Disabling back injuries among nursing personnel: research needs and justification.

The need for more research on the problem of work-related back injuries among nursing personnel is documented by two comparisons based on the ratio of back injury workers' compensation claims to eligible employees. The first analysis of occupations across industries indicated that nursing aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses all had high back injury ratios compared to other occupations. The second analysis of occupations within four parts of the health care industry indicated that aides in nursing and personal care facilities had the greatest problem with disabling back disorders. The article concludes with a list of research needs and suggested research methodologies.