OSHA Launches Campaign to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among Health Care Workers

August 20, 2013- The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a campaign to raise awareness about hazards linked to musculoskeletal disorders among health-care workers responsible for patient care. These disorders include sprains, strains, as well as soft-tissue and back injuries. Improper patient handling is a leading cause of these injuries.

"The best control for MSDs is an effective prevention program," said MaryAnn Garrahan, OSHA regional administrator in Philadelphia. "Our goal is to assist nursing homes and long-term care facilities in promoting effective processes to prevent injuries."

As part of the campaign, OSHA is providing 2,500 employers, unions and associations in the health care industry in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia with information about methods used to control hazards, such as lifting excessive weight during patient transfers. OSHA is also providing information about how employers can include a zero-lift program, which minimizes direct patient lifting by using lifting equipment and transfer tools.

In 2010, there were 40,030 occupational MSD cases in private industry nationwide. For MSD cases involving patient handling, 99 percent were the result of overexertion, resulting in sprain, strain, or tear injuries.

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