Peter Hoppe MHPE

The prevalence of work-related physical stress in primary school teachers worldwide depending on the region ranges from 32% to 67%. The three most affected regions of the body are the neck (39% to 69%), the lower back (38% to 48%) and the shoulders (28% to 73%)(Moom et al., 2015; Karakaya et al., 2015; Yue et al., 2012; Korkmaz et al., 2011; Chong and Chan, 2010; Nurul et al., 2010; Cardoso et al., 2009).

Operating theatre nurses work in sterile zones under the supervision of surgeons and are responsible for preparing surgical instruments before procedures, keeping count of surgical instruments and passing instruments to surgeons and surgical assistants. More than 50% spend their time in a standing position and standing for long hours (up to 10 hours for some surgical procedures, such as a lumbar fusion) is a significant contributor to lower back pain and pain in the other body areas.