much as possible. MedTrainer’s all-in-one healthcare compliance management platform simplifies education, documentation, incident reporting, and more.

Healthcare-Specific Courses: There are nearly 1,000 courses in MedTrainer’s library, designed to meet all regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Document & Policy Management: From policy creation, approval, and storage to electronic signing and reporting, you can do it all in the MedTrainer platform.
Tracking and Reporting: Customizable reporting and tracking make it easy to have the information surveyors want – in real time.

Ergonomics and Injury Prevention