Medical personnel are often lifting, moving and pushing patients and bulky medical equipment. These activities can put strain on the back, neck and shoulders, causing pain. Constant walking and standing, as is common in the medical field, can further exacerbate this pain. Generally, ergonomic equipment provides benefits for stationary equipment. It then becomes crucial to come up with creative ergonomic solutions for medical staff due to the perpetual movement and mobility of their environment.
Anti-Fatigue Mats
At nurses’ stations or in other areas where staff stand for extended periods, anti-fatigue mats can provide relief for stress on the feet, legs, and back. For staff on the go, ErgoMates strap over your shoes, keeping an ergonomically friendly cushioned mat on your feet at all times.
Telephone Headsets
Nurses on station duty will benefit from using an ergonomic telephone headset that prevents the consistent bending and leaning that results in neck and shoulder pain.
Lifting Aids
Can reduce the stress placed on the lower back, a major source on injury. These devices can decrease or remove a staff member’s role in lifting and moving patients or heavy equipment. If it not possible to have a provided lift aide, all staff should be trained on proper lifting techniques to avoid injury and strain.
User Interface (UI) Design
Ensuring buttons on a wide variety of devices are properly spaced decreases the change of hitting the wrong button. In addition, simplifying interfaces and using color-coding within the layout can make using the device more intuitive for users. Devices should also fit comfortably in hand and reduce strain on the wrists.
Persons in the medical field generally work long hours and spend extended amounts of time walking, standing, and doing repetitive tasks. These ergonomic tips are invaluable ways to protect nurses, doctors and patients from injuries. Ergonomic innovation can help the medical field through greater personal safety at work as well as decreasing human errors that could result in mistakes that injure patients.
