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Training programmes in handling have been one of the most used means of preventing work-related backache. The effectiveness of these programmes has not yet been demonstrated however, since they have rarely been evaluated. The purpose of this study was precisely to assess one of these programmes in the hospital sector which specifically dealt with the handling of patients. A field study was conducted and handling methods used by 32 trained orderlies were characterized using an observational grid developed and validated specifically to describe patient handling operations. The extent to which these orderlies used the handling methods taught was determined, and the observed deviations from these methods were characterized and interpreted. The results show that the handling principles taught (working with a straight back using the legs) were not frequently used in the workplace. Furthermore, the use of training was closely related to the type of handling carried out. In handling operations in which the effort includes a horizontal component (mainly those carried out in bed) the training was hardly used, while in vertical handling operations the taught principles were more frequently used. These results suggest that actual training is not well adapted to the handling of patients, particularly to horizontal handling carried out in the bed. Two main deficiencies in the actual programmes are pointed out. First, it is shown that, for reasons of physical constraints, training could not always be applied; second, the rationale of the taught principles could also be questioned, particularly the emphasis given to the use of the legs.

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