Biomechanical Analysis of Work-related postures in the Housekeeping Staff of a Health Care Facility

I. Purpose The purpose of the study is to identify the risk factors and study the biomechanical aspects associated with work related postures among the housekeeping and cleaning staff in a health care facility. II. Specific Aims: Determine the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain and assess the risk of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in association with demographic variables. Determine the stress on different body parts due to housekeeping tasks by using biomechanical analysis of postures. III. Methodology 108 housekeeping employees were interviewed to obtain demographic and work related information. Data from these interviews were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. The odds of having musculoskeletal pain in the last 12 months was measured in association with age, gender, ethnicity, number of years in cleaning work, body mass index and stress. Employees were videotaped while performing housekeeping tasks. Postures while performing these tasks were analyzed using the 3D Static Strength Prediction Program Version to study the strength capability and the L5/S1 disc compression force. IV. Results/Conclusion: African American employees had a higher proportion of injuries as compared to the Hispanics, Asians and Caucasians. However, the risk of musculoskeletal pain was not different between the races in this population. In this study population, female employees, older employees and employees working in cleaning jobs for longer than 20 years were at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal pain as compared to their counterparts.