Ergonomic recommendations and their impact on child care workers' health

Article type: Research Article

Authors: King, Phyllis M. | Gratz, Rene | Kleiner, Kathryn

Affiliations: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Phyllis M. King, PhD, OT, FAOTA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. Tel.: +1 414 229 5616; Fax: +1 414 229 5100; E-mail: pking@uwm.edu

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact ergonomics has had on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries among child care workers in Wisconsin using a Classroom and Work Methods Survey developed for this investigation. Information on perceived need for and knowledge of ergonomic interventions, the extent to which ergonomic interventions had been introduced to child care settings, and barriers to implementation of ergonomic recommendations was gathered. Two hundred and fifty-eight respondents completed the survey. The majority of respondents was aware of most (18 of 20) of the recommended ergonomic interventions for child care centers and did not perceive a need to make ergonomic changes. Although the majority of respondents had implemented 15 out of the 20 recommendations, they were currently experiencing musculoskeletal pain while performing their jobs. The results of this study highlight the need for further analysis of specific child care tasks and identification of more effective methods to reduce the risk for musculoskeletal pain and injuries.

Keywords: Ergonomics, child care, health

Journal: Work, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 13-17, 2006