Transcript Reducing Strain and Sprain Injuries

Reducing Strain and Sprain Injuries
Georgia Department of Administration
Risk Management Services
Loss Control Services
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Introduction
• Nationally 39% of Injuries are related to Strains
and Sprains.
• The #3 injury type and #3 injury type cost to the
State of Georgia.
• Slips, Trips, & Falls is #2. Many end up as
strains.
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BLS Distribution of Injuries for 2008
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Parts of the body injured
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Possible Solutions
Administration
• Policies: Are the procedures and guidelines in
place communicated and supported/enforced?
Equipment & Tools
• Are workstations set up properly? Set up to fit
the worker and not to fit the worker to the
machine.
Training
• Is the job specific, clear, and documented?
• Hazard Awareness: Are hazards of the
operation communicated to employee? Does
worker know how to avoid strains and injuries?
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Sprain or Strain?
Sprains occur when the ligament or joint is over
stretched or torn. Ligaments connect bone to
bone, and stabilize and support the body’s
joints. Ankles (the most common), wrists, and
fingers are also targets of sprains. Injuries are
usually the result of acute overexerting.
Strain or Pulled Muscle occurs when a muscle or
tendon is over stretched or torn. Tendons
connect muscles to bones. Generally sprains
are not as serious as strains.
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Risk Factors
Consider the following to reduce the risk of
Strain & Sprain Injuries:
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Time Frame
Duration of exposure
Frequency
How often the motion is repeated
Intensity
Weight of items lifted and relocated
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Sprain Treatment: R-I-C-E
• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
treatment for the first one to two days after the
injury: Rest the injured joint, apply an icepack
for 20 minutes four to eight times a day, wrap
the joint with a compression bandage and
elevate it above the level of your heart
Proper Lifting Procedures
• Plan the lift.
• Test load before lifting.
• Place feet shoulder - width apart
to object.
close
• Bend the knees.
• Get a secure grip.
• Lift with legs, keeping the back straight.
• Lift evenly and slowly - no jerky motions.
• Keep load as close to the body as possible.
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Proper Lifting Procedures, Continued
• To change directions:
▪ Do not twist.
▪ Turn your feet in the direction of intended travel.
▪ Let your body follow your feet.
• When moving with a load:
▪ Keep it close to your body.
▪ Watch for slip and fall hazards.
▪ Ensure travel path is clear.
• To set a load down, follow steps in reverse.
• AVOID lifts from floor level if possible.
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Power Zone and Help
The “Power Zone” is the area between the knees
and the chest.
• Keep materials to be lifted in the “Power Zone”
as much as possible.
• Get HELP when needed.
• Use mechanical help whenever available.
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Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tendonitis, and
many of the ergonomic injuries result from
straining muscles or ligaments.
• Workplace set up for person is the first step.
• Remember the rule of 90s for office operations
(knees at 90 degrees, back/legs at 90 degrees,
elbows at rest and at 90 degrees with arms).
• Job rotation is another method to reduce job
stress.
• Take stretch breaks as needed.
• Exercise and stretch to help with blood flow and
keep muscles loose.
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Conclusion
• There is no one solution to the problem.
• Job Safety Analysis may help identify possible
solutions.
• Solutions need to fit the job.
• If it hurts, don’t do it!
• Planning can eliminate many of these hazards.
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Questions???
Contact Information
C. G. Lawrence, III, CSP, REM
Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer
(404) 657-4457
[email protected]
Ted Low, Jr., CSP
Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer
(404) 463-6309
[email protected]