An ergonomics program designed to reduce the incidence of upper extremity work related musculoskeletal disorders
Bernacki, Edward J. ; Guidera, Jill A. ; Schaefer, John A. ; Lavin, Robert A. ; Tsai, Shan P.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
1999
41
12
1032-1041
ergonomics ; health programme ; musculoskeletal diseases ; upper extremities
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
English
Bibliogr.
In 1992, the Johns Hopkins Hospital and University in Baltimore (MD, USA) initiated a programme aimed at the early diagnosis and treatment of potential upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UEWMSDs) among employees. The programme consisted of an ergonomic assessment of workplaces of employees with UEWSMSD, as well as the identification and correction of areas throughout the hospital and university where UEWMSDs could possibly occur. The programme resulted in an initial increase in the number and cost for the treatment of UEWMSDs. Subsequently, there was a significant decrease in the number of UEWMSDs reported and virtual elimination of the need to use surgical procedures to correct these conditions.
Paper
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