Back Injury

Low back injuries are the leading occupational health problem affecting healthcare workers and are increasing among nurses and nurses’ assistants. Hospitals and nursing homes are the top two workplaces for days away from work due to back injuries. The primary risk factor for low back disorders among nursing personnel is lifting and transferring of patients. Other jobs at risk for musculoskeletal injury include transport workers, housekeeping and environmental services. The NIOSH lifting equation indicates that the average worker can routinely lift no more than 51 pounds. Healthcare workers are routinely asked to lift beyond safe loads without adequate staffing support and lack access to lifting devices.

According to research conducted at the University of Wisconsin, of the 38% of nurses with back injuries, 12% are considering leaving the profession thus contributing to the current nursing shortage. The 1996 Institute of Medicine Report: Nurse Staffing in Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Is it adequate?, discusses the relationship between staffing and back injuries and recommends lifting devices and teams.
From 'Occupational Health and Safety,' by Susan Wilburn, MPH, RN

 

Related Content

On March 8, 2006, The Washington State Legislature passed legislation (House Bill 1672) to promote safe patient handling and prevent workplace injuries amongst registered nurses and health care workers. Find out more about this law, and how you can ensure that it is properly implemented in your workplace.

 

Upcoming Event:

April 30, 2008 Conference: "Creating a Culture for Safe Patient Handling" from the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine.

• Download this PDF document (382KB) for more information & a registration form

 

From the American Journal of Nursing

Giving a Lift to Nursing Education
Teaching tomorrow's nurses best-practice Patient Handling Skills

The OSHA General Duty Clause
Protecting workers in the absence of a regulation

 

On the Web

The American Nurses Association's Handle With Care Campaign

Nursing Practice

The Workplace, The Environment, and You

Environmental Hazards

• Dioxins
• Incineration
• Medical Pollution
• Mercury
• Pesticides
• PVC & DEHP

Workplace Hazards

• Back Injuries
• Latex Allergy
• Needlestick Injury
• Toxic Chemicals
• Workload Issues
• Workplace Violence

Chemical Policy Reform

• Environmental Health Competency
• Louisville Charter
• Pharmaceutical Waste Management
• Precautionary Principle

News & Events

Links

• Environmental Organizations
• Government Agencies
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Other

Partner Organizations

Health & Safety Committee

• Purpose & Goals