Which practice is a risk factor for back injury among healthcare workers?

Which practice is a risk factor for back injury among healthcare workers?

• A. Lifting when fatigued/injured
• B. Using a patient lift device
• C. Taking regular breaks
• D. Wearing supportive footwear

Answer: (A)

Lifting patients or heavy loads is a primary driver of back injuries in healthcare, because the spine bears a lot of stress during manual handling. Lifting when fatigued or when you’re injured worsens this risk: fatigue dulls muscle strength and coordination, makes it harder to use proper technique, and increases the chance of jerky, awkward movements. If you already have an injury, pain and limited mobility can further impair form and prevent maintaining the safe positions needed to protect the back. Together, these factors raise the likelihood of muscle strains, ligament sprains, or disc problems. Using a patient lift device reduces the load the body must bear by mechanical means, so it lowers risk rather than raises it. Taking regular breaks helps prevent cumulative fatigue, another way to lower risk. Wearing supportive footwear improves stability and reduces slips or compensatory movements, also lowering risk.

Lifting patients or heavy loads is a primary driver of back injuries in healthcare, because the spine bears a lot of stress during manual handling. Lifting when fatigued or when you’re injured worsens this risk: fatigue dulls muscle strength and coordination, makes it harder to use proper technique, and increases the chance of jerky, awkward movements. If you already have an injury, pain and limited mobility can further impair form and prevent maintaining the safe positions needed to protect the back. Together, these factors raise the likelihood of muscle strains, ligament sprains, or disc problems.

Using a patient lift device reduces the load the body must bear by mechanical means, so it lowers risk rather than raises it. Taking regular breaks helps prevent cumulative fatigue, another way to lower risk. Wearing supportive footwear improves stability and reduces slips or compensatory movements, also lowering risk.