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631 Healthcare: Surgical Suite Safety

Static and Awkward Postures

Medical staff in a surgical setting often assume prolonged awkward postures. Typically, employees vary in height which may require work surfaces at differing heights to minimize awkward postures.

Potential Hazard

  • Standing in static postures continuously during lengthy surgical procedures causes muscle fatigue and pooling of blood in the lower extremities.
  • Standing on hard work surfaces such as concrete creates trauma and pain to the feet.
  • Awkward postures resulting from prolonged standing, trunk flexion, neck flexion, and arms held higher than the optimal working height.

Possible Solutions

  • Provide stools, where possible.
  • Use shoes with well-cushioned insteps and soles.
  • Provide a footrest bar or a low stool, allowing employees to continually alter their posture by raising one foot.
  • Use height-adjustable work tables and surfaces.
  • Use anti-fatigue mats.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-9. Which of the following is a possible solution to static and awkward positions in a surgical suite?

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