Jean E Cromie

Occupational health and safety in physiotherapy: Guidelines for practice

Most physiotherapists (91%) experience work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) at some time, and one in six makes a career change as a consequence. Many of these disorders are attributed to manual handling of patients. This paper proposes guidelines to reduce the risk of WMSDs based on Australian legislative requirements, the results of a survey of Australian physiotherapists and the literature surrounding injury prevention. These guidelines address the areas of environmental and job design, and the personal physical capabilities of physiotherapists, within the context of law. The paper concludes by calling for further research to explore and develop this area of injury prevention in the physiotherapy profession.

Occupational health in physiotherapy: general health and reproductive outcomes.

Physiotherapists are exposed to many risk factors in their work environment. Their general health status is largely unknown, and conflicting studies suggest possible adverse reproductive effects of electromagnetic radiation to which they may be exposed. As part of a larger study, a systematic sample of one in four physiotherapists on a state register (N = 824) was surveyed. Each subject completed an eight page questionnaire, answering questions about musculoskeletal and general health, exposure to risk factors, exposure to electrophysical agents and reproductive outcomes. The response rate was 67.8%. The incidence of congenital malformations and miscarriage among physiotherapists was lower than that in the general community. However, physiotherapists who performed hydrotherapy were more likely to report dermatitis, rashes and fungal skin infections. The prevalence of these conditions increased with the number of hours spent doing hydrotherapy. These findings suggest that physiotherapists are unlikely to have an increased risk of negative reproductive outcomes because of their exposure to electrophysical agents. Physiotherapists who perform hydrotherapy, however, have an increased risk of skin complaints.

Taking charge of change: A new career structure in physiotherapy

Once again physiotherapy is at a crossroads in Australia, or rapidly approaching it. And once again the issue concerns our identity. This is nothing new in physiotherapy (Rothstein 2003). But recent changes in the Australian health care and education systems demand that we consider the future carefully and develop and implement a career structure that supports physiotherapists.