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Hospital Ergonomics

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Hospital Ergonomics
Hospital Ergonomics in Kuwait
Shahad Al Ameer
Ritaj Jaragh
Fatimah Khaja
Rawan Qambar
2013

Abstract The aim of this project is to seek opportunities where we can implement ergonomics in a medical facility in order to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. The hospital visited was Al Ameeri hospital. Two departments were visited; radiology and pharmacy. In these departments, we focused on two ergonomic concepts which include workstation design and manual handling. Safety was also taken into consideration. The report will be approached using the engineering design method: DAMES. We observed and studied a typical work day in each department in order to analyze the problems rising due to non-ergonomic environments.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Topics: 3 Approach and Methodology: 5 Define: 6 Pharmacy: 7 Analyze: 7 Make Search: 12 Evaluate: 17 Specify and Sell Solution: 24 Manual Handling in Radiology 28 Analyze: 28 Make search: 29 Evaluate: 30 Specify and sell search: 33 Workstation Design in Radiology 34 Analyze 34 Make Search: 35 Evaluate: 36 Specify and sell solution: 41 Conclusion: 44 Future scope: 45 References: 47

Introduction to Topics:
Ergonomics in Hospitals
Ergonomics is the applied scientific discipline that deals with how humans interact with the tools and equipment that they use while performing tasks and other activities. The intended goal of ergonomics is to maximize productivity by reducing workers fatigue and discomfort. Hospitals combine both challenges and opportunities of implementing ergonomics in work areas. Each year 1.8 million U.S. workers experience work-related injuries caused by overexertion or repetitive motion – injuries known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). About 600,000 of those are serious enough to require time off work and account for one-third of all workers’ compensation costs each year. On the bright side, MSD’s can be prevented if ergonomics was applied



References: Stephan Konz and Steven Johnson, Work Design: Occupational Ergonomics, 7th edition, Holcomb Hathaway Publishers Inc., 2008, ISBN: 978-189-087179-6 (n.d.). Retrieved 12 30, 2012, from http://www.mtpinnacle.com/pdfs/PharmacyHandbook.pdf (n.d.). Retrieved 11 27, 2012, from OSHA: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=TESTIMONIES&p_id=184 (n.d.). Retrieved 11 19, 2012, from http://www.sourceray.com/sr130.htm

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