An Investigation of the Physical Task Demands of Caregivers Working in a Long-Term Care Facility in New Brunswick

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 3: "Motor tasks - Housework - Sanitary"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

Sanitary services and needs, such as bending down to clean or pick up objects, can expose caregivers to risks of WRMSIs, especially if they are in a vulnerable position while performing motor tasks. Assisting residents with hygiene care and clothing changes can also vary in terms of time and complexity, which can present challenges for caregivers and increase their risk of injury. This section of the tool will provide an overview of the frequency with which these types of motor tasks are performed during a workday.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 1A : "The caregiver did NOT use any tools or aids while performing the following transfer tasks"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

Each participant will be observed throughout an entire workday using a new pen-and-paper-based ergonomic tool developed in the lab. This assessment tool (see Appendix A) is a comprehensive document designed to record the various physical tasks and demands encountered during a typical workday for caregivers in long-term care facilities. The tool was developed based on standardized task analysis tools widely used in ergonomic practices (OHCOW, 2023). Part 1A of this tool will identify the number of transfers performed by caregivers during a workday, specifying the frequency (number of times this task was performed) and time (seconds) of each type of transfer WITHOUT the use of tools or aids.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 1C: "Tools used for resident transfers"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

The purpose of Part 1C is to determine how many transfers each type of equipment was used for by caregivers on a workday. It identifies the frequency of use for both mechanical and non-mechanical tools.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 2A: "Number of resident handling in Bed"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

Part 2A of this tool will identify the number of resident handling tasks performed by caregivers in bed during a workday, specifying the frequency (i.e., the number of times this task was performed). This section is also subdivided to identify not only the number of manipulations but also the types of manipulations performed.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 2B: "Number of resident handling in Wheelchair - Sitting"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

Part 2B of this tool will identify the number of resident handling tasks performed by caregivers in a wheelchair or sitting position during a workday, specifying the frequency (i.e., the number of times this task was performed). This section is also subdivided to identify not only the number of manipulations but also the types of manipulations performed.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 6: "Field observations"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

This section of the tool will be used to record any additional behaviors, factors, or obstacles that may increase the risk of injury to caregivers and that have not been covered elsewhere in the tool. It will serve as a journal for the investigators to track valuable information during data collection.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 1B : "The caregiver used tools and/or aids while performing the following transfer tasks"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

Part 1B of this tool will identify the number of transfers performed by caregivers during a workday, specifying the frequency (number of times this task was performed) and time (seconds) for each type of transfer WITH the use of tools or aids.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 4: "Time spent under different type of behavior"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

Extended periods of standing and walking can have significant long-term effects on health. Therefore, this section is crucial as it allows for the recording of the approximate time (in minutes) spent on various activities, such as standing, sitting, and walking, throughout a workday.

Pen and Paper Ergonomic Tool - Part 5: "Additional information"

时间窗: One experimental session (8 to 12 hours)

This section of the tool will identify several important factors that can influence the risk of injury to caregivers, including the total time worked during the shift, rest periods, and the longest continuous period worked without rest (in minutes).