Almost one in two healthcare workers is not in optimal physical condition to carry out their duties. " 42% of operators have work limitations": the complaint comes from Guido Sarritzu, regional confederal secretary of Uil. This, continues the unionist, "represents a widespread and significant conditioning of the organization of work, the impact of which is destined to be increasingly significant in light of the aging of the workforce. Physical limitations are often the result of years of exhausting work, grueling shifts, excessive workloads and in some cases of accidents at work or occupational diseases".
The problem mainly affects healthcare workers, nurses and doctors, as they get older. "The limitations are due to health problems, we need to fill this gap because it affects care," explains Sarritzu, "For example, if a healthcare worker cannot move a patient because he or she has limitations, someone else has to do it, and this requires a greater use of workers to fill the gap."
So operators who have health problems can be exempted from certain tasks. "And if there are no substitutes, there is a lack of assistance and therefore also safety. The lack of generational change forces many operators to work beyond their capabilities, worsening pre-existing health conditions", Sarritzu specifies.
Uil calls for the launch of personalized paths for workers with limitations with less strenuous activities such as administrative support, training or coaching new hires. Strengthening prevention by launching prevention programs to reduce the risk of accidents and occupational diseases, with particular attention to ergonomics, shift work and psychological support. Targeted hiring to increase the number of healthcare workers and ensure fair distribution of work and reduce the burden on those in service. Rehabilitation and reintegration paths by strengthening rehabilitation programs to help workers regain full fitness, when possible, and offer psychological support to promote reintegration. And monitoring and transparency with the creation of a regional observatory on the health of healthcare workers, to monitor health conditions and prevent the worsening of physical limitations.
(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)
