Repetitive stress injuries Prevent the “repeat” injury from happening again Some work injuries happen in an instant, but many happen over a much longer period of time. They might start with a little neck pain after working at a desk all day, or some back pain after repeatedly moving heavy boxes without rest, and then worsen over time. Repetitive stress injuries are the second most common workplace injury resulting in lost time from work. (The first is slips and falls.) They can affect any type of employee — young or old, new or longtime, office or manufacturing. The good news is that these types of injuries are preventable, even for employees who do repetitive work. Five risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort So how do you know if your employees are at risk for repetitive stress injury? See whether any of these five risk factors apply: n Awkward and static posture — Maintaining a non-neutral posture, especially when sus- tained for more than one hour, is problematic. Prolonged sitting or standing without moving around or changing position puts someone at risk. n Force — Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling weight can increase risk, especially if the fre- quency and duration of the activity are high. n Localized Pressure/Contact Stress — Pressing hand or forearm against a hard or sharp surface or using the hand as a hammer increases risk. n Repetition — A high number of exertions per minute and/or long duration of an activity with- out sufficient recovery time can present risk. n Lack of recovery time — If employees don’t take the proper amount of time to rest after forceful exertions and repetitive activities, they’re putting themselves at risk. This might be the most important risk factor, since proper recovery time can offset the effects of the other four. Preventing pain and strains The single most important thing employees can do to prevent repetitive stress injuries is incorpo- rate movement into their days. Changing position, walking around and gentle stretching increase blood flow to soft tis- sues, improve concentration, restore energy and enhance productivity. Encourage employees to take regular breaks to stretch or walk. Recognize the early signs of musculoskeletal injuries Catching the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury early and taking corrective action can pre- vent a more serious condition from developing. Train your staff to report right away if they’re experiencing any of the following: ● Soreness ● Aches ● Swelling and/or skin discoloration ● Reduced grip strength ● Tingling and numbness of fingers ● Reduced pain and temperature sensitivity C ompT alk Guiding employers through workers’ compensation Minnesota | Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota | Wisconsin Preventing injuries
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Cumulative trauma disordersRepetitive stress injuries Prevent the “repeat” injury from happening again
Some work injuries happen in an instant, but many happen over a much longer period of time.
They might start with a little neck pain after working at a desk all day, or some back pain after repeatedly moving heavy boxes without rest, and then worsen over time.
Repetitive stress injuries are the second most common workplace injury resulting in lost time from work. (The first is slips and falls.) They can affect any type of employee — young or old, new or longtime, office or manufacturing.
The good news is that these types of injuries are preventable, even for employees who do repetitive work.
Five risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort
So how do you know if your employees are at risk for repetitive stress injury? See whether any of these five risk factors apply:
n Awkward and static posture — Maintaining a non-neutral posture, especially when sus- tained for more than one hour, is problematic. Prolonged sitting or standing without moving around or changing position puts someone at risk.
n Force — Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling weight can increase risk, especially if the fre- quency and duration of the activity are high.
n Localized Pressure/Contact Stress — Pressing hand or forearm against a hard or sharp surface or using the hand as a hammer increases risk.
n Repetition — A high number of exertions per
minute and/or long duration of an activity with- out sufficient recovery time can present risk.
n Lack of recovery time — If employees don’t take the proper amount of time to rest after forceful exertions and repetitive activities, they’re putting themselves at risk. This might be the most important risk factor, since proper recovery time can offset the effects of the other four.
Preventing pain and strains
The single most important thing employees can do to prevent repetitive stress injuries is incorpo- rate movement into their days.
Changing position, walking around and gentle stretching increase blood flow to soft tis- sues, improve concentration, restore energy and enhance productivity.
Encourage employees to take regular breaks to stretch or walk.
Recognize the early signs of musculoskeletal injuries
Catching the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury early and taking corrective action can pre- vent a more serious condition from developing.
Train your staff to report right away if they’re experiencing any of the following:
Soreness Aches Swelling and/or skin discoloration Reduced grip strength Tingling and numbness of fingers Reduced pain and temperature sensitivity
CompTalk Guiding employers through workers’ compensation
Minnesota | Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota | Wisconsin
Preventing injuries
Find solutions
If you learn employees are at risk for repetitive stress injuries you’ll want to make adjustments to try to correct the problem. Solutions may include:
n Using mechanical devices whenever possible or varying tasks through job rotation, job enlarge- ment or rest pauses to reduce repetitiveness.
n Improving the tools your employees use by adjusting handles or adding grips.
n Providing personal protective equipment when- ever necessary such as vibration dampening gloves or soft-soled shoes.
n Promoting exercise breaks throughout the workday that focus on stretching, good posture and muscle balance.
n Educating employees and alerting them to the potential hazards.
Don’t let repetitive stress injuries creep up on you or your employees. No matter what the job, aches and pains shouldn’t be expected. Most workers can prevent and recover from these inju- ries by simply being aware of their posture and adding more movement and recovery time into their workdays.
Attached you will find a quiz you can use to test your employees’ safety knowledge. The quiz will educate them on ways to avoid repetitive stress injuries and increase their awareness of the hazards involved.
For more information or answers to specific questions about cumulative trauma disorders, call your SFM Loss Prevention representative at (952) 838-4200 or (800) 937-1181.
CompTalk
SFM Companies 3500 American Blvd. West, Suite 700 Bloomington, Minnesota
© 2015 SFM Mutual Insurance Company sfmic.com 0715
Test your safety knowledge — Repetitive stress injuries Fold the page before completing the quiz so you can’t see the answers!
1. True or False. A properly adjusted backrest should support natural spinal alignment.
True. The backrest should fit snugly against your lower back providing support.
Questions Answers
2. Which of the following is a risk factor for a repetitive stress injury: a) Awkward or static posture b) Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling c) Repetitive movement
d) All of the above
d. All of the above. Posture, force, repetition and lack of recovery time can all lead to repetitive stress injuries. Giving yourself time to recover after exertion can help counteract the other three risk factors.
3. True or False. The proper viewing height of your monitor allows your shoulders to be hunched forward.
False. When your shoulders hunch, your muscles tense. Position your monitor at an appropriate height to keep your shoulders relaxed.
4. The best definition of glare is: a) The reflection of light that makes it hard to see your screen b) When there is not enough light c) When a coworker frowns at you d) Most common type of doughnut
a. The reflection of light that makes it hard to see your screen. Use indirect lighting to reduce direct glare and task lighting focused on the areas where it is needed.
5. To arrange your desktop ergonomically, do which one of the following? a) Keep the top of your desk as clear of objects as possible b) Position documents about 2 inches below your screen c) Keep objects you use often within easy reach d) Keep your screen no more than 3 feet from your eyes
c. Keep objects you use often within easy reach. Excessive motion — such as reaching for something repetitively — can cause tendonitis, as well as place pressure on nerves which may lead to nerve compression disorder.
6. True or False. Performing simple exercises during the workday can keep muscles in shape and help prevent repetitive stress injuries.
True. Taking breaks to do a few shoulder rolls, stretch or walk around will help prevent discomfort and stiffness during the day.
7. A repetitive stress injury is: a) A disorder of the nerves, muscles, tendons and joints caused,
precipitated or aggravated by exertion or movements of the body b) When you remember negative past experiences c) When one’s life resembles that of a soap opera d) None of the above
a. A disorder of the nerves, muscles, tendons and joints caused, precipi- tated or aggravated by repeated exertion or movements of the body. Repetitive movement all adds up. It’s cumulative. Doing the same motion over and over for a period of time can cause muscles, tendons and joints to be damaged even if the movement is as minimal as sitting at your desk for extended periods.
8. Which of these conditions is not a repetitive stress injury? b) Tendonitis c) Lower back strain d) Bursitis e) None of the above
e. None of the above. All of these are repetitive stress injuries.
9. Repetitive stress injuries represent one out of every ____ dollars spent on workers’ compensation in the U.S. a) $25 b) $3 c) $3,678,000 d) $100 e) $25
b. Three dollars ($3) Repetitive stress injuries affect all kinds of workers in all industries. Repetitive stress injuries are the second most common workplace injury causing employees to lose time from work.
© 2015 SFM All rights reserved 0715
Some work injuries happen in an instant, but many happen over a much longer period of time.
They might start with a little neck pain after working at a desk all day, or some back pain after repeatedly moving heavy boxes without rest, and then worsen over time.
Repetitive stress injuries are the second most common workplace injury resulting in lost time from work. (The first is slips and falls.) They can affect any type of employee — young or old, new or longtime, office or manufacturing.
The good news is that these types of injuries are preventable, even for employees who do repetitive work.
Five risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort
So how do you know if your employees are at risk for repetitive stress injury? See whether any of these five risk factors apply:
n Awkward and static posture — Maintaining a non-neutral posture, especially when sus- tained for more than one hour, is problematic. Prolonged sitting or standing without moving around or changing position puts someone at risk.
n Force — Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling weight can increase risk, especially if the fre- quency and duration of the activity are high.
n Localized Pressure/Contact Stress — Pressing hand or forearm against a hard or sharp surface or using the hand as a hammer increases risk.
n Repetition — A high number of exertions per
minute and/or long duration of an activity with- out sufficient recovery time can present risk.
n Lack of recovery time — If employees don’t take the proper amount of time to rest after forceful exertions and repetitive activities, they’re putting themselves at risk. This might be the most important risk factor, since proper recovery time can offset the effects of the other four.
Preventing pain and strains
The single most important thing employees can do to prevent repetitive stress injuries is incorpo- rate movement into their days.
Changing position, walking around and gentle stretching increase blood flow to soft tis- sues, improve concentration, restore energy and enhance productivity.
Encourage employees to take regular breaks to stretch or walk.
Recognize the early signs of musculoskeletal injuries
Catching the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury early and taking corrective action can pre- vent a more serious condition from developing.
Train your staff to report right away if they’re experiencing any of the following:
Soreness Aches Swelling and/or skin discoloration Reduced grip strength Tingling and numbness of fingers Reduced pain and temperature sensitivity
CompTalk Guiding employers through workers’ compensation
Minnesota | Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota | Wisconsin
Preventing injuries
Find solutions
If you learn employees are at risk for repetitive stress injuries you’ll want to make adjustments to try to correct the problem. Solutions may include:
n Using mechanical devices whenever possible or varying tasks through job rotation, job enlarge- ment or rest pauses to reduce repetitiveness.
n Improving the tools your employees use by adjusting handles or adding grips.
n Providing personal protective equipment when- ever necessary such as vibration dampening gloves or soft-soled shoes.
n Promoting exercise breaks throughout the workday that focus on stretching, good posture and muscle balance.
n Educating employees and alerting them to the potential hazards.
Don’t let repetitive stress injuries creep up on you or your employees. No matter what the job, aches and pains shouldn’t be expected. Most workers can prevent and recover from these inju- ries by simply being aware of their posture and adding more movement and recovery time into their workdays.
Attached you will find a quiz you can use to test your employees’ safety knowledge. The quiz will educate them on ways to avoid repetitive stress injuries and increase their awareness of the hazards involved.
For more information or answers to specific questions about cumulative trauma disorders, call your SFM Loss Prevention representative at (952) 838-4200 or (800) 937-1181.
CompTalk
SFM Companies 3500 American Blvd. West, Suite 700 Bloomington, Minnesota
© 2015 SFM Mutual Insurance Company sfmic.com 0715
Test your safety knowledge — Repetitive stress injuries Fold the page before completing the quiz so you can’t see the answers!
1. True or False. A properly adjusted backrest should support natural spinal alignment.
True. The backrest should fit snugly against your lower back providing support.
Questions Answers
2. Which of the following is a risk factor for a repetitive stress injury: a) Awkward or static posture b) Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling c) Repetitive movement
d) All of the above
d. All of the above. Posture, force, repetition and lack of recovery time can all lead to repetitive stress injuries. Giving yourself time to recover after exertion can help counteract the other three risk factors.
3. True or False. The proper viewing height of your monitor allows your shoulders to be hunched forward.
False. When your shoulders hunch, your muscles tense. Position your monitor at an appropriate height to keep your shoulders relaxed.
4. The best definition of glare is: a) The reflection of light that makes it hard to see your screen b) When there is not enough light c) When a coworker frowns at you d) Most common type of doughnut
a. The reflection of light that makes it hard to see your screen. Use indirect lighting to reduce direct glare and task lighting focused on the areas where it is needed.
5. To arrange your desktop ergonomically, do which one of the following? a) Keep the top of your desk as clear of objects as possible b) Position documents about 2 inches below your screen c) Keep objects you use often within easy reach d) Keep your screen no more than 3 feet from your eyes
c. Keep objects you use often within easy reach. Excessive motion — such as reaching for something repetitively — can cause tendonitis, as well as place pressure on nerves which may lead to nerve compression disorder.
6. True or False. Performing simple exercises during the workday can keep muscles in shape and help prevent repetitive stress injuries.
True. Taking breaks to do a few shoulder rolls, stretch or walk around will help prevent discomfort and stiffness during the day.
7. A repetitive stress injury is: a) A disorder of the nerves, muscles, tendons and joints caused,
precipitated or aggravated by exertion or movements of the body b) When you remember negative past experiences c) When one’s life resembles that of a soap opera d) None of the above
a. A disorder of the nerves, muscles, tendons and joints caused, precipi- tated or aggravated by repeated exertion or movements of the body. Repetitive movement all adds up. It’s cumulative. Doing the same motion over and over for a period of time can cause muscles, tendons and joints to be damaged even if the movement is as minimal as sitting at your desk for extended periods.
8. Which of these conditions is not a repetitive stress injury? b) Tendonitis c) Lower back strain d) Bursitis e) None of the above
e. None of the above. All of these are repetitive stress injuries.
9. Repetitive stress injuries represent one out of every ____ dollars spent on workers’ compensation in the U.S. a) $25 b) $3 c) $3,678,000 d) $100 e) $25
b. Three dollars ($3) Repetitive stress injuries affect all kinds of workers in all industries. Repetitive stress injuries are the second most common workplace injury causing employees to lose time from work.
© 2015 SFM All rights reserved 0715
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