CLICK to view past issues and articles in the NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE . . .

May / June 2009

Keeping Workers Injury Free

by Addressing Traditional Risk Factors

(Part 1 of 2: Look for next months newsletter for information on Environmental Risk Factors)

Employers are becoming more aware of the causative relationship between modifiable risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) at work. While the mere presence of a risk factor doesn't necessarily relate to injury risk, it may cause, aggravate or precipitate an MSD. According to research from the National Safety Council, it's possible that interacting risk factors have a multiplying effect, which can significantly increase the likelihood of micro-trauma and worker injury.

Traditional Risk Factors

The goal behind addressing traditional risk factors is to ensure sufficient blood flow to the working tissues. Maintaining an adequate supply of oxygen-enriched blood to working tissues ensures that the body is working efficiently to reduce tissue overload, fatigue, and micro-trauma. Addressing the following risk factors can help maintain a balance between work and human physiology.

Task Repetition. High task repetition is a common risk factor for MSDs. High task repetition can also magnify the effects of other risk factors. A job task is highly repetitive if the cycle time is equal to or less than 30 seconds, or if more than 50 percent of the time involves performing the same fundamental cycle. A job rotation program can reduce overall exposure and mechanical aids can reduce contraction force and duration. Examine machine pace and production quotas and stress the importance of rest and stretch breaks.
Forceful exertions. Force exertions are the manual efforts required to accomplish a specific task, movement or action. The higher the magnitude of force, the higher the fatigue risk. Some ideas to minimize this risk factor include mechanic aids or power tools, mechanical lifting devices, counter balance systems, transport carts and dollies. Workers can be instructed to slide objects rather than carry them, and use conveyor systems for long distances. Eliminate physical barriers, reduce the weight’s lever arm, cut down the size and shape of raw and produced materials, and use adjustable height or lift tables.
Static muscle contractions. Static muscle contractions, such as holding an object for inspection, can fatigue workers at much faster rates than intermittent contractions. To control its effects, limit high effort static contractions to less than 10 seconds, moderate effort contractions to less than 60 seconds, and light effort contractions to less than 4 minutes. Provide alternatives to grasping objects for extended times. Implement mechanical aids, job rotation and rest/stretch breaks.
Posture. Awkward positions overload muscles and tendons, and load joints asymmetrically, increasing joint compressive forces. Workers should avoid long periods of stressful positioning, vary postures, and rotate jobs. Modify a worker’s area to maintain movement in the mid-range, design tools that maintain neutral joint postures, and stress the need for rest and stretching.
Contact Stress. Continuous use of tools, or leaning on work surfaces with hard or sharp edges, can compress and reduce blood flow and nerve conduction. In addition, weight bearing on the wrist and pounding with the hand can diminish blood flow and nerve conduction in soft tissue. Help control this risk by providing tools for pounding and hammering. Better equipment and tool design ensures appropriate handle sizes and shapes. Modify sharp edges by rounding or adding padded covers, and use power or spring-loaded tools to reduce contact pressure and promote blood flow.

By addressing one or more of these traditional risk factors, a company can significantly reduce their worker's injury risks. Look for next months newsletter to learn more about environmental risk factors within the work environment and what can be done to reduce these risks.

The therapists with CIS onsite are Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialists and can help identify risk factors within the work environment and provide corrective recommendations to minimize those risks.

The therapists with CIS onsite are Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialists and can help identify risk factors within the work environment and provide corrective recommendations to minimize those risks. For more information, contact CISonsite at (866) 298-1312 or jpanozzo@cisonsite.com.

CLICK to return to top

Laptop Solutions

Laptops have become an essential tool for many individuals in today’s world. Whether you are a business executive flying to a different country for a meeting, a college student, or the average employee who occasionally works from home, your laptop is utilized in multiple locations. How can you best set up your laptop in a variety of settings to be as ergonomically friendly as possible?

Working from a laptop computer has inherent ergonomic and biomechanical challenges. After all, they typically sit on some work surface which is generally not adjustable leaving the keyboard at times in position for poor and "at risk" forearm, wrist, and hand use. Additionally, the monitor position is often too low causing us to hold our heads in a downward position for extended periods of time. By the time we are done working we feel "done in" and perhaps may even be "cursing" the tool thought so helpful.

While on an airplane, place a book, magazine, or a three ring binder under the back 2/3rds or so of the laptop. The idea is to “prop” or tilt the keyboard portion so it angles toward you, while also raising the monitor height slightly. This will reduce the amount of bending forward at the neck which can help reduce the tension, fatigue, and pain in the neck muscles. It will also promote a straight wrist posture.

While working in a hotel or at home the same “prop-up” methods can be used. Some hotels have plastic laptop sleeves that you slide the laptop into which automatically holds it at an angle. You can purchase these at any office or computer store and take one with you. It is also important to use your external mouse rather than the laptop glide pad.

At the office, the best solution while working at your own desk is to utilize a docking station for the laptop; a separate monitor with adjustable riser and a separate full size keyboard on an adjustable tray as needed. This allows maximum adjustability and comfort while working. If you do not have a separate monitor, you could place the laptop and docking station on top of the monitor riser and use the laptop monitor as is. The goal is to have the monitor at or slightly below eye level, which will maintain your neck in a comfortable and neutral posture. An adjustable office chair is also important to provide variety of posture and maximum adjustability.

These simple modifications can make a huge impact on how you feel each day. It is up to you to take the time to set up your mobile work environment to be as ergonomically friendly as possible.

If you would like more information about Laptop Ergonomics or are interested in have an Ergonomic Job Position Evaluation done for yourself or an employee, feel free to contact CISonsite at (866) 298-1312 or jpanozzo@cisonsite.com.

CLICK to return to top

Think Safe!

You are What You Eat

Adopted from CareWise News

Eating healthy, nutritious food most of the time is important for looking and feeling your best. It’s also key for preventing and managing conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Here are a few nutritious ways to invest in your health:

Fish is rich in healthy fats. The American Heart Association recommends eating oily fish (such as salmon) at least twice a week as part of a heart-healthy diet. Children and pregnant women should avoid fish with higher risk of mercury contamination, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
Nuts are a powerhouse of heart-healthy fats, protein, nutrients and fiber. But they are high in calories, so use portion control.
Every cell in your body needs water to function. Hands down, water is the healthiest beverage we can drink. How much water should you drink? It is recommended letting your thirst be your guide. You can also let your urine be your guide: if it’s pale yellow, you’re doing well.
Caffeine can give you a temporary energy boost, but it can also cause anxiety, tension and insomnia. While moderate caffeine intake (200-300 mg a day) is fine for most people, studies have shown both pros and cons of using caffeine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Caffeine is not as dehydrating as was once thought, but it can increase stomach acid, so drink your water!
Whole grains and whole grain flour are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Refined grains (like white flour) are not! At least half of the grains you eat each day should come from whole grains. On food labels, check for the words “whole grain.” They should be at the top of the ingredient list.

If you've missed any of our previous newsletters, check the Archives

CLICK to return to top

Our programs assist employers in reducing their OSHA recordables and Worker’s Compensation claims, cost and injuries. We offer a variety of customized programs to fit each employer’s unique needs.

Learn More»

Our mobile therapists come directly to your facility, by treating the worker onsite. the therapist can directly observe the physical demands of the worker’s job and design a treatment program that specifically addresses these demands.

Learn More»

Our case managers work with employers and insurance companies to proactively manage the care of an injured worker through the entire case management process from injury to return to gainful employment.

Learn More»