Healthy Work Habits forInjury Prevention
Objectives:
Increase awareness of ways to prevent injury
Understand what is a ‘Musculoskeletal Injury’ (MSI)
Raise Awareness of Risk Factors for MSIs
Review “STABLE” principles - concept of bodymechanics
Apply STABLE principles to tasks of custodial workers
FACTS about Injuries
Research shows that injuries are rarely the result of oneparticular event
It is more common that injuries are “cumulative” orhappen over time
As we age, our bodies’ change - decreased flexibility inour joints, weakened muscles
Increased inefficiency in our “old” work postures
What is a Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI)?
Definition:
An injury or disorder to the muscles, tendons,ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or otherrelated soft tissues
Soft Tissue Anatomy
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
Joints
Nerves
Blood Vessels
MSI Risk Factors
Physical Demandsof a task that poseas Risk Factorsinclude:
1.Force Required
2.Repetition
3.Duration
4.Work Postures
5.Local Contact Stress
MSI Risk Factors (con’t)
6.Workplace layout
7.Characteristics ofobjects handled
8.Environmentalconditions
9.Organization ofwork
Risk Factors (continued):Awkward Posture
The Spine is 16 xstronger whenmaintaining a neutral,S-Curve alignment
MSI Risk Factor Controls
GOAL is to ‘eliminate’ or ‘reduce’ identified riskfactors by:
-Eliminate exposure to the risk factors
-Reduce intensity/magnitude of the exposure
-Reduce the frequency of the exposure
-Reduce the duration of the exposure
REALITY!
It is recognized that there are certaininstances where “optimal body mechanics” arenot realistic - but they are RARE - keep themrare
TIME CONSTRAINTS or WORK LOAD
Unpredictable situations
Use safe practices as often as possible toREDUCE the wear and tear of your BODY!
Body Mechanics
Body Mechanics refers to the movements of thebody. Using correct body mechanics reducesthe load of stress on the spine and joints invarious positions while moving objects. In thisway, good body mechanics help prevent injury.
‘S.T.A.B.L.E.’ principle is an acronym for bodymechanic principles for injury prevention
S-T-A-B-L-E Principles:
S = Maintaining thenatural curves in yourSPINE
ears over theshoulder, shoulderover hips, kneesahead
eyes forward, bottomand chest out (but notover-exaggerated
S-T-A-B-L-E Principles
T = Avoid TRUNKTWISTING, especiallywhen carrying weight
trunk twisting placescompression forces on discs
trunk twisting places strainon the ligaments
keep shoulders over hipsand keep toes pointing indirection of movement
S-T-A-B-L-E Principles
A = Keep ARMS close to yourbody
allows for improved control ofobjects or equipment beinghandled
allows for the musclesdesigned for carrying loads todo the work
minimizes muscles designedfor movement andstabilization from having tocarry loads
S-T-A-B-L-E Principles
B = Maintain a wide BASE OF SUPPORT
staggered stance is encouraged for maximumstability and mobility
S-T-A-B-L-E Principles
L = Use your LEGS to dothe LIFTING
muscles in our legs arethick and rope-like and aredesigned for lifting
Observational researchshows that it is common forworkers to depend on theirback and shoulders forpushing and pulling
S-T-A-B-L-E Principles
E = Evaluate theENVIRONMENT, theload, your capabilities
environment =working surfaces,heights, equipment
load = size, shape,consistency, requiredhandling
S-T-A-B-L-E
S=Maintain natural curves in SPINE
T=Avoid TRUNK TWISTING
A=Keep your ARMS close to your body
B=Maintain a wide BASE OF SUPPORT
L=Let the LEGS do the LIFTING
E=EVALUATE your environment, load andcapabilities
Using S-T-A-B-L-E Principles forCustodial Tasks
Sweeping
Mopping
Pushing carts
Vacuuming
Emptying garbage cans
Emptying garbage into the dumpsters
Warm-ups and Stretch Breaks
Warm up before youwork
Stretch during yourshift
-Increases muscle flexibility
-Increases blood flow andnutrients to the muscles
-Decreases chances of aninjury by up to 30%
General Fitness
Promotes muscle balance
Prepares the body forunpredictable tasks orenvironmental situations
A joint is only as strong asthe muscles surrounding it
Flexible muscles are moreefficient
FACT or FICTION?
1.MDs can’t always find the real cause of low backpain
2.CT scans, MRI Scans and X-Rays will alwaysreveal the cause of pain
3.Bad backs and joints can be best fixed bysurgery
4.Spine is fragile
5.If I get plenty of rest my back will get better
True of False?
6.Pain medication is the only effective solutionfor pain relief
7.Back problems are usually temporary
8.If my back/shoulder hurts more after I’veincreased activity, I’ve damaged it
9.My feelings influence my pain (when I’mangry, I feel more pain)
10. I can return to work even if I’m not 100%
The End – Any Questions?
You only haveone body!
Take care ofit!
Questions and Discussion