Estimated energy expenditure of nursing assistants in long term care.

Unlabelled: Ergonomic research on nursing work has focused primarily on the biomechanical analysis of patient handling tasks. Few studies have addressed the intensity of a full day of nursing work as measured by changes in heart rate and energy expenditure.

Objective: A pilot study was conducted between August 2009 and May 2010 to examine the intensity of performing nursing assistant work in long term care settings and to assess the usefulness of heart rate monitoring as a measure of work intensity.

An on-site ergonomic program: A model for industry.

Work related conditions caused by overexertion or repeated trauma affect millions of American workers. These conditions can result in time off from work, decreased productivity, and high financial costs, not to mention impairment of the worker. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHAct) of 1970 [26], employers are required to provide hazard free workplaces for their employees.