IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Measurement of paramedic ambulance technicians’ exposure to musculoskeletal disorder risk factors

Abstract

Ambulance technicians have a higher rate of accidents causing injury and they retire earlier than other workers in the population, including other workers in the health system. The CSST's statistical analyses reveal that close to 60% of the work accidents of ambulance technicians result from excessive effort (lifting, pulling, holding, etc.) or from a body reaction (leaning forward, climbing, sliding, tripping).
The aim of this project is to carry out field observations on a representative and substantial sample of ambulance technicians in order to document the tasks of the profession and to identify the most physically demanding scenarios to which these workers are exposed. The use of equipment such as the IRSST's posture dosimeter will make it possible to quantify the exposure of workers to awkward postures during the performance of tasks under real working conditions. The impact of climatic conditions (cold, frozen surface, snow accumulation, outdoor clothing) on ambulance technicians' work will also be documented.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-8190
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2016
Team:
  • Philippe Corbeil (Université Laval)
  • André Plamondon (IRSST)
  • Normand Teasdale (Université Laval)
  • Angelo Tremblay (Université Laval)
  • Martin Simoneau (Université Laval)