Creating Partnerships

February 13, 2014

Randall Tresidder, PT

“…body mechanics, is still the foundation of many of the educational programs…despite the technological, scientific, and evidence-based revolution...”

Audrey Nelson, Safe Patient Handling and Movement

• “We used to work on ultrasound machines and 90 percent of sonographers would end with lost time injuries on their shoulders over time.

• “It was just because they were badly designed machines.”– Nancy Paris, Director of PART, BCIT

Injuries In Sonography

• Injuries using ultrasound:– More than 80% scanning in pain– 20% of above – career ending injury– Onset of pain within 5 years– Other

Body Mechanics/Basic Ergonomics

• Well identified.

• Consensus Conference (WRMDS)– Equipment Control Measures– Administrative Control Measures– Professional Control Measures

• Very little help.

Cardiac Sonography

• Pain in shoulder, wrist and thumb.

• Caused by trying to get image.

• Require more force for larger patients.

• Prolonged scans.• Administrative controls.• WCB ergonomic

recommendations.

The Problem

• Peak pinch force injury (thumb/wrist)– 10 Newtons (approx 0.45 kg)

• Push forces (female) at 6 seconds:– 11-14 kg– Less for sustained forces

The Problem

• Biomechanical Model– Cannot reduce forces appropriately.– Forcing the employee to fit the machine.

• Ergonomics– Try to get the machine to fit the worker.

Possible Solution

• Introduce to NSCC Engineering.– Dan Bolivar, Faculty NSCC– Three Engineering Students

• Alan Lock• Ben Bates• Coady Carter

– Project to reduce overall forces.– Eventually, Karen Richards, ergoCentric

Prototype – April 2014

“The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships. The quality of your business is no different.” Harvey Mackay

Questions ?