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ANA Introductory Statement:
American Nurses Association Supports Ergonomic Standard
to Prevent Back Injuries to Nurses
ANA Statement given by Beth Piknick, RN
ANA participated in a June 22, 1999, Capitol Hill press conference to support release of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) standard to protect workers, including registered nurses, from ergonomic injuries and illnesses -- especially preventable back injuries. Ergonomic injuries affect more than 12 out of 100 hospital-based nurses and more than 17 out of 100 nurses working in nursing homes. The vast majority of these nurse injuries are preventable back injuries. By contrast, in all industries combined, 8.5 out of 100 workers reported non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses.
Massachusetts Nurses Association member Beth Piknick, RN, a registered nurse who has suffered a disabling, work-related back injury -- an injury that was preventable -- offered a statement on behalf of the ANA. The press conference was held by U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Non-ANA guests included other members of Congress and representatives of worker advocacy organizations which support an OSHA ergonomic standard.
In addition to recommending publication of an OSHA ergonomic standard, ANA recommends health care management recognition of and commitment to back injury prevention, with appropriate staffing, purchase and maintenance of equipment to assist with lifting and transfers, and education and involvement of staff in analyzing risk of injury for prevention.
ANA recommends that single-person patient lifts without assistive staff or devices be eliminated from use in the health care setting because of the risk of injury to health care workers.
The ANA strongly opposes H.R. 987 and S.1070, bills which would stop OSHA from protecting workers against ergonomic injuries and illnesses. ANA urges registered nurses and others to immediately contact your U.S. Representative and your two U.S. Senators to urge that they oppose H.R.987 and S.1070.
