How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries in Nurses
Nurses help to form the backbone of our health care system. Unfortunately, far too many nurses suffer job-related injuries each year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes that musculoskeletal injuries are “the leading cause of lost workday injury and illness in the healthcare industry.” Here, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer highlights key things for nurses to know about preventing musculoskeletal injuries while on the job.
What is a Musculoskeletal Injury?
Broadly defined, a musculoskeletal injury is a type of injury that causes damage or disorder(s) that affect the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These injuries are most often caused by repetitive movements, overexertion, accidents, or other trauma. Musculoskeletal injuries can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. Examples include:
- Sprains: A sprain occurs when ligaments—the bands of tissue connecting bones—are stretched or torn.
- Strains: A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, often caused by overuse or improper lifting. Common areas affected include the back and hamstrings.
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a notoriously painful condition that is characterized by inflammation of a tendon.
Musculoskeletal Injury are a Serious Workplace Safety Hazard for Nurses
Musculoskeletal injuries are a serious workplace safety hazard for nurses. One of the primary reasons why is due to the physical demands that come with providing high quality patient care. Indeed, lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients puts significant strain on nurses’ muscles and joints. These actions can increase the risk of injuries, including musculoskeletal issues.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries in Nurses in Virginia
Although musculoskeletal injuries are a serious workplace safety issue for nurses, the good news is that the proper preventive measures can go a long way toward reducing the risk. Health industry employers should ensure that the workplace is reasonably safe for nurses. Here are some of the most notable musculoskeletal prevention strategies:
- Mechanical Lifting Devices: Nurses frequently face the challenge of manually lifting and transferring patients, which puts undue stress on their back, shoulders, and arms. Using mechanical lifting devices, such as hoists and transfer boards, can reduce the physical strain.
- Advanced Ergonomic Training: Providing nurses with ergonomic training is essential for injury prevention. Ergonomic training focuses on teaching proper body mechanics—such as how to lift patients without straining their back—to nurses.
- Adequate Staffing: An underappreciated risk is that understaffing is a major factor contributing to musculoskeletal injuries in nurses. When there are too few nurses, the workload becomes heavier. It increases the workplace injury risk.
- Regular Breaks and Stretching Time Encouraging nurses to take regular breaks and perform stretching exercises throughout their shifts can help prevent fatigue and muscle stiffness.
Consult With Our Virginia Workers’ Comp Attorney for Nurses Today
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer is here to get to work when you cannot. If you are a nurse who suffered any type of musculoskeletal injury while on the job, we are here to help. Contact us at (804) 755-7755 for a fully confidential initial consultation. We represent injured nurses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.