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May 2004

Table of contents:

1. Upper Extremity Injury Prevention
2. Effectively Addressing Ergonomics Issues
3. Think Safe! - At the Swimming Pool and the Beach

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Upper Extremity Injury Prevention

Repetitive stress on our bodies is a leading cause of upper extremity injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, and de Quervain's. Why? It's mainly because our muscles and tendons don't get enough bloodflow when they're asked to continuously perform a repetitive activity without a whole lot of rest. A great way to combat these injuries is to prevent them from even happening. One of the best ways to do this is having a daily stretching routine. It breaks up the monotony of doing the same thing for prolonged periods of time and, better yet, it helps improve bloodflow to target areas.

Here are some basic stretches related to upper extremity injury prevention to get you started:

WRIST AND ELBOW STRETCH A

Position hand palm up Grasp palm of one hand with other hand Keeping elbow straight on involved arm Pull hand down gently, as shown Repeat with other arm

WRIST AND ELBOW STRETCH B

Begin with arms at side, elbow straight Bend wrist so fingers are backward and palm upward Bend fingers upward Turn wrist outward Repeat with other arm or save time and simply perform stretch with both arms simultaneously

SHOULDER STRETCH

Grasp right arm or place hand on right shoulder and apply downward pressure. Bend neck sideways to the left until you feel the stretch in your neck/shoulder Repeat on other side

CHIN TUCK

Sit or stand, looking forward, with good posture Tuck chin in You may use fingers to apply backward pressure

Holding stretches for at least 30 seconds is ideal but if you're in a bind, perform the stretch as long as possible and do longer stretches at home. These stretches should be done frequently (every hour). Find time during scheduled breaks or at times when the production line is slow...better yet - make time!

Remember, stretching is only part of a complete safety program to truly address repetitive stress injuries at your company. Things like poor posture, body mechanics, and equipment design can also (and probably do) play a major role. It can come down to how you grip certain tools/items or a simple change in body position. Either way, a good stretching program is a great way to get started.

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Effectively Addressing Ergonomics Issues

When OSHA's new Ergonomic Standard was repealed by the Bush administration in early 2001, many businesses expressed an audible sigh of relief. Some even mistakenly put ergonomic issues on the back burner to address at some later date.

However, employers are bound by OSHA's General Duty Clause (Sec 5(a)(1) of OSH Act) to address known ergonomic hazards now. Having an ergonomics program in place can help your company to effectively address cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) while reducing Workers' Compensation costs, work-related injuries and OSHA recordables.

According to OSHA's Ergonomic Guidelines 3123, an effective ergonomics program should have the following components:

1) A Written Plan: This is a formal collection of policies and procedures defining your company's ergonomics program. It should establish clear goals and objectives to meet those goals.

2) Management Commitment: Management should provide leadership, resources and actions to illustrate a commitment to addressing ergonomic issues in the workplace. The company should demonstrate that it places health and safety on the same level of importance as production.

3) Employee Involvement: Employees should be involved every step of the way - from the identification of an ergonomic hazard, to recommendations for corrective action, to the implementation of these recommendations.

4) Problem Identification and Hazard Analysis: Worksite analysis of problem jobs should be performed to identify existing hazards and conditions that could contribute to the development of CTDs of the back, neck, arm and hands.

5) Hazard Prevention and Control: OSHA recognizes 4 general strategies for addressing CTDs in the workplace.

a. Engineering Controls: redesigning workstations and/or work methods, improving tools design, etc.

b. Work Practice Controls: identification and enforcement of proper work techniques, stretching programs, etc.

c. Administrative Controls: job rotation, job enlargement, etc.

d. Personal Protective Equipment: back supports and anti-vibration gloves, etc.

6) Management and Employee Training: Managers, supervisors, labor leaders, safety and health staff, design engineers should be trained in their roles in addressing ergonomic issues. All parties should understand their responsibilities and accountability for the success of the program.

Employees should be given formal instruction in the hazards associated with their jobs and in how to prevent CTDs through proper work techniques.

7) Medical Case Management: The company should have policies and procedures in place outlining how injury complaints are reported and handled. Resources should be available to quickly and effectively address the complaint to ensure a rapid and safe return to work.

8) On-Going Hazard Recognition and Control: A team should be in place to continually monitor progress, address new issues as they arise, and follow through on the implementation of corrective actions.

If a program such as this seems overwhelming, do not fear; we can help. We have experience working with companies such as yours to quickly establish highly effective ergonomics programs. Just give us a call at (866) 298-1312 to talk about the needs of your facility - we are here to serve you.

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Think Safe! - At the Swimming Pool and the Beach

According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death for people ages 5 to 44. For children ages 1 to 2, drowning is the leading cause of injury death.

Most safety organizations agree - the primary element in preventing pool and beach incidents of any kind is constant supervision.

For More Information U.S. Lifesaving Association (732) 775-6449 www.usla.org

However, even with supervision, problems can still occur. For boys between the ages of 1 and 3 who have drowned, most of the victims were being supervised by one or both parents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The ideal way to swim is not only with someone, but in the vicinity of a trained rescuer. The U.S. Lifesaving Association greatly stresses to swim near a lifeguard since they know their territories and the conditions of the water. They must be able to scan a water area within 10 seconds and should be able to reach the person in distress within 20 seconds. This rule can also be used by non-lifeguards who are supervising children in the water.

Know your way around a pool
Whether at the beach or in the backyard, there are rules to follow to make swimming as safe and injury-free as possible. One of the most obvious is to learn how to swim. In addition, use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, but never as a substitute for knowing how to swim.

The more accessible these objects are, the easier it will be for swimmers to rely on one if they begin to struggle. And remember, air-filled rafts and tubes are not considered actual safety devices or PFDs.

Another water-related guideline -- prohibit alcohol consumption -- is crucial. The USLA calls alcohol a "major factor" in drowning. It reduces body temperature and impairs swimming ability. It also impairs judgment, inducing people to take risks they wouldn't otherwise take.

Lastly, families with pools should have an action plan ready in case of an emergency. Think through an emergency and practice what to do until help arrives.

Know what you're leaping into
Diving into unfamiliar water is a major reason for aquatic-associated spinal injuries. The easiest tip to remember regarding water safety is never dive into any unknown water.

The USLA advises that parents encourage their children to stop, watch and walk into the water because perhaps more than any other trauma injury, spinal injuries can have severe lifelong consequences.

Pool and beach-goers should take even the most unlikely precautions. In June 1998, as many as a dozen children were contaminated with the E. coli bacteria at an Atlanta water park, and one child died. The incident marked the first time that E. coli was reported in a public pool, and it was believed to have been caused by a sick child with diarrhea. Chlorine and other disinfectants generally destroy bacteria, but the levels should be monitored and should adhere to state standards. Additionally, toddlers should wear swim diapers designed to contain urine and feces.

Don't forget the sunscreen
In the summer, the sun's rays are hard to avoid, but there are steps you can take. The American Cancer Society suggests "Slip! Slop! Slap!" First, slip on a shirt, preferably made of tightly woven fabrics that block the sun's permeation. Next, 20 minutes before going outside, slop on sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. However, never apply sunscreen to children under 6 months of age. Instead, limit the time they spend in the sun. Finally, slap on a hat - one broad enough to shade the sensitive skin on your face, ears and neck.

What to Do If You See Someone Drowning Call 9-1-1 immediately. The National Spa and Pool Institute advises installing a telephone or using a cordless phone in any pool area. If the victim is within throwing distance, throw a floatable object to them. This includes a life jacket, kick board or even an empty gallon jug. If the victim is within reaching distance, assist them by extending something long, such as a rope, pole, ring bowie or a tree branch. If you must enter the water to assist someone, take a flotation device large enough to carry two adults safely. Keep the device between you and the person in distress; even a child can put an adult at risk in deep water.

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