The nature of healthcare work can be physically demanding involving patient handling, awkward postures related to patient treatment, extended shifts and data entry demands. Injuries experienced by nurses alone result in over 200,000 work-related injuries and illnesses each year, twice the rate experienced in general industry.1 The direct costs from these musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are estimated at about $1 billion per year,1 with indirect costs estimated to exceed $20 billion.2 As a result, healthcare ergonomics has gained attention due to the interest in reducing work-related MSDs, reducing the risk for both patients and healthcare workers and increasing patient safety and satisfaction. Hand ergonomics is also part of this growing initiative. It includes further evaluation and potential change in the protection healthcare workers wear on their hands that might exert pressure and restrict mobility. There are new technologies now available that address this issue. Please read more about the principles and importance of safe patient handling, work posture and hand ergonomics and recommendations to reduce risk and improve safety outcomes.
