Ergonomic Hazards and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Workers
Keywords:
Musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics, healthcare workers, workplace safety, IndonesiaAbstract
Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to physical demands that increase their risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including repetitive movements, awkward postures, and manual patient handling. This cross-sectional study investigated ergonomic risk factors and the prevalence of MSDs among 390 nurses and healthcare personnel in a provincial general hospital in Palembang, Indonesia. Data were collected through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and direct ergonomic observation. The most common complaints were lower back pain (65.1%), neck pain (42.8%), and shoulder discomfort (39.4%). Statistical analysis showed that prolonged standing, lack of lifting equipment, and absence of ergonomic training were significantly associated with higher MSD prevalence (p<0.05). Female staff, night shift workers, and those with over 10 years of experience reported greater symptom severity. Despite awareness of ergonomic risks, adherence to safe work practices was low due to workload pressures and understaffing. The findings underscore the importance of institutional support for ergonomic interventions, including redesigning workspaces, providing lifting aids, conducting periodic ergonomic assessments, and offering comprehensive training to healthcare workers. Improving workplace ergonomics is essential to enhancing staff well-being and sustaining healthcare workforce productivity.
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