The design and use of ergonomic checkpoints for health care work

Abstract

Recent participatory approaches for improving health care workplaces clearly indicated the usefulness of applying broad-ranging ergonomic measures feasible in local situations of health care facilities. In order to facilitate the application of these measures, ergonomic checkpoints in health care work were compiled based on these recent approaches. Comparing the multifaceted improvements achieved by health care workers with those from participatory approaches in other sectors, ergonomic aspects applicable to health care work were identified. Ergonomic checkpoints for use by health care work were drafted by using the established format presented by the International Labour Office (ILO) in collaboration with the International Ergonomics Association (IEA). Ten technical areas were confirmed as important ergonomic action areas for health care work. They included materials handling, machine safety, person transfer, workstations, physical environment, hazardous agents, welfare facilities and work organization. Typical low-cost ergonomic measures in these areas were compiled into 60 ergonomic checkpoints by utilizing the ILO/IEA format. The validity of these checkpoints was tested by pilot application of action tools based on them. Main contributing actors leading to successful applications of the proposed checkpoints were simple procedures for multifaceted risk reduction, emphasis placed on locally feasible improvements and the use of action-oriented tools such as locally. adapted action checklists. The new checkpoints compiled by examining recent participatory approaches were found useful for improving health care workplaces.