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Occupational health and safety in physiotherapy: guidelines for practice
J E Cromie1, V J Robertson, M O Best
1School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia. jean@osa.com
The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy
|September 13, 2001
Summary
Most physiotherapists suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), often from patient handling. This study proposes guidelines for injury prevention, addressing environmental and job design, and physiotherapist capabilities, to reduce WMSDs.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Physiotherapy Practice
- Ergonomics
Background:
- High prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among physiotherapists.
- Manual patient handling identified as a primary cause of WMSDs.
- Significant career changes result from WMSDs in the physiotherapy profession.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose evidence-based guidelines for reducing WMSDs in physiotherapy.
- To align injury prevention strategies with Australian legislative requirements.
- To enhance the understanding of risk factors and protective measures for physiotherapists.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on injury prevention in physiotherapy.
- Survey of Australian physiotherapists regarding WMSDs.
- Analysis of Australian legislative requirements for workplace safety.
- Development of guidelines based on collected data and existing research.
Main Results:
- 91% of physiotherapists report experiencing WMSDs.
- 1 in 6 physiotherapists change careers due to WMSDs.
- Guidelines address environmental design, job design, and personal physical capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Guidelines provide a framework for mitigating WMSDs in physiotherapy.
- Further research is needed to develop and implement injury prevention strategies.
- Proactive measures are essential for the long-term health and retention of physiotherapists.
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