In the case of repetitive strain injuries, the prime source of injury is continuous repetitive and/or static flexion of the fingers and hands in a unidirectional (one way) motion. (i.e. Mouse use, typing, writing, gripping work tools, etc.) Other components, such as applied force, fixed body position, and the pace of work requiring repetitive or long-term static movements are also contributing factors in becoming afflicted with a disabling repetitive strain injury.
Therefore the main effort to protect workers from repetitive strain such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, cubital tunnel syndrome, guyon's syndrome and other injuries should focus on limiting or “counteracting" repetitive and static flexion activities that require constant overuse of the flexor muscles of the hand and forearm. If left unchecked, repetitive or long-term static finger and wrist flexion eventually leads to muscle imbalance and the onset of one of the many debilitating repetitive strain injuries listed above.
Protection against repetitive strain injuries can be achieved through the implementation of workplace protocols that involve the following:
· Job/task rotation
· Individual-specific ergonomic work stations
· Quick Breaks
· Stretching program
· Exercise program
Implementing the workplace protocols listed above is extremely important in maintaining structural integrity and muscle balance of the entire upper extremity. (i.e. Fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms, and shoulder.)
If you are beginning to suffer from a repetitive strain injury at work, be sure to consult your company's employee health director for assistance in establishing the protocols listed above in order to keep the injury from progressing any further. Remember - prevention is a lot cheaper than rehabilitation, both physically and financially!
Stay Healthy!
Injuries In The Workplace
Good safety whilst at work has never been of higher significance. The important facts are that Whilst the workforce may well be at risk of personal injury, employers are at risk of being taken to industrial tribunals, specifically with the growing volume of ambulance chasing lawyers. According to reports from the Royal society for the prevention of accidents around 1.6 million place of work injuries take place in the uk annually, however in a good number of cases these injuries could have been avoided quite simply.
There is no doubt that a safe office or factory environment is good for everyone. By adopting a few simple steps it's straightforward for individuals and businesses to improve safety whilst at work.
Don't forget ergonomics
You should methodically consider your work environment from an ergonomic standpoint. Taking an office surroundings as an example - make sure desks are at the appropriate height, computer screens aren't too close and chairs confer suitable back support.
Stress reduction
Stress is amongst the most frequent occurances employment problems, accounting for almost 20% of all reported employment ill health. Psychological health is just as important as physical health. Remember to take an holistic approach, perhaps teach yourself some techniques for relaxation. If you feel you have too much work, you are totally within your rights to ask others for support. And remember, it won't hurt you to be a few minutes late.
Trips and falls
These are commonly occuring in any workplace delight in typical office to construction site. Check for uneven floor surfaces, steps, holes, electric cables; the list is long. Make sure that you eliminate hazards wherever it is possible. Bear in mind the significance of warning signs, a sopping floor might look clean but it is very hazardous. In addition consider suitable lighting to illuminate the area, as poor lighting can result in a risk being neglected.
Conduct risk assessments
Risk Assessments are a superb method of reducing risk of accidents before they take place. One top tip is to consider cross-departmental risk assessments, where individuals from other departments in your organisation audit one another. A new pair of eyes might often see things differently, in addition it gets staff from other departments working together.
Get organised
Spending a small amount of time getting your workload organised pays dividends, yet it is easily forgotten, noticeably in the most hectic periods when it is more important! On a daily basis plan the jobs you want to get done. Ensure that you make it doable though - make the target too high and you will just increase your difficulties.
First aid training
In the event of an catastrophe it is essential to understand who within your organisation is qualified to administer emergency first aid. If you're the sort of individual who likes to become involved why not consider putting yourself forward for medical emergency training - it's an additional weapon in your armoury, employers look at it as a bonus and it's interesting. Likewise employers should be actively encouraging staff to get first aid skills.
Change your routines
This is especially vital for someone who have to do monotonous tasks over long periods of time, like working on production lines or data entry, as it helps reduce Repetitive stress injury. Ask if there is an alternative task which could be done, remember, a change is a good as a rest.
If you adopt these straightforward bits of advice, you should be able to keep both workers and companies safe, in good health and efficient.
Both Jeff P. Anliker, Lmt & Rwakefield are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeff P. Anliker, Lmt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Medicine, Other Conditions and Disease & illness. Jeff P. Anliker is a Therapist and Inventor of training systems that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers, Musicians, Athletes and Medical Facilities around the world for rehabilitation and performance enhancement.. Jeff P. Anliker, Lmt's top article generates over 33100 views. Bookmark Jeff P. Anliker, Lmt to your Favourites.
Rwakefield has sinced written about articles on various topics from Medicine, Entertainment Guide and Vegetarian Diet. Roger Wakefield is a staff writer at: Reagent Chemicals Ltd, (http://www.reagent.co.uk),. Rwakefield's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Rwakefield to your Favourites.
Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer Among them are baseline water heaters which heat and cool rooms by running water through pipes under the floor, energy capture facilities like solar arrays integrated into south facing walls, a pro...