Definitions & Health
The scientific study of designing and arranging workplaces to fit the capabilities of the human body.
What is Ergonomics?
Overexertion from lifting heavy unassisted loads, twisting while lifting, or pulling equipment can cause these types of injuries.
What are exertion injuries (strains, sprains, or herniated discs)?
To prevent visual problems and dry eyes when working on a screen, you should follow this simple timing rule or adjust monitor placement.
What is taking regular screen breaks (e.g., the 20-20-20 rule) or adjusting monitor height/glare?
These types of injuries result from small, continuous movements over time that cause micro-trauma faster than tissues can heal.
What are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)?
Mechanical ceiling lifts, Hoyer lifts, and friction-reducing slide sheets are examples of these devices designed to protect healthcare workers.
What are adaptive devices (or mechanical patient-handling equipment)?
The efficient, safe, and coordinated use of the body to move, lift, and perform tasks while maintaining balance.
What are Body Mechanics?
Name two physical risk factors in the workplace that significantly increase the likelihood of getting injured.
What are awkward postures, high force/heavy lifting, repetitive movements, static positions, or vibration?
To avoid hip and circulation strain while sitting at a computer workstation, your knees should form this angle.
What is a 90-degree angle (or knees level with/slightly below hips)?
Inflammation or irritation of the fibrous cord attaching muscle to bone.
What is Tendonitis?
Non-surgical treatment methods for nerve and musculoskeletal injuries, such as using ice/rest, physical therapy, and splints, are referred to as this type of care.
What are conservative management treatments?
Name two general lifestyle habits (outside of ergonomics) that keep muscles resilient and help prevent injuries.
What are regular exercise/stretching, adequate rest/sleep, proper hydration, or maintaining a healthy weight?
The trend toward higher patient weight (bariatric care) and staff shortages contribute to this ongoing trend in healthcare settings.
Why are exertion injuries increasing among healthcare professionals?
Prolonged screen glare, incorrect monitor distance, and reduced blinking frequency can lead to this eye condition.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain?
Persistent aching, joint stiffness, numbness, or loss of grip strength are common signs of these conditions.
What are the symptoms of Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs)?
When preparing to transfer or lift an uncooperative patient, this is the very first step a healthcare worker should take before touching the patient.
What is assessing the load/patient mobility (and asking for help if needed)?
Practicing proper ergonomics and body mechanics prevents these types of work-related conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves.
What are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) or Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs)?
When standing for extended periods, shifting your weight from foot to foot or using a low footrest protects against strain in these body parts.
What are the lower back and legs/feet?
When setting up a computer workstation, your elbows should be at a 90° to 100° angle, and your monitor should be positioned like this relative to your sightline.
What is at or slightly below eye level (about an arm's length away)?
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb and fingers.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Healthcare professionals should take these short breaks (lasting 20–30 seconds every 30 minutes) during repetitive tasks to change muscle use.
What are micro-breaks (or movement breaks)?
The argument for using this device includes temporary lumbar support, while the argument against it is that it can create a false sense of security and weaken deep core muscles over time.
What is a back belt?
This specific movement—combining bending at the waist and rotating the torso while lifting—is one of the leading mechanics mistakes causing spinal injury.
DAILY DOUBLE What is twisting while lifting (or twisting without pivoting with the feet)?
Crossing your legs at the knees while sitting at a desk creates these two physical problems.
What are impaired circulation and pelvic misalignments/tilts?
Compression of the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and the first rib, often caused by poor posture or slouched shoulders.
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?
When lifting an object off the ground, proper body mechanics requires bending at these joints while maintaining a wide base of support.
What are the knees and hips (rather than bending at the waist)?