5 suggestions to forestall workplace injuries

According to data released in 2020, the healthcare industry had probably the most cases of injuries and illnesses ever reported Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Covid-19 pandemic played a key role in these dismal statistics, but it surely was played by healthcare staff considered one of the best risk of injuries even before the pandemic began.

Whether they’re transferring a patient or using a code blue, nurses are continually on the move. In fact, one study found that nurses walk over 9,000 steps in a single shift, which equates to over three miles.

With the constant movement and strenuous physical demands of the job, nurses are more at risk of workplace injuries. And while it’s not possible to avoid every injury or illness, practicing a number of the habits below might help reduce your risk.

1. Engage in physical activity

Whether turning patients or dressing wounds, nurses must twist, twist and shift their bodies in uncomfortable or awkward positions. However, these moves may include consequences.

Studies have shown that nurses are at the best risk of developing the disease work-related musculoskeletal disorderswhich may affect joints, muscles and bones and cause pain and limited mobility.

However, engaging in physical activity may help reduce the chance of those conditions. “We lift patients, and if we don’t have enough strength, it may not be possible,” said Georgina Villarreal, MSN, RN, a fitness trainer.

Therefore, making an effort to remain healthy, stay fit and construct muscle is useful in stopping workplace injuries. According to Mayonnaise cliniccombining aerobic exercise, akin to swimming, and strength training, akin to weight training, can strengthen and stretch your back and abdominal area.

Finding time to exercise or finding motivation is usually a challenge. That’s why it is vital to make regular physical activity a conscious a part of your routine, said Villarreal, who’s currently on the trail to becoming a licensed personal trainer and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Being intentional lets you set and achieve goals and grow stronger mind-muscle connectionit’s a method that provides you greater awareness of your body and its movements, she said.

For example, saying to yourself, “Today I will go for a run” or “I will watch a video on the Internet and do a circuit training” gives yourself this intention. Then taking half-hour or an hour to do that exercise means putting that intention into motion.

Villareal added that practicing fitness in this manner can enable you achieve your personal goals (whether that is shedding pounds, increasing flexibility or constructing muscle), in addition to increasing your stamina and strength at work. “At the end of the day, we need strength to do our job as nurses,” she said.

2. Follow security practices

Healthcare organizations have workplace safety policies and techniques for quite a lot of scenarios, including appropriate patient handling to forestall workplace injuries. These procedures create safer methods of care which might be designed to guard each the nurse and the patient.

Villarreal said following safety and communication protocols – especially when repositioning a patient – ​​is crucial to stopping workplace injuries.

According to Villarreal, who has seven years of nursing experience, injuries often occur when nurses feel rushed. Therefore, before you undertake any tedious task, consider whether you might be maintaining good posture, using equipment (e.g., lifts, moving boards, sliding sheets) and lifting units, and communicating together with your colleagues and the patient.

With challenges akin to lack of staff and limited equipment, it might be difficult to get help when needed. However, performing physical tasks without proper support or proper safety measures may cause more harm.

Villarreal described a situation when, as a brand new nurse, she helped a patient stand next to a different colleague. “I put my hand under her armpit and pulled out the SI [sacroiliac] common. I used to be gone for 3 weeks,” she said. “It was wrong form. This is why you should never keep your other hand under your arm.

Looking back, she said taking more safety measures could have changed the outcome. “Accidents can happen, but I think taking an extra second to communicate can really prevent that from happening,” she said.

3. Wear comfortable shoes and a good scrub

From the color of your apron to your choice of shoe, what you wear plays a role in your grooming. And while the attire may vary from setting to setting or specialty, the functionality remains constant throughout. Scrubbers and shoes help minimize the risk of contamination for both nurses and patients and provide protection from hazards, spills and falls.

When wearing aprons, it is important that they are breathable, stretchy and well-fitting – neither too loose nor too tight.

“There were times when I was running to work when my patient’s alarm went off,” Villarreal said. “Wearing an apron that you can run, squat, jump and stretch in is extremely important.” Additionally, be careful how much you have in your pockets and what’s around your neck, as these can also pose a risk, she added.

Research has shown that appropriate footwear can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and help prevent workplace injuries. Villarreal suggested taking your time when shopping for shoes and considering things like traction and comfort. Whether it’s sneakers, clogs or slip-ons, you’re on your feet for hours, so finding shoes that protect and support you is essential.

4. Eat well and stay hydrated

With all the work nurses do, there are certainly barriers to proper nutrition and staying hydrated, including time and availability. One study It was emphasized that the options for choosing healthy food in the facility’s canteens and vending machines were limited.

Nurses in the study also felt rushed, so the easiest choice was to choose easily available, unhealthy options.

Eating healthily can be a challenge because it requires planning and dedication. And after long hours at work, it can be difficult to find the motivation to cook, plan and pack. However, meal planning and good nutrition can reduce stress, improve health and increase energy.

“When you start eating healthier, you gain power over what you put in your body,” said Villarreal, founder and CEO of Healthcare Strong, a fitness and nutrition coaching program for healthcare professionals. If you find it difficult to plan ahead, you can also take small steps and choose healthier snacks.

When you’re at work and constantly moving, drinking enough water is a must. Dehydration can cause health complications, including fatigue, dizziness, and even convulsions, which is why it’s so important to stay hydrated. “Drinking a half-gallon to a gallon of water a day is extremely beneficial,” she said. “It helps lubricate the joints, gives you energy and helps detoxify the body.”

5. Get plenty of rest

Studies have shown that lack of sleep and insufficient recovery can have an impact safety and health of nursesespecially with longer working hours, rotating shifts and fast work pace. However, adequate rest can improve your overall health and prevent workplace injuries, keeping you safe on the job.

The Mayonnaise clinic suggests practices such as creating a calming environment and sticking to a specific sleep schedule to ensure better rest. However, if you work unusual hours or your schedule changes, a specific schedule may not be possible. One way to create this routine might be to commit to at least seven or eight hours of sleep.

Another element of ensuring adequate rest is physical and mental regeneration. After work, it is important to find time for activities that bring you joy and allow you to relax. It can be as simple as watching TV with your family, walking your dog, stretching your body with a foam roller, or reading.

“When I talk about recovery, I mean all the stress and trauma that comes with work,” Villarreal said, adding that these types of activities can help you refocus when you feel exhausted.

Workplace injuries have a domino effect that affects your physical and mental health. It’s imperative that you take steps to prioritize and protect your well-being around the clock.

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