Workplace Ergonomic case study:
The causes for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital Sonographers are multifactorial and, thus, require an integrated approach to reducing the risks for injury.
There is evidence that occupational injuries can be minimized through ergonomically designed work environments and changes in work behaviors. All too often, however, hospital workers and administrators are not in agreement as to the best ways to address these injuries. Imaging managers and hospital administrators are faced with not only maintaining a safe work environment but also with providing quality patient care services and maintaining a healthy budget. Sonographers are tasked with providing quality ultrasound exams in a timely and productive manner. In addition, when exams have to be performed outside the ultrasound department, the needs of the personnel and patients in other departments must also be taken into account.
Often these seemingly conflicting needs can lead to frustration on the part of the Sonographers and a sense that no one is listening to them. They continue to work in pain thinking that there are few or no solutions. However, continued exposure to work hazards, can eventually lead to disabling injuries. Then, the ultrasound department has lost an experienced sonographer which translates to decreased productive, potential impact on patient care, and increased costs to the hospital in the way of medical and Worker's Compensation costs and hiring and training replacement staff.
Ann Romero, Sr. Patient Advocate Manager for Brook Community Hospital, has brought to the hospitals attention the heightened ergonomic issue for the Sonographers. In turn, Dr. Schiller has turned to you as the head of Human Resources to investigate and recommend a resolution to this mounting concern for the hospital.
As the head of HR for the hospital, answer the following questions according to the case written above:
Q1. What are the workplace ergonomic factors that must be considered in trying to correct the issue?
Q2. What would you recommend?