Effect of a nurse back injury prevention intervention on the rate of injury compensation claims |
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Authors: | Peter J Martin [Author Vitae] [Author Vitae] John F Culvenor [Author Vitae] [Author Vitae] |
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Institution: | a School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences, University of Ballarat, Australia b School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ballarat, Australia c VIOSH Australia, University of Ballarat, Australia |
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Abstract: | ProblemThis study evaluated the effect of introducing a No Lifting policy on back injuries to nurses, across an entire health care system.MethodsMethods included: analysis of the data for all public health agencies in the Australian state of Victoria; compensation data from the Victorian Workcover Authority; data about workforce and program implementation from a retrospective survey of agencies; longitudinal analysis of standardized workers compensation claim rates for back injuries before, during and after the intervention.ResultsA statistically significant decline in back injury claim rates during implementation contrasted with no statistically significant trends within the periods before and after the intervention. A statistically significant reduction occurred in mean quarterly standard back injury claim incidence rates per 1,000 equivalent fulltime nursing staff (EFTNS), representing a 24% reduction in standard back injury claims/1000 EFTNS.DiscussionErgonomics principles encourage changing the work environment to suit the worker. This approach delivered a significant improvement in the immediate term.Impact of industryThe substantial decline in back injury rates signifies a major improvement in the safety of a critical aspect of the work environment for nurses. |
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Keywords: | Nursing Back injury No lifting Longitudinal analysis Evaluation of occupational health and safety interventions |
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