To perform these responsibilities,
radiological technologists are constantly required to perform physical work,
such as lifting adult patients who cannot move adequately
by themselves, pushing or pulling to move heavy
equipment, and continuous work with a computer keyboard
or mouse
During these activities, radiological technologists
are sometimes at risk for musculoskeletal disorders.
The acts of moving patients who cannot move well
by themselves and pushing and pulling heavy equipment,
are known to be major causes of lower back pain, while the
repetitive movements performed when utilizing computers
for functions, such as use of the picture archiving communication
system (PACS) and the order communication system (OCS),
are causes of upper extremity musculoskeletal
disorders. In these ways, the exposure of radiological
technologists to the risks of work-related musculoskeletal
disorders can be said to be increasing. However, because
awareness of occupational safety for radiological technologists
has been concentrated on exposure to radiation and on
the necessary defense against radiation exposure, the issue
of safety in relation to work-related musculoskeletal disorders
has tended to be neglected.