Kristie Sweeney1, Karen Ginn2, Jacqueline Spurway3, Jillian Clarke2, Martin Mackey2. 1. Bathurst Health Service, Western New South Wales Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia. 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 3. Orange Health Service, Western New South Wales Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
Introduction: Sonographers in the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) reported a musculoskeletal pain prevalence rate of 95%. Participatory ergonomics, where workers are consulted about improving work conditions, was utilised to identify work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks and potential solutions. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of WMSD in a cohort of sonographers before and after implementation of ergonomic changes that were driven by recommendations from a participatory ergonomics approach. Methods: This observational mixed methods study analysed the impact of participatory ergonomic-driven interventions on changes on musculoskeletal pain in a cohort of sonographers employed within the WNSWLHD. A retrospective analysis of 10 sonographer WMSD pain surveys over five sites was completed, along with semi-structured interviews regarding which interventions were perceived as useful, which interventions were not implemented and any barriers to implementation. Results: Installation of patient monitors, use of ergonomic scanning techniques and job rotation were perceived as responsible for decreased musculoskeletal pain. Taking lunch breaks and microbreaks, use of antifatigue mats and having two sonographers perform mobile exams were not fully implemented. No interventions were perceived as responsible for increased pain. Conclusion: This small study provides preliminary evidence that a participatory ergonomics approach facilitated identification of occupation and site-specific risks for WMSD in the WNSWLHD, allowing implementation of ergonomic changes to be tailored to the workplace, resulting in a safer work environment for sonographers.
Introduction: Sonographers in the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) reported a musculoskeletal pain prevalence rate of 95%. Participatory ergonomics, where workers are consulted about improving work conditions, was utilised to identify work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks and potential solutions. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of WMSD in a cohort of sonographers before and after implementation of ergonomic changes that were driven by recommendations from a participatory ergonomics approach. Methods: This observational mixed methods study analysed the impact of participatory ergonomic-driven interventions on changes on musculoskeletal pain in a cohort of sonographers employed within the WNSWLHD. A retrospective analysis of 10 sonographer WMSD pain surveys over five sites was completed, along with semi-structured interviews regarding which interventions were perceived as useful, which interventions were not implemented and any barriers to implementation. Results: Installation of patient monitors, use of ergonomic scanning techniques and job rotation were perceived as responsible for decreased musculoskeletal pain. Taking lunch breaks and microbreaks, use of antifatigue mats and having two sonographers perform mobile exams were not fully implemented. No interventions were perceived as responsible for increased pain. Conclusion: This small study provides preliminary evidence that a participatory ergonomics approach facilitated identification of occupation and site-specific risks for WMSD in the WNSWLHD, allowing implementation of ergonomic changes to be tailored to the workplace, resulting in a safer work environment for sonographers.
Authors: Dwayne van Eerd; Donald Cole; Emma Irvin; Quenby Mahood; Kiera Keown; Nancy Theberge; Judy Village; Marie St Vincent; Kim Cullen Journal: Ergonomics Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 2.778
Authors: Ruchira Singh; Daniel A Carranza Leon; Melissa M Morrow; Tamara L Vos-Draper; Michaela E Mc Gree; Amy L Weaver; Sandra M Woolley; Susan Hallbeck; John B Gebhart Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2016-06-16 Impact factor: 8.661