Biomechanical risk assessment during field loading of hydraulic stretchers into ambulances
Type de document
Études primaires
Année de publication
2016
Langue
Anglais
Titre de la revue
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
Première page
1
Dernière page
9
Résumé
The process of loading a stretcher into an ambulance is known to cause a high incidence of back injuries among paramedics. This study aimed to assess the forces at L5/S1 during real-life stretcher loading activities and to determine the variables that contribute significantly to these forces. Analyses involved 58 paramedics (111 shifts) and 175 stretcher loading activities. Estimates of compression and shear forces at L5/S1 were calculated using the 3DSSPP program. Seventy-one percent of loading activities exceeded the safe loading level of 3.4 kN compression force at L5/S1 (mean: 3.9 kN, min–max: 2.1–7.0 kN). About 92% of the variance can be predicted from a combination of several variables, notably hand load (mean: 0.72 kN/number of paramedics) and back sagittal flexion (mean: 32°). Recommendations to reduce the risk of back injuries are proposed with regard to stretcher and ambulance loading design as well as training in stretcher lifting for paramedics.
Relevance to the industry
The results of this study suggest that ambulance stretcher manufacturers should make ergonomic design changes to reduce the physical strain on paramedics’ backs during the process of loading a stretcher into an ambulance. Other preventive measures (e.g., training) must be formulated and applied to reduce the risk of back musculoskeletal disorders during the loading of stretcher patients. For instance, training should focus on back posture, teamwork and equipment/patient positioning on stretchers.
Mots-clés
Mécanique humaine, Body mechanics, Chargement et déchargement, Loading and unloading, Civière, Stretcher, Lésion du tronc, Trunk injury, Ambulance, Transport des blessés, Transport of the injuried, Évaluation du risque, Hazard evaluation, Suggestion de prévention, Safety suggestion
Numéro de projet IRSST
2013-0013
Citation recommandée
Prairie, J., Plamondon, A., Hegg-Deloye, S., Larouche, D. et Corbeil, P. (2016). Biomechanical risk assessment during field loading of hydraulic stretchers into ambulances. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 54, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2015.11.014