Developing a comprehensive approach to risk management of musculoskeletal disorders in non-nursing health care sector employees

Jodi Oakman; Wendy Macdonald; Yvonne Wells

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2014.05.016

Developing a comprehensive approach to risk management of musculoskeletal disorders in non-nursing health care sector employees

Appl Ergon. 2014 Nov;45(6):1634-40. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.05.016. Epub 2014 Jul 3.

Authors

Jodi Oakman¹, Wendy Macdonald², Yvonne Wells³

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Vic, Australia. Electronic address: j.oakman@latrobe.edu.au.
² Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Vic, Australia.
³ Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia.

PMID: 24998863
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.05.016

Abstract

This study of selected jobs in the health care sector explored a range of physical and psychosocial factors to identify those that most strongly predicted work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) risk. A self-report survey was used to collect data on physical and psychosocial risk factors from employees in three health care organisations in Victoria, Australia. Multivariate analyses demonstrated the importance of both psychosocial and physical hazards in predicting WMSD risk and provides evidence for risk management of WMSDs to incorporate a more comprehensive and integrated approach. Use of a risk management toolkit is recommended to address WMSD risk in the workplace.

Keywords: Psychosocial hazards; Risk management; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Accidents, Occupational
Adult
Female
Health Personnel*
Humans
Job Satisfaction
Male
Middle Aged
Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology*
Occupational Diseases / etiology*
Risk Factors
Risk Management / methods*
Surveys and Questionnaires