Mass vaccination and basic ergonomics

Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccination program

Learning objectives

Mass vaccination

& basic ergonomics

What is ergonomics?

Preventing injury and

musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)

Setting up a work station

Vaccine administration

Other strategies

What is ergonomics?

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Ergonomics is the practice of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker, it provides a means for adjusting the work environment and work practices to prevent injuries before they occur.

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia 2021 Ergonomics

Products

Jobs

Environments

Human factors

Organisations

Tasks

It is critical for a vaccinator to consider the set-up of their vaccination station when undertaking mass vaccination.

Incorrect placement of equipment can cause repetitive stretching, twisting and leaning increasing the risk of injury to the vaccinator.

Why is ergonomics important during mass vaccination clinics?

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Musculoskeletal disorders

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MSD is a collective term for a range of conditions characterised by discomfort or pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, with or without visible symptoms.

MSD are usually associated with tasks involving repetitive movement, sustained or unnatural postures or forceful movements.

Previously these conditions have been referred to in various ways, such as Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) or Repetitive Strain Injuries

Images:Victorian Government Officewise A guide to health and safety in the office handbook 2017

Preventing musculoskeletal disorders

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1Correct set up of your workspace and seating for the

recipient and the vaccinator

2Practising good posture techniques whilst vaccinating

3Other strategies including having regular short breaksand task rotation

Reduce your risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders

Setting up the vaccination area

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Set up your workstation to allow for individual factors such as being left or right handed, to reduce the risk of repetitive actions such as stretching and reaching that can cause MSD.

*Note: In hospital facilities, the sharps container will need to be mounted on wall or trolley.

An adequate sized table is required to allow the vaccinator to set up for the administration of the vaccine

including waste disposal equipment

Ensure items are within comfortable reach allowing the vaccinator to remain in a neutral position where possible.

Sharps container should be positioned in close proximity to the vaccinator to prevent exaggerated movements and for safe disposal of sharps.

Setting up the vaccination area

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Proper placement of equipment reduces risk of strain to the shoulder muscles and

repetitive movements

Incorrect placement of equipment increases the risk of MSD

Placement of chairs

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• It is recommended that recipients are seated during vaccination

• Chairs should be positioned to enable the vaccinator to have easy access to the vaccination site

• This will prevent repetitive twisting and strainingRecipient

chair

Vaccinator chair

Ensure chair is positioned close to the client and workstation.

Sit in a supported position

Locate the deltoid muscle

Arm down and elbow close to

the bodyIntramuscular injection 90°

Good posture and positioning

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Posture to avoid when vaccinating

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Avoid standing and leaning forward

This position can cause fatigue and strain on the neck, shoulders, back and legs

Other strategies to reduce the risk of MSD

Adapted from: Victorian Government (2021) Officewise: A guide to health and safety in the office handbook Using a risk management approach to promote health and safety in offices. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/officewise-guide-health-and-safety-office-handbook12

Stop, get up and move

Limit unbroken sitting to 20- 30 mins Stand up at your workstation for short durations and do some simple

stretches to help minimise tired muscles

Rotate and / or vary tasks to avoid repetitive and prolonged activitiesTake micro breaks (2 mins) during tasks Change position and use different muscles

Frequent short pauses are preferable to infrequent longer pauses