Occupational back pain amongst radiographers.

Abstract

The lifting and handling of patients and loads plays an important role in a radiographer's day. Back injuries often occur as a result of lifting patients, lifting without adequately assessing the load and using poor lifting techniques. This research project was designed to establish the presence of back pain amongst radiographers and to gather information on the training radiographers receive on lifting procedures. The research tool used was the questionnaire, from which qualitative and quantitative data was obtained. The questionnaire was distributed to all the radiographers presently working at St. Luke's Hospital (forty two). A pilot study using convenience sampling of five registered radiographers was performed to test the instrument, with a few alterations being required. The results revealed that most of the radiographers (71 %) suffered back pain related to work. Their training on lifting was considered too, however a relationship between occupational back pain and training on lifting could not be established. On the basis of these findings, recommendations were proposed for the implementation of safe patient lifting techniques to reduce occupational back pain.