Page 53 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2024. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih / Health of Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press

Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among health
and social care workers

Anja Grušovnik Mušič, Alenka Omerzel
Vitadom, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Background and purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-relat-
ed health problem. Employees in the health and social care sectors are among those
most at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Nurses and carers most com-
monly report these problems. These conditions reduce the ability to work and qual-
ity of life and cause other disabilities. They are a significant cost burden for individ-
uals, businesses and society. Preventing musculoskeletal disorders in workers and
promoting their musculoskeletal health is critical for enabling them to work longer
and with better quality. Prevention requires tailored and structured programmes that
give employees access to information and knowledge. Occupational therapists and
physiotherapists are professionals working in health and social care settings. They are
familiar with working conditions and trained in preventive action, ergonomics, envi-
ronmental adaptation, and rehabilitation. It is reasonable for them to actively involve
their knowledge and experience in programmes to prevent work-related musculo-
skeletal disorders.
Content presentation: Patient handling, equipment manipulation, and patient care often
cause musculoskeletal disorders. Patient handling is the most significant risk factor, as
patient care involves many physically demanding tasks. Many studies have focused on
identifying the best preventive practices to reduce musculoskeletal disorders associat-
ed with patient handling. These studies show that preventative programmes, including
educational programmes, exercise and fitness programmes, adapted work organisa-
tion, and mechanical handling equipment, are more successful. A good analysis of the
conditions, which are very specific in health and social care settings, is also crucial for
successful implementation. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists are health
professionals who bring their expertise and experience to all phases of prevention
programmes. With their knowledge of rehabilitation, they are well-placed to identi-
fy the requirements and specificities of patients. Occupational therapists can use their
skills to influence the performance and participation of employees in their work tasks
in the physical, psychological and cognitive domains of the employee and the work en- izzivi na področju ergonomije, gibalne (ne)aktivnosti ... | challenges in human factors, physical (in)activity ...
vironment. A physiotherapist can contribute with knowledge in injury prevention, im-
proving physical performance and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Both profession-
als are well-equipped with knowledge in ergonomics and education. Their role in the
successful implementation of prevention programmes is therefore increasingly recog-
nised.
Conclusions: Prevention programmes for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in
health and social care settings should consider the specificities of employees and pa-
tients. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can significantly contribute to
successfully implementing such programmes.
Keywords: occupational therapist, physiotherapist, ergonomics

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