NCJ Number
240563
Journal
International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 2012 Pages: 334-342
Date Published
2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper explores police officers' own perceptions of the most common types of musculoskeletal injury sustained in the workplace and explores what police themselves feel are the major causes of such injuries.
Abstract
Swedish police officers experience an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injury, but little is known of the underlying cause. This paper explores police officers' own perceptions of the most common types of musculoskeletal injury sustained in the workplace and explores what police themselves feel are the major causes of such injuries. A nominal group process technique was used because of its benefits in generating and prioritizing ideas. Six focus group sessions were conducted involving 33 police from 3 different regions in Sweden. Police perceived lower back pain as the most common musculoskeletal injury sustained in the workplace. Seven specific areas were perceived as contributing to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury; duty belt, clothing, shoes, working hours, safety vests, physical condition and patrol vehicles. (Published Abstract)