Comparison between lifting loads and postural analysis of nursing auxiliaries

Nursing auxiliaries are exposed to harmful workloads due to several factors, such as: the weight to be manipulated, the postures assumed and the physical conditions of hospitals. The aim of this paper was to present the results of the application of three methods - two related to lifting and another to postural analysis - to verify the existence of risks of lumbar back problems in nursing auxiliaries when manipulating and lifting patients. The NIOSH method and the "Technical Guide for Evaluation and Prevention of Relative Risks to Manual Manipulation of Loads" were used to analyze the manipulation of loads, while the Reba method was used for the postural analysis of these professionals. In general, results show symptoms of fatigue and body aches, especially in the lumbar, dorsal and cervical areas. It was demonstrated that the manipulated weight is above the recommended value, characterizing high risk to the lumbar back. Some procedures are proposed in order to improve the analyzed working conditions.

Lifting of loads; Nursing auxiliaries; Postural analysis