Ergonomics of Working Safely

Ergonomics of working safely

Understanding Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

What Is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics, also known as “human engineering,” involves the design of work environments and machinery to fit workers rather than the other way around. OSHA defines ergonomics as, “the science of fitting the job to the worker.” The goal of this workshop is to heighten awareness among workers against work hazards to provide education/resources to make the work environment safer.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders and Relation to Ergonomics

Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), are associated with repetitive motion, pressure, or vibration in the workplace. This is often an unrecognized, and thus ignored, untreated work related injury. It is estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that 62% of all workplace injuries were from the stress of repetitive motion on muscles and tendons. Conditions usually associated with CTDs include carpal tunnel, bursitis, tennis elbow, and low back syndromes!

Proper Work Environments

Thousands of variables exist in numerous work environments which may need individual evaluation by an injury prevention consultant to ascertain safety of the work environment. There are proper and improper ways to lift, transfer, carry, push, pull, sit, stand, reach overhead or forward, stoop, squat, kneel, crawl, walk, balance, and climb stairs or ladders. This workshop will only cover a few of the basic most common ergonomic mistakes of the worker. Individual workstation evaluations performed by the IPC may be arranged through the supervisor or employer.

Prevention of Injury

One of the more common causes of injury to the lower back, affecting 80% of the adult population at some point, is due to performing a lift with an object which is either too heavy, too large, or performed using poor body mechanics while lifting. The human spine is a very sensitive bio-mechanical mechanism. Over time, improper lifting can cause irreversible damage that can lead to permanent injury. A worker should never perform a lift that he or she could not do using good lifting posture at least 10 times in a row. There are many techniques used in lifting and carrying objects that can support your back and prevent injury. However, the best technique for lifting from the ground is the diagonal lift.

At Cedar City Chiropractic and Rehabilitation we regularly provide free health talks to our community regarding the benefits of chiropractic and proper ergonomics. When injuries occur it is imperative to intervene. Having a great chiropractor is an excellent resource to minimize the intensity and duration of the any injury you may sustain. We believe that the best healing process is prevention, even as simple as arranging a proper work environment is important to the prevention of injury.

At Cedar City Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Doctors Josh Williams and M. Curtis Hobson have the solution to more than just your back. With professional, on-hand dietitians, health coaches, massage therapist, and Chiropractic physicians, we can focus on your overall health and wellness that will allow you to run FASTER, jump HIGHER, recover QUICKER, and will ultimately achieve your greatest wellness goals. At Cedar City Chiropractic and Rehab... We have MORE than just your back!