Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 95-0403-2627, University of CincinnatiHospital, Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

In response to a request from the Chief Safety Officer of the University ofCincinnati Hospital (SIC-8062), Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was performed to study ergonomic related injuries and stresses experiences by employees within the Environmental Services and Central Transportation departments. A third group of employees at risk was also identified, those involved in a variety of patients care, housekeeping, and dietary tasks, titled Patient Care Service Associates. Personal interviews with staff and an on site task analysis were performed. The on site analysis included videotaping of workers. Workers in the three areas were at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders affecting the upper extremity. Workers involved in patient care and transportation were also at risk for lower extremity disorders. The highest score for combinations of risk factors was found among those involved in patient care. The authors recommend the initiation of employee based programs of ergonomic intervention, establishing musculoskeletal injury and disease surveillance, multidisciplinary review of the hospitals's current medical management, return to work and disability policies for musculoskeletal injuries and disease among workers, and the development policies for musculoskeletal injuries and disease among workers, and the development of an ongoing system for incorporating the input of the employee based teams into long range renovation and architectural plans.