Examination of occupational and physical therapists' exposure to physical risk factors in outpatient rehabilitation settings using the workplace ergonomics risk assessment and pain scale.

BackgroundHealthcare providers experience a significant rate of nonfatal occupational injuries associated with their occupational duties and characteristics.ObjectiveThis study aimed to gauge occupational and physical therapists' exposure to physical risk factors and pain levels related to patient handling in outpatient rehabilitation settings.MethodsFor this observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study design, the Workplace Ergonomics Risk Assessment (WERA) tool was used to collect real-time data, and a self-administered numeric pain intensity scale was utilized to rate pain levels.ResultsThe study included ninety-eight participants. The WERA overall final score showed that participants were exposed to moderate physical risk factors associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Postures and repetitions of the anatomical areas were positively correlated with the use of force, vibration tools, contact stress tools, and task duration. Pain ratings showed that most of the participants experienced moderate to severe physical pain immediately after therapy sessions. A Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a statistically significant difference in the exposure to physical risk factors in outpatient rehabilitation settings.ConclusionParticipants were exposed to moderate levels of physical risk factors and moderate to severe pain that may lead to WMSDs. Participants working in pediatric settings experienced the most significant exposure to physical risk factors. Results from this observational study were consistent with those from self-reported studies involving WMSDs from different geographical regions worldwide.