Assessment of Exposure to Ergonomic Occupational Hazards among Intensive Care Nurses at Riyadh Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Ergonomic hazards are a major occupational health concern in intensive care units (ICUs), where nurses perform physically demanding tasks such as patient lifting, repositioning, and repetitive procedures. These demands place ICU nurses at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which can impair work performance, reduce quality of care, and increase absenteeism. Aim: This study aimed to assess exposure to ergonomic occupational hazards and musculoskeletal discomfort among ICUs nurses in the Riyadh Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted among 136 ICUs nurses at King Saud Medical City using three tools: a demographic and occupational characteristics questionnaire, the Quick Exposure Check observational checklist, and a musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire. Data were collected over four weeks and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings showed that 56.6% of participants were female, and 85.3% held a bachelor’s degree. Most nurses (82.4%) worked 12-hour rotating shifts, and 81.6% had attended ergonomic training. Back movement and static posture are generally low risks, but high-risk exposure was noted for the wrist (70.6%) and shoulder (55.1%), with moderate risk for the neck (44.9%). During the past 12 months, 67.6% of nurses reported MSDs, mainly lower back pain (68.4%), neck pain (64.7%), and shoulder pain (30.9% right, 25.7% left). Work limitations due to MSDs affected 30.9% of participants. Conclusion and Recommendations: Intensive care nurses face considerable ergonomic risks and a substantial burden of MSDs. Implementing comprehensive ergonomic programs, assistive devices, optimized shift schedules, and continuous monitoring is recommended to safeguard nurses’ musculoskeletal health