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FOCUS ON SAFETY: Ergonomics
Posted
02/25/2010
In recent years repetitive motion injuries have been determined as a factor in employee injuries. Small repetitive movements can disturb the delicate balance of muscles, tendons, and ligaments causing Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs). [Tendons attach muscle to bone. Ligaments connect bone to bone or holding organs in place.] These injuries are caused by excessive and repeated physical stress on the musculoskeletal system – the hands, wrist, elbows, shoulders, neck and back.
Nerves can be compromised through these repetitive movements. Repeated motions can result in compression of the nerves. This compression can be caused by tight muscles, inflammation of surrounding tissues, or misalignment of the nerve. Tendons are connective tissues that contain little stretch or rebound. If they are stressed beyond their strength by overuse or maintaining prolonged position, they can get tiny tears in them. Friction from overuse can cause inflammation. This causes a condition known as tendonitis. Muscles can be strained by overuse, resulting in tiny tears. These tiny tears form scar tissue contribute to inflammation.
There are several forces at work that come together to result in a repetitive trauma disorder. Your work environment, your job, your equipment and how you use your body are all important components. Increased awareness will enable you to work safely and avoid the problems associated with repetitive trauma.
Employee involvement is necessary not only for identifying existing and potential hazards, but also for participation in their own personal protection.
The goal should be to reduce and /or prevent work-related injuries or illnesses by identifying ergonomic stressors in the workplace and implementing appropriate intervention.
The purpose of training and education is to ensure that employees are sufficiently informed about the ergonomic hazards to which they may be exposed in order to participate actively in their own protection. You need to be aware of your workstations and job functions and help identify problem areas. It will take both employer and employee to reduce & prevent worker injuries.
