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SAFETY / OSHA / WORKERS' COMPENSATION — 1/31/07

NIOSH suggests ways sonographers can prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Sonographers are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) or tendon sheaths (tenosynovitis), bursitis, muscle strains, and pathology of the nerves in the upper extremities, neck and back. Because of this, NIOSH recommends appropriate engineering controls, work practices, hazard communication, and training to prevent these work-related musculoskeletal disorders in a new publication, Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography (NIOSH Publication No. 2006-148).

Over time, sonographers may develop musculoskeletal injuries due to static and awkward postures and movement resulting from the use of the transducer and positioning of both patients and equipment; persistent and continual pressure for sustained periods of time during exams; poor workplace ergonomics in the design of equipment, chairs, tables and lighting; increased exam scheduling; and the sonographer’s own height, age and gender.

The NIOSH publication includes many recommendations to reduce injury, including five ergonomic interventions for equipment; nine work practices; and three scheduling recommendations. Periodic training and reassessment recommendations, including setting up the equipment, bed, and chair, and modifying the equipment positioning during scanning and using adaptive equipment or devices, such as cushions and wedges and the patient's limbs for resting the elbows during scans are also recommended.

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