Changes in ergonomic exposures of nursing assistants after the introduction of a safe resident handling program in nursing homes

Kurowski, Alicia; Boyer, Jon; Fulmer, Scott; Gore, Rebecca; Punnett, Laura

doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2012.08.007

Cited by 19 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Frequent lift use increased slightly over the 5-year period reported here, and certain self-reported reasons for not using devices decreased in frequency 38. There is some evidence that workers become more efficient and consistent in use of resident handling equipment over time 20 39 40. Obviously, further longitudinal research is indicated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The primary components of this programme were the provision of sufficient mechanical lifts for the specific residents in each centre, protocols for equipment and sling maintenance, and training 20. A detailed description of the programme was previously published 20. Pre–post-intervention observational analyses showed reductions in observed ergonomic exposures and biomechanical load, and in workers' compensation claim rates and costs within 3 years following the SRHP 20–22…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Predictors of low back pain in nursing home workers after implementation of a safe resident handling programme

2016

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Objectives Healthcare workers have high rates of low back pain (LBP) related to handling patients. A large chain of nursing homes experienced reduced biomechanical load, compensation claims and costs following implementation of a safe resident handling programme (SRHP). The aim of this study was to examine whether LBP similarly declined and whether it was associated with relevant self-reported occupational exposures or personal health factors. Methods Worker surveys were conducted on multiple occasions beginning with the week of first SRHP introduction (baseline). In each survey, the outcome was LBP during the prior 3 months with at least mild severity during the past week. Robust Poisson multivariable regression models were constructed to examine correlates of LBP cross-sectionally at 2 years (F3) and longitudinally at 5–6 years (F5) post-SRHP implementation among workers also in at least one prior survey. Results LBP prevalence declined minimally between baseline and F3. The prevalence was 37% at F3 and cumulative incidence to F5 was 22%. LBP prevalence at F3 was positively associated with combined physical exposures, psychological job demands and prior back injury, while frequent lift device usage and ‘intense’ aerobic exercise frequency were protective. At F5, the multivariable model included frequent lift usage at F3 (relative risk (RR) 0.39 (0.18 to 0.84)) and F5 work–family imbalance (RR=1.82 (1.12 to 2.98)). Conclusions In this observational study, resident lifting device usage predicted reduced LBP in nursing home workers. Other physical and psychosocial demands of nursing home work also contributed, while frequent intense aerobic exercise appeared to reduce LBP risk.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Predictors of low back pain in nursing home workers after implementation of a safe resident handling programme

2016

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“…Elements of this multi-component program included purchase of sufficient mechanical lifts for the residents in each facility, training, and protocols for lift use. 21 The overall study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in terms of physical exposure reduction, reduced musculoskeletal symptoms and injury rates, and return on investment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These load the extremities as well as the back; for example, nearly two-thirds of the squatting, kneeling, and lunging postures previously observed were during resident handling, dressing, bathing, and housekeeping tasks. 24 Thus the SRHP reduced the biomechanical load on the back, 21 but did not eliminate all tasks with high physical workload.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%