Risk assessment of the ergonomic aspects of laparoscopic theatre

Abstract

An employer has a legal requirement to offer a safe working environment to its employees. The risks and hazards should be reduced as far as practicably possible, and the set-up should be as ergonomic as possible. Modern laparoscopic surgery carried out in an old-fashioned theatre without the advantages that an integrated operating room has to offer results in increased risk of injury to the staff. We have assessed the relative risks and determined reasons why modernisation is essential to the safety of the theatre team.