Reducing employee back injuries in the perioperative setting

An ergonomic consultant conducted an evaluation of a 14-room surgical suite that had a high rate of employee back injuries. The consultant made five specific recommendations regarding moving patients, maneuvering carts and equipment, using gallbladder boards, walking on wet floors, and accessing power outlets. Most of the recommendations were implemented and well received. Eighteen months after the implementation of the consultant's recommendations, there was a 25% reduction in the number of back injuries among the OR staff members.