TIPS TO REDUCE INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE

Minimizing repetitive stress injuries is an important part of an employer's cost-containment strategy, as the incidence of these types of problems among workers is increasing.

Following are some practical tips to reduce the potential for repetitive stress injuries, and to provide a work environment that is more favorable for those previously injured or who may be at risk for developing problems:

1. Observe the frequency of repetitions that any one worker performs. It may be in the best interest of the employer and the workers implement a task rotation schedule in a particular area so that the number of  repetitions per person is reduced. 

2. Check tools and other objects that routinely come in contact with workers' hands for excessive vibration. Much research has been done and is ongoing on the role vibration plays in job-related hand problems.

3. Observe workers for awkward body postures or positioning of wrists and hands. As a rule, it is generally best to keep all joints in a relatively neutral position when exerting muscular force or when performing a task repetitively.

4. Check work stations for the presence of tools or objects routinely handled that may cause excessive force to the palm of the worker's hands. How much force is too much? The force required to use a hand-held stapler can be enough to cause a worker to develop injure tissues if the task is done repetitively. A simple solution may be providing workers with power tools instead of tools that require the force to be generated by the workers' hands. (For example, providing winery case handlers with a pneumatic staple gun as opposed to a  traditional mechanical stapler.) Sometimes the use of special gloves (which increase friction and provide protective padding in the palm) can be helpful. Often it may be a matter of educating the worker in the dangers of overstressing the palm, and providing training on working habits that minimize the forces absorbed by the worker's body.

5. Observe the range of movement through which a worker puts his/her wrist during a task requiring repetitive motion. Generally, the less motion the wrist incurs, the less potential there is for developing or worsening cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or overuse symptoms in the wrist. If he worker appears to be using a lot of wrist movement, the employer can intervene and determine whether this is a habit of the worker. If not, there may be a need to re-design the task to require less wrist motion.     

Modifying a work station or a task may seem like a costly venture for the employer. Careful consideration is warranted, however, in view of the long-term costs of disability claims, lost days, re-training new workers and increased premiums. Usually the costs of modifying the job, implementing a task rotation schedule, or purchasing more "user-friendly" equipment or accessories outweigh the mounting costs of medical care and ever-increasing costs of workers' compensation insurance.

As previously mentioned, repetitive stress injuries are not limited to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and hand-related conditions. Repetitive injuries can also occur in areas such as the lower back, elbows, shoulders, etc. Just as mechanical devices and equipment wear out after periods of repetitive use, human tissue can also "wear out" after accumulating stress from repetitive and/or forceful motion. This can occur over a matter of weeks or over years, depending on a variety of factors, including the amount of stress, whether the stress is spread evenly over several areas of tissue, any pre-existing conditions and individual susceptibility.

Employers who are tuned in to these issues are at an advantage with respect to finances, safety, employee relations, morale and productivity. We encourage managers and supervisors to solicit worker complaints about specific job tasks, and to brainstorm with them toward possible solutions. Workers who have successfully performed the same job for a number of years often have valuable input about how their job could be made safer and/or easier.

The JobCare staff routinely attends classes and seminars to stay updated on strategies to help employers reduce injuries. We are also available to make site visits to your company to share this information as it applies to specific situations you encounter. If we can assist you in any way please call (707) 963-6491.