Work hardening in an early return to work program for nurses with back injury

Work assessment and work hardening were components of a comprehensive interdisciplinary program to prevent and manage back injury in nurses in a large tertiary care hospital. The effect of work hardening on morbidity and work status is described.

Nurses injured on 'target' wards who had time loss exceeding four working days received a work assessment. RESULTS determined work placement: work hardening. modified work or return to regular work. Pain, disability and lifting tolerance were monitored during work hardening and modified work; pain, disability, work endurance and work status were compared between initial and follow-up assessments.

Seven nurses received work hardening. All had increased lifting capacity; pain and disability scores decreased and, by 6 months follow-up, all were working full shifts at their regular jobs.

RESULTS support the concept of maintaining individuals with back injury in the workplace by providing early, on-site intervention that includes work hardening and modified work.