Nurses and other healthcare workers face many safety and health hazards in their work environments. In fact, healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses of any industry sector. In 2012, injuries and illnesses reported for nursing and residential care workers were significantly higher than those in construction, and 2-3 times higher than in retail or manufacturing. Almost half of the injuries and illnesses reported for nurses and nursing support staff were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Rates of MSDs for nursing assistants (225.8) were almost four times as high as the average for all workers. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) MSDs affect the muscles, nerves and tendons. Work-related MSDs (including those of the neck, upper extremities and low back) are a leading cause of lost workday injuries and illnesses for healthcare and social assistance workers, particularly in nursing homes and residential care facilities. Examples of MSDs include: Muscle strains and low back injuries Rotator cuff injuries (shoulder problems) Tendinitis
Nurses and other healthcare workers face many safety and health hazards in their work environments. In fact, healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses of any industry sector. In 2012, injuries and illnesses reported for nursing and residential care workers were significantly higher than those in construction, and 2-3 times higher than in retail or manufacturing. Almost half of the injuries and illnesses reported for nurses and nursing support staff were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Rates of MSDs for nursing assistants (225.8) were almost four times as high as the average for all workers.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) MSDs affect the muscles, nerves and tendons. Work-related MSDs (including those of the neck, upper extremities and low back) are a leading cause of lost workday injuries and illnesses for healthcare and social assistance workers, particularly in nursing homes and residential care facilities.
Examples of MSDs include:
Muscle strains and low back injuries
Rotator cuff injuries (shoulder problems)
Tendinitis
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Define musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Recognize signs and symptoms of MSD injuries. Identify risk factors for MSDs. Specify controls and practices to eliminate and reduce risk factors and hazards. Specify how to report symptoms and hazards. Identify the elements of a successful ergonomics program.
Safety officers and HSE professionals Ergonomics coordinators or specialists HR and occupational health personnel Workplace assessors and compliance officers Industrial engineers and facility managers Supervisors and team leaders overseeing manual work Anyone involved in workstation design, risk assessment, or ergonomic improvement programs
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