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AORN ergonomic tool 7: pushing, pulling, and moving equipment on wheels.
Thomas Waters1, John D Lloyd, Edward Hernandez
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
AORN Journal
|September 3, 2011
Summary
Pushing and pulling heavy equipment in operating rooms can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The AORN Ergonomic Tool 7 helps assess risks and suggests using assistive devices to improve safety for perioperative teams.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal health
Background:
- Perioperative team members experience high shear forces when moving wheeled equipment.
- These forces can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting shoulder and back muscles and joints.
- Existing ergonomic assessments may not fully address the specific demands of OR equipment handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the AORN Ergonomic Tool 7 for assessing risks associated with pushing and pulling tasks in the operating room.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for using assistive devices during equipment mobility.
- To promote safer work practices and reduce the incidence of WMSDs in perioperative settings.
Main Methods:
- Development of the AORN Ergonomic Tool 7 based on current ergonomic safety concepts.
- Inclusion of scientific evidence and knowledge of effective technologies and procedures.
- Focus on risk assessment for pushing, pulling, and moving equipment on wheels.
Main Results:
- The tool offers a structured approach to evaluating the physical demands of moving equipment.
- It provides specific, evidence-based suggestions for risk mitigation, including the use of assistive devices.
- The tool integrates concepts of safe patient handling and mobility.
Conclusions:
- The AORN Ergonomic Tool 7 is a valuable resource for perioperative teams to identify and manage risks.
- Implementing the tool's recommendations can help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Promoting the use of assistive devices is crucial for enhancing safety in the operating room environment.
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