Use of load vehicle to mitigate lumbar injuries in the auxiliary nursing staff of the Tungurahua Private Hospital

Abstract

Introduction. The activities carried out by nursing assistants, mobilizing hospital lingerie manually, can cause lumbar injuries. Objective. This research evaluates the use of a cargo vehicle for the transport of hospital linen, to reduce lumbar injuries in the auxiliary nursing staff of the Tungurahua Private Hospital, using the tables of Snook and Ciriello as a means of verification. Which is based on the ISO 11228 standard. Methodology. It began with the identification of musculoskeletal disorders using the Nordic Kuorinka Questionnaire as a tool. Then, to find the maximum acceptable forces and the ergonomic risk level of the use of a 4-wheel cargo vehicle with a load capacity of 15 kg, the Snook and Ciriello tables were used. In order to deepen the study, an evaluation was carried out after the implementation of the mechanical aid, using the Key Indicators Method (MIC). Results. From the Nordic Kuorinka questionnaire, it indicates that 100% of the study population have presented low back pain. The preliminary study with the tables of Snook and Ciriello indicates a maximum weight of handling of the load in the: lifting, unloading and transport are of: 7.99 kg; 8.67 kg and 10.2 kg respectively. After the implementation of the ergonomic measures, a score of 4,875 was obtained, which represents a low ergonomic risk level of 1. Conclusion. The result of the application of cargo vehicles for the transport of hospital linen attenuates the level of ergonomic risk to low risk values ​​and could help prevent lumbar injuries.