Occupational Health and Safety
In returning others to function, the profession has an exposure to its own occupational health and safety risks ….
The incidence of work related injuries amongst the profession is significant. The range of these injuries is broad and includes musculoskeletal injuries, physical and psychological stressors. As many as 91% of physiotherapists suffer from musculoskeletal pain during their own working lifetime, primarily due to manual techniques applied in the provision of care and in lifting and patient transfers. With one in six physiotherapists changing their career as a result of injury (Cromie et al 2000*) it’s a concern.
Manual handling.
The principles of safe manual handling are very well known to the physiotherapy profession. In fact, physiotherapists have played a large role in having sensible manual handling practices widely adopted in industrial and commercial settings over the last twenty years. For the physiotherapist, the danger is that familiarity can lead to complacency. In practical terms, the danger is that many patients, especially the elderly or those undergoing rehabilitation, can have very limited mobility and stability. Mechanical aids may need to be considered if as physios you wish to avoid the long tern cumulative damage you could sustain.
Overuse syndrome.
Many treatments offered by the profession involve repetitive motion and movement. These treatments can produce classical repetitive strain injuries. This risk can be amplified by the number of patients a physiotherapist sees in a typical practice over the course of the working day and week.
Managing occupational stress.
The Clinical Guide within Riskequip observes that physiotherapists interact with people at varying life transitions. Patients undergoing such transitions face considerable pressures and stresses: it is almost inevitable that some of this stress is passed on to the consulting physiotherapist. Your patients progress may be slow and painful, causing anxiety and discomfort. Some injuries may not be susceptible to full recovery of function leading to anger and frustration. The cumulative effect upon a dedicated physio of working in this context should not be under-estimated:
*Cromie JE, Robertson VJ and Best MO (2000): Work related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists: prevalence, severity, risks and responses.
Physical Therapy 80: 336-351
OHS Management Q&A
The checklist summarises some of the key areas to consider - how does your practice rate?
