| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 587492 | Journal of Safety Research | 2011 | 7 Pages |
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate repeated patient handling injuries following a multi-factor ergonomic intervention program among health care workers.MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental study which had an intervention group and a non-randomized control group. Data were collected from six hospitals in Saskatchewan, Canada from September 1, 2001 to December 1, 2006.ResultsA total of 1,480 individuals who had a previous injury were eligible for the study. Medium and small size hospitals in the intervention group had significantly fewer repeated injuries than in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that the intervention group had 38.1% lower odds of having repeated injury compared to the control group, after adjusting for hospital size.ConclusionsThe work-related repeated injury after a multi-factor intervention program was reduced. The synergistic relationships between components of multi-factor intervention and applicability of injury prevention programs to different settings need to be further explored.Impact on IndustryImplementing a multi-factor program with the right equipment and training can lower the risk of injury among health care workers.
Research highlights► Implementing a multi-factor ergonomic intervention program with the right equipment and training can lower the risk of repeated patient handling injury among health care workers. ► The effectiveness of the TLR intervention was significant especially in the medium and small sized hospitals than in the large hospital. ► Nurses (RN/GDN) had significantly fewer repeated injuries in the intervention group than in the control group. ► The study result provides further impetus for implementation of the ergonomic intervention program where patient handling injury rates are high.
