In the OR

Physical strain is the result of the combination between the demands of a task and the physical capacity of the employee. It can be divided into Physical strain and dynamic strain. Static strain (also known as postural strain): occurs when an (unfavorable) posture is held for longer than one minute.

The goal is to prevent or minimize physically demanding situations as much as possible. The booklet “Wat nekt je” offers extensive information on this topic.

OR assistants experience physical strain when:

• preparations and setting up of Instruments
• transport and transfer
• during surgery:
  • instrumenting
  • assisting
  • circulating
• post-operative care and cleanup

Physical strain is caused by:

• insufficient room for manoeuvre and movement
• insufficient width of passages
• layout of cabinets and shelves
• furniture and equipment setup
• insufficient adjustability of furniture and equipment
• unnecessary movement of materials
• insufficient variety in posture and movement
• long wearing of an X-ray apron

In summary, the load on the OR arises from standing for a long time, working in the same position for a long time, working bent/twisted, reaching far/overhead, lifting, pushing maneuvering.

Pay close attention to preparation by following the steps: observe, think, choose, and act. Take your own physical capacity into account, and ensure a safe working environment, for example, by providing enough space to work and keeping the floor dry and slip-resistant.

Proper preparation also includes the availability of assistive devices.
In healthcare, it is essential to perform transfers using lifting aids such as sliding sheets and patient hoists. Manually lifting patients can lead to physical overstrain. For nearly all physically demanding tasks in healthcare, there are safe working methods available that protect both the employee and the patient. For guidlines on safe transfers, be sure to consult the relevant recommendations and best practices.

For the correct transport of a patient with a bed or wheelchair, see Transport with a bed or wheelchair.

For the proper execution of a transfer from bed to operating table and vice versa, look at these advices.

When you work on the operating table, this is the best way to act:

• Work between hip and shoulder height as much as possible.
• Provide an appropriate working height (set table height and step benches).
• Make sure you stand with relaxed shoulders.
• Stand in a slight stride.
• Don't lock your knees, but slightly bent.
• Change positions as much as possible.
• Distribute the weight from one leg to the other and then back to both.
• Sit down if possible.
• Use compression stockings and anti-fatigue mats if necessary.
• Stand on your toes every now and then.
• Try to support where possible. Think of aids such as: standing support, chest support, armrest.
• Sit down occasionally if possible (sit/stand stool, covered if desired).
• Do not reach further than your arm is long (40-60 cm).
• Use automatic tools to relieve the hands whenever possible.
• Do not work for more than 1 minute with a moderate and/or twisted back/neck.

More than half of ENT doctors suffer from work-related neck, back or shoulder complaints. This video shows how to adopt the correct posture as an ENT specialist in:

• microscopic surgeries
• endoscopic surgeries
• open operations

The video is also interesting for other specialties within surgery such as orthopedists, plastic surgeons and MDL doctors.

Video English subtitled.

The video is also interesting for other specialties within surgery such as orthopedists, plastic surgeons and MDL doctors.

Video English subtitled.

Go to the practice guidelines page

Supplemented with the 'What kills your booklet'

Several hospitals have posted numerous videos on this website about reducing physical strain in the OR.