Healthcare workers who lift, move, or reposition patients are at a high risk for back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are injuries affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, cartilage, bones, or blood vessels in areas such as the arms, legs, head, neck, or back. These injuries are often caused or aggravated by work tasks like lifting, pushing, pulling, or transferring patients.
This course focuses on strategies for preventing MSDs in healthcare and highlights mechanical techniques and equipment to reduce injury risks when handling patients.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Explain the importance of an effective safety and health program to support proper ergonomics. |
| LO 1.1.2 | Identify healthcare tasks that increase the risk of ergonomic injuries. |
| LO 1.1.3 | Recognize ergonomic hazards in healthcare and describe safe practices to mitigate them. |
| LO 1.1.4 | Describe workplace analysis techniques and training requirements for ergonomics. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Explain patient handling control measures and the use of equipment to prevent injuries. |
| LO 1.3.1 | Discuss hazards from awkward postures, reaching, lifting, and using hand tools. |