Scott Patterson, Recovery Industry
Laura Cross-Whiteman, Administrator
PO Box 52058 • Riverside, CA 92517
Phone: (951) 682-8450 • Fax: (951) 369-3047
Third Quarter Policy Year 2008-2009
Prevent Strains And Sprains
Strains and sprains account for a majority of workplace injuries and lost work time.
The injuries are often caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, or over-reaching and usually affect the back, shoulders, and arms. Preventing strain and sprain injuries is a lot easier than correcting them. Here are some suggestions for your employees.
Reaching
Strain increases in proportion to the distance of the work from your body. There is less strain on your body if the work is positioned between your shoulders and knees, with a waist-high level being the most neutral and comfortable. So try to work with your arms below your shoulder level and stay as close to the work area as possible. You may need to raise or lower yourself with a stool or ladder for better positioning. When reaching down, put one hand on your thigh to support your back.
Bending
Strains and sprains can occur from activities performed in awkward positions or when bending over and relying on your back for support rather than your leg muscles. When performing activities below your waist, bend your knees and squat down to position yourself closer to the work. If the task requires you to maintain a squatting position for a while, alternate kneeling down on one knee to transfer the load off your legs or back and onto the floor.
Pushing or Pulling
Sometimes equipment can put more strain on your body if you push or pull it incorrectly. If given the choice, push rather than pull a load. But, in both cases, get as close to the load as possible. When pushing a load, use both hands and arms keeping them in close to your body; keep your back straight and lean into the load; then, use your whole body weight and leg muscles to walk the load as you push. If pulling a load, use both hands and arms; keep your back straight and lean away from the load; and again, use your whole body weight and leg muscles to walk the load as you pull.
Your body works best when it is used as it was designed. When you force your body to do things beyond its capability, you risk a strain or sprain injury. How can you prevent these injuries? The obvious thing is to keep yourself in good physical condition and work within your limits.
~ Article provided by State Compensation Insurance Fund
Trades & Services Safety News
