Ergonomics and back pain Nurses need to take an ergonomic perspective on their work routines, argues Professor Nigel Corlett. Back pain is the consequence of a mis which are transmitted to the spinal discs, match between the capacity of the spine i Thus the system is unnecessarily loaded to carry loads and the loads imposed on before any work is done, and is brought it. This is a case for ergonomics, the sub closer to its effective limit. ject which deals with matching loads, Sitting can also present difficulties. environments and work organisations to Inadequate chairs require their users to the capacities and needs of the individu lean forward and offer inadequate back als. So what can ergonomics contribute support. The nature of the work often to reducing the incidence of back pain? dictates that this posture must be adopt Other contributions in this supplement ed, so it tends to be held for long peri cover a wide range of ways to do this; this ods ol time. The muscles fatigue and the back aches, while the discs arc held in an article reviews some essential points. There are two major contributors to unchanging compressive force. People sometimes recognise a partic back pain: the maintenance of postures which load the spine, and the imposition ular incident which led to them receiv of frequent and/or excessive loads. Work ing a back injury. These incidents can surfaces which are too low, too far away seem trivial, but often represent the final from the operator or require a twist to be \ insult to a back that has endured the reached are potentially problematic. effects of poor posture and inadequate Such surfaces require operators to main lifting techniques for too long. tain a bent or twisted back; the need for | Prevention should be the key concept. As most people now know, in lifting strenuous muscle activity to hold the | back in such positions creates tensions the golden rule is, 'don't'! Use a hoist or NEIL O'CONNOR
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V I Nurses should be encouraged to use lifting hoists whenever feasible.
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other system, or change the job charac teristics so that lifting is not necessary. If you have to lift, then refer to the new edition of the National Back Prevention Association/RCN guidelines and get the proper training. Ergonomically, much can be done. Wear clothing that permits the necessary postures with freedom and without embarrassment, and shoes which have low, broad heels and are firm. Remove anything which will hinder the handling of the load. Set beds at a height to min imise stooping. Try to be warm, but not too warm, so that your muscles are in good shape for the job. In general, match the workplace to you, not vice versa. It is important to know what not to lift - it is counterproductive to lift too much. People who think it ‘wimpish’ to use handling aids, and to refuse to lift beyond a safe capacity, are incompetent at their job, and often well aware that they are rarely called upon to do the lift ing! The competent professional does it properly, and that means using the appropriate equipment.
Selecting equipment When equipment is requested, ask to be involved in the selection process; after all, you have to use it, and the buyers don’t. Check it for its usability, handling qualities and manoeuvrability. Don’t be fooled by sales demonstrations or paint and chromium, but take it on a ward and try it yourself; if it isn't good enough, reject it. This may be difficult, but is preferable to purchasing inappropriate equipment which leaves you having to do the ’manual handling’ yourself. We usually recognise when we are tired, and take rest (if we can) to recov er. A change of activity can be restful and can help the back to recover, so spread the work which particularly stresses your back through the day. To put it togeth er builds up the effects of the load and increases the risk of injury. So look at your work ergonomically. Match it to your capacities and don’t let convention stand in the way. Con ventions have cost a lot of people bad backs, so question every one which loads yours. Your back has to last you a life time, and if you give it a chance, it will. Nigel Corlett was Professor, Institute for Occupational Ergonomics, University of Nottingham. He is now retired.
April 29/Volumc 6/Numbcr 32/1992 Nursing Standard 51 Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Sep 16, 2016. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2016 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Nv' N'
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V I Nurses should be encouraged to use lifting hoists whenever feasible.
.
other system, or change the job charac teristics so that lifting is not necessary. If you have to lift, then refer to the new edition of the National Back Prevention Association/RCN guidelines and get the proper training. Ergonomically, much can be done. Wear clothing that permits the necessary postures with freedom and without embarrassment, and shoes which have low, broad heels and are firm. Remove anything which will hinder the handling of the load. Set beds at a height to min imise stooping. Try to be warm, but not too warm, so that your muscles are in good shape for the job. In general, match the workplace to you, not vice versa. It is important to know what not to lift - it is counterproductive to lift too much. People who think it ‘wimpish’ to use handling aids, and to refuse to lift beyond a safe capacity, are incompetent at their job, and often well aware that they are rarely called upon to do the lift ing! The competent professional does it properly, and that means using the appropriate equipment.
Selecting equipment When equipment is requested, ask to be involved in the selection process; after all, you have to use it, and the buyers don’t. Check it for its usability, handling qualities and manoeuvrability. Don’t be fooled by sales demonstrations or paint and chromium, but take it on a ward and try it yourself; if it isn't good enough, reject it. This may be difficult, but is preferable to purchasing inappropriate equipment which leaves you having to do the ’manual handling’ yourself. We usually recognise when we are tired, and take rest (if we can) to recov er. A change of activity can be restful and can help the back to recover, so spread the work which particularly stresses your back through the day. To put it togeth er builds up the effects of the load and increases the risk of injury. So look at your work ergonomically. Match it to your capacities and don’t let convention stand in the way. Con ventions have cost a lot of people bad backs, so question every one which loads yours. Your back has to last you a life time, and if you give it a chance, it will. Nigel Corlett was Professor, Institute for Occupational Ergonomics, University of Nottingham. He is now retired.
April 29/Volumc 6/Numbcr 32/1992 Nursing Standard 51 Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Sep 16, 2016. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2016 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
