Back injuries among nursing personnel: the relationship of personal characteristics, risk factors, and nursing practices.

Abstract

Reducing the total number of work related back injuries among nurses is important, but reducing those injuries that are severe enough to result in lost time and/or disability is critical. Results of this study indicate that female nurses in the early phases of assignment on long term care units are at greatest risk for back injury, but risk factors that relate significantly to the severity of the injury are tour of duty (evening) and weight of the nurse (200 + pounds). Recommendations suggested by this study include: evaluation of lifting techniques and practices; orientation whenever assignments are changed; accurate assessment of nurse, client, and situation; and the regular use of an assessment tool which incorporates all of these factors.

• Authors: B Garrett, D Singiser, S M Banks
• Journal: AAOHN journal : official journal of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN J) Vol. 40 Issue 11 Pg. 510-6 (Nov 1992) ISSN: 0891-0162 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1489475 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Topics

• Absenteeism
• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Low Back Pain (epidemiology)
• Male
• Nursing Assistants
• Nursing Staff
• Occupational Diseases (epidemiology)
• Risk Factors
• United States (epidemiology)