Could Your Employee Workstations Use an Upgrade?

Author in the Prevent Future Claims category

Warehouse employees are subjected to a great deal of repetitive stresses on the body and as a result, musculoskeletal disorders are their most common forms of injuries. One way to significantly decrease the number of musculoskeletal injuries sustained while on the job is to make their work stations more ergonomically sound.

Ergonomics is the science behind why things are designed the way that they are. Handheld tools, for example, may have ergonomic handles on them that decrease or disperse the force that is applied to the hand. Also, workstations can be designed in a way to maximize productivity while reducing employee fatigue and risk of sustaining an injury.

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Ergonomics: Minimizing Risk and Preventing Injury While on the Job

Author in the Prevent Future Claims category

Ergonomics is derived from the Greek language -ergon meaning “to work” and nomos meaning “rules.” The “rules of work” is the process of fitting the work environment to you – the person doing the work. Ergonomics focuses on optimizing the design of equipment, tools, and workplaces to minimize risk and potential injury, and stay on the job.

Ergonomics starts with you and attempts to accommodate your strengths and limitations. Considerations include your strength, size, endurance, range of joint motion, age, gender, and physical condition (health & fitness). The goal is to design a work process that can appropriately fit you and the people that work with you.

A machine has limitations to what it can perform and so does the human body. Just as an engineer would not design a job beyond the capacity of a machine, ergonomics focuses on designing within the capabilities of the human body. When these limitations are exceeded, the potential for an on-the-job-injury increases.

Ergonomics does not need to be complicated – in most cases it is simply common sense. If something does not feel natural, chances are it may include one or more adjustments to the work process that can make a tremendous difference.

When recognizing the effect of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) in the workplace, employers should consider initiating a partnership to identify and control ergonomic risk factors. Many labor unions across the country have recognized this importance and are working cooperatively with employers to implement the ongoing process of an Ergonomic Risk Diminish Program (ERDP).

The goal of the Proof:Positive ERDP is to ensure that all employees return home in the same condition as when they came to work; and ERDP’s vision is for all employees reach their well-deserved retirement in a physical condition that will allow them to enjoy it.

If you are interested in learning more about ERDP and/or Proof:Positive, please contact us to learn more about the range of related services we provide.

Again, the goal is to diminish the wear and tear on your body by “working smarter, not harder.”

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Avoid On the Job Injuries From Musculoskeletal Disorders

Author in the Prevent Future Claims category

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) is a term used to describe injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, peripheral nerves, structures, bones or associated vascular system of the body. These injuries may occur to any part of the body (hands, arms back, etc.). Several risk factors have been associated with the development of MSD’s. The presence of risk factors in work activities are common and do not necessarily indicate a concern, but the question is how much and for how long.

Akward Postures: The position of the body during work, e.g., bending, reaching, twisting, standing. The body is strongest when the joints are in their neutral posture. Deviations from this posture will greatly affect the body’s available strength.

Forceful Motions: The force acting on the body during work, e.g., pushing, pulling, lifting, torque reaction, weight. The external force can translate to a much larger internal force in the body (e.g. a 40 lb. load in the hands can produce a load of over 800 lbs on the spine).

Repetitive Motion: The number of times a joint is moved and overall duration of a task, e.g., number of pinch grips per minute, number of lifts.

Contact Stress: The physical contact between the body and the work surface. Contact stress can result in restrictions of blood circulation and increases in tendon friction.

Environment: This includes lighting, glare, noise levels, temperature, vibration and humidity. The environmental effects can dramatically increase the physical effort required to do a job.

Personal Risk Factors: People are different and respond differently to the presence of ergonomic risks.

Controlling Personal Risk Factors: Balance stress on joints by exercising opposing muscles off the job. Stretch muscles before using them to prevent injuries. Don’t ignore pain. Choose safe exercises. Always check with health care provider before starting new exercise programs.

To reduce the potential for on-the-job-injuries for your employees, it is important that the principals defined are considered throughout their daily activities.

If you are interested in finding out more about Proof:Positive Consulting and the services we provide, please contact us.

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