Ergonomics in the Hospital Central Supply Area - Fitting the Task to The Worker
Especially in the hospital supply chain, injuries and the related costs are avoidable...
According to OSHA, ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. When there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker, work-related injuries and stresses can result.
MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders)Prevention
Employee exposure to MSD from repetitive, prolonged, reaching, when sorting sterilized packages or lifting above shoulder height to reach high shelves of equipment or when pushing and pulling heavy carts full of dirty or clean items. Static postures may occur from continuously standing in one position while sorting instruments. Contact trauma to forearm area can occur if employee rests wrists on hard sharp counter surfaces when sorting.
Possible Solutions
- Redesign workstations so packaging and equipment can be reached while maintaining the elbows in close to the body.
- Use carts and trucks with large, low rolling, low resistance wheels, that can easily roll over mixed flooring as well as gaps between elevators and hallways.
- Minimize prolonged overhead activity (e.g., lower stacking shelves to shoulder height).
- Use height-adjustable work surfaces or lift tables to minimize head tilt.
- Rotate workers through repetitive tasks.
- Pad the edge of work surfaces which come into contact with the elbow or forearm which could cause contact trauma.
- Provide sit/stand stools at work stations.
- Use anti-fatigue mats.
- Use shoes with well-cushioned insteps and soles where floor mats cannot be used.
- Provide a foot rest bar so employees can continually alter their posture by raising one foot.
More information can be found at www.osha.gov on ergonomics issues.