Evaluation of the Frequency and Risk of Ergonomic Stressors Experienced By Home Care Aides in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Home healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries, expected to increase for decades. Healthcare workers experience a range of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during work tasks. The objective of this study was to observe and quantify the ergonomic hazards experienced by home healthcare workers in Puerto Rico. Eighteen study participants were observed in Puerto Rico while visiting patient homes. Direct observation confirmed perceived ergonomic exposures for home care workers in Puerto Rico. Trunk bent over 25°, and extended overreach were the most prevalent ergonomic stressors experienced by home care workers. Repositioning patients in bed was the most commonly conducted patient handling task by home care workers.

Keywords

home healthcare ergonomics falls

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