Identifying the critical physically demanding tasks performed by personal support workers in Canada.

Appl Ergon

Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Canada. Electronic address:

Published: October 2023

Due to increased work demands, personal support workers (PSWs) are experiencing more work-related injuries. However, little is known about PSW work tasks and their corresponding physical demand. The purpose of this study was to identify critical tasks that are physically demanding and completed frequently as identified by PSWs. Additionally, we identified contextual factors (i.e., environmental-, situational-, patient-related) that influenced physical demands. We surveyed 443 community-based PSWs working in Canada who rated the physical demand associated with client care tasks and identified contextual factors that can increase task specific physical demands. Transferring/repositioning patients, dressing, and bathing were perceived as most demanding. Patient weight and mobility influenced the level of physical demand required for most tasks. These data provide a foundation to develop physical employment standards and task specific education and training to prevent PSW injuries.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104069DOI Listing

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