Reducing employee back injuries in the perioperative setting

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Surgical Safety

Background:

• High incidence of employee back injuries reported in a 14-room surgical suite.
• Existing work practices may contribute to musculoskeletal strain among operating room (OR) staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in reducing back injuries within a surgical suite.
• To identify specific workplace modifications to improve staff safety and well-being.

Main Methods:

• An ergonomic consultant assessed the surgical suite environment and staff work practices.
• Five key recommendations were developed focusing on patient handling, equipment mobility, and environmental safety.
• The majority of recommendations were implemented and adopted by the OR staff.

Main Results:

• A 25% reduction in back injuries was observed among OR staff 18 months post-implementation.
• The implemented ergonomic changes were generally well-received by personnel.
• Specific interventions addressed patient movement, cart/equipment handling, use of gallbladder boards, wet floor safety, and power outlet access.

Conclusions:

• Ergonomic interventions are effective in mitigating back injuries in surgical settings.
• Targeted recommendations for patient handling and workplace modifications can significantly improve operating room safety.
• Investing in ergonomic assessments and implementing consultant recommendations yields measurable improvements in staff health and safety.