OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
RISK FACTORS OF WMSDs IN HEALTHCARE
IMPACT OF POOR ERGONOMICS AND WMSDs
IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS AND INTERVENTION
SETTING UP AN ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE
BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES
ACTION POINTS
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline focused on understanding the interactions between humans and other elements of a system, and applying this knowledge to design workplaces, products, and systems that optimize human well-being and overall system performance (International Ergonomics Association).
It is about fitting the job to the person, not forcing the person to adapt to poorly designed work conditions, which leads to healthier, safer, and more efficient workplaces.
Ergonomics is the study of people in their workplace and is the process in which workplaces, products and systems are designed or rearranged so that they fit the people who use them.
It aims to improve workspaces/environments to reduce the risk of injury.
It create safe, comfortable and productive workspaces by bringing human abilities and limitations into the design of a workspace, which includes the individual’s body size, strength, skill, height and sensory abilities.
Ergonomics in the healthcare setting is critical for protecting workers from injuries, enhancing their well-being, and simultaneously improving patient care quality.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are highly prevalent among health care workers and represent a significant occupational health issue (Godsday et al., 2023).
These disorders affect muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, joints, or spinal discs and are caused or aggravated by work activities.
The prevalence of WMSDs among healthcare professionals is notably high, with some studies reporting rates between 60% and 98% among health workers (Basil Kum Meh et al., 2023).
The most commonly affected body regions include the lower back, neck, shoulders, upper back, knees, and wrists/hands.
Nurses, dentists, med lab scientists and physiotherapists have the highest prevalence of WMSDs.