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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-99-0093-2749, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey St. Peter's University Hospital Piscataway, New Jersey.

Habes DJ; Baron S

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 99-0093-2749, 1999 Aug; :1-14

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1999-0093-2749.pdf

20000579

On February 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Safety Manager of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request stated that ultrasound technologists at one of the University's antenatal testing units were experiencing neck, shoulder, and arm pain from performing trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal sonograms on pregnant women. On March 9-11, 1999, NIOSH representatives conducted a site visit at St. Peter's University Hospital, where the antenatal unit is located. The investigation included videotape analysis of several ultrasound procedures and distribution of a musculoskeletal disorders symptom questionnaire/body map to the ultrasound technologists. Physical stresses associated with the performance of trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal sonograms included awkward postures of the shoulder and wrist, long reaches, sustained static forces, and pinch grips. Many of the factors associated with physical stress to the workers were related to the design and lack of adjustability of work station components and equipment. The hospital employee health staff had previously conducted a thorough examination of the musculoskeletal health status of the sonographers prior to the NIOSH evaluation, which had documented shoulder and hand disorders. Body map discomfort diagrams were received from six ultrasonographers present during the NIOSH site visit; five out of six reported some neck or right shoulder and arm discomfort.

Sonography; Ultrasounds; Repetitive-Motion-disorders; Static-forces; Awkward-postures; Hazard-Confirmed; Author Keywords: Hospitals; sonography; trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal ultrasounds; repetitive motion disorders; static forces; awkward postures

19990801

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1999

PB2000-107830

A03

HETA-99-0093-2749

DSHEFS

8062

National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health

NJ; OH