In March of 2001 the Republican controlled Congress passed legislation, which was signed into law by President Bush, to repeal the OSHA ergonomics rule. The most common symptoms include pain and stiffness in the back. Other symptoms include numbness in the back, legs, or arms, and decreased mobility. There are many other tasks in health care besides lifting or moving patients that can cause back problems. Workers in environmental services, laundry, food service, central transport and other operations are also faced with working conditions that cause injuries.
Most back injuries are the result of lifting, pushing, and pulling over a long period of time.
The working conditions that cause back injuries are called risk factors. Repetition, how often a movement must be performed. Awkward positions, lifting or doing other tasks while the body is in a twisted, bent, stooped or other position that puts a strain on muscles and joints. Shortage of staff, mandatory overtime, or extended hours increase the risk of back injuries. These conditions cause fatigue and result in increased exposure to the risk factors that cause injuries.