Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Health services
Musculoskeletal disorders along with stress, are the biggest cause of sickness absence in the NHS, reportedly accounting for 40% of all sickness absence.
One in four nurses have at some time taken time off as a result of back injury sustained at work. The moving and handling of patients while caring for them is a major cause of these injuries but its not the only cause. Ancillary staff and porters can also suffer manual handling injuries.
Some staff may have to adopt and hold awkward postures as part of their work for example sonographers and theatre staff. Stresses and strains arising from adopting awkward or static postures when treating patients can give rise to problems.
