Ergonomic and postural aspects and the health workers

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are an important occupational health problem. Health workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms due to inadequate ergonomic conditions. The procedures that involve the moving and transportation of patients are considered the most dangerous ones for health workers. Therefore, training programs on handling patients are a compulsory part of prevention programs. The purpose of the study was to synthesize and describe basic strategies to prevent and control musculoskeletal symptoms in health workers by means of an ergonomic theoretical framework. A systematic review was used in order to integrate empiric evidence produced by the author’s scientific research. Themes related to postural orientations, specific ergonomic aspects and considerations about handling patients are presented. This study also describes the devices that should be used when moving and transferring patients, taking into consideration that they have to be urgently implemented in health practical activities.