Pushing and pulling: keeping staff healthy

 It is known that work-related stress and musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) are significant causative factors for sickness absence in NHS staff, with up to 40% attributed to MSDs (Topping 2011). There is also a link between stress and recovery outcomes for people experiencing lower back pain (CSAG 1994 and Whysall 2008). Clearly the impact of psychosocial factors cannot be overlooked in the management of MSDs, especially if work related anxiety, stress and depression are slowing recovery. There are six work related stress factors outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE 2007) – demands, control, support, relationships, role and change – some of which could increase in severity due to increased work pressures, additional work demands and overall significant changes to the workload.

Demands – This is relevant as it includes stresses placed on the employee that may result from poor ergonomic design of the environment or the equipment being used. The job may be unnecessarily more difficult if it is not correctly and ergonomically matched to the employee; an example would include manually pushing patient trolleys frequently over long distances or up inclines.

Control – Employees should be consulted and have some control regarding the tasks they carry out. They should be involved in risk assessments and the possible solutions including the trial and selection of equipment that is purchased to reduce musculo-skeletal risks.