Abstract
Problem This study evaluated the effect of introducing a No Lifting policy on back injuries to nurses, across an entire health care system. Methods Methods included: analysis of the data for all public health agencies in the Australian state of Victoria; compensation data from the Victorian Workcover Authority; data about workforce and program implementation from a retrospective survey of agencies; longitudinal analysis of standardized workers compensation claim rates for back injuries before, during and after the intervention. Results A statistically significant decline in back injury claim rates during implementation contrasted with no statistically significant trends within the periods before and after the intervention. A statistically significant reduction occurred in mean quarterly standard back injury claim incidence rates per 1,000 equivalent fulltime nursing staff (EFTNS), representing a 24% reduction in standard back injury claims/1000 EFTNS. Discussion Ergonomics principles encourage changing the work environment to suit the worker. This approach delivered a significant improvement in the immediate term. Impact of industry The substantial decline in back injury rates signifies a major improvement in the safety of a critical aspect of the work environment for nurses.
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