New study aimed at improving nurses' health and safety conditions
March 3, 2008
A new worldwide study examining the health and safety of working conditions of nurses is due to take place.
Senior lecturer at the University of Cumbria, Dr Stuart Whitaker, has been invited to lead the study which will take place across the UK, America, the Philippines and Hong Kong.
The study, which could be the largest ever carried out, is expected to track nurses from the early stages of their careers to see how their health is affected by their work.
Dr Stuart Whitaker said: "The risks in nursing have been well documented. Exposure to heavy loads, emotional demands and to physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial risk factors is well known.
He added that offering nurses better protection in the workplace is important due to the increasing demand for professionals in the sector.
The results of the study are expected to shape the thinking of those who make policies for the health care sector.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), sickness absence costs the NHS up to £1 billion per year.
Find out more about health and safety at work
Senior lecturer at the University of Cumbria, Dr Stuart Whitaker, has been invited to lead the study which will take place across the UK, America, the Philippines and Hong Kong.
The study, which could be the largest ever carried out, is expected to track nurses from the early stages of their careers to see how their health is affected by their work.
Dr Stuart Whitaker said: "The risks in nursing have been well documented. Exposure to heavy loads, emotional demands and to physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial risk factors is well known.
He added that offering nurses better protection in the workplace is important due to the increasing demand for professionals in the sector.
The results of the study are expected to shape the thinking of those who make policies for the health care sector.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), sickness absence costs the NHS up to £1 billion per year.
Find out more about health and safety at work
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Failure to provide safety training 'false economy' - December 11, 2008
130 firms inspected in Harrogate - December 9, 2008
