PREVENTING STRAINS AND SPRAINS

by Greg Summerhays

It was just another ordinary day at work for Carlos. His morning tasks included working on a column. He picked up a block that weighed approximately 20 lbs. and twisted to set the block down. He felt immediate pain in his back so severe it caused him to drop to his knees. After months of physical therapy and injections Carlos is finally returning back to work.

Cliff was simply stepping off of a man lift when he twisted his knee. An MRI showed that he had a marble size piece of cartilage floating around in his knee that required arthroscopic surgery.

Lori was performing her regular duties tightening a bolt when her hand slipped and she felt immediate pain in her right wrist. After weeks of physical therapy she was able to return to work but continues to suffer from discomfort in her wrist.

The reality is anyone can get an injury that results in a sprain or strain. These injuries are so common that they are consistently listed as one of the most common workplace injuries year after year.

Lifting, pushing, and overreaching are common causes of strains and sprains. Any job that requires you to sit or stand bent in an awkward position for long periods of time can cause excess stress and strain on muscles. Most strains and sprains affect the back, arms, and shoulders. However, there are some very simple things you can do to prevent or minimize body strains and sprains.

Many strains and sprains occur because of poor material handling. Workers lift things that weigh too much or they lift incorrectly. Lift correctly by bending your knees, not your back. Carry loads close to your body. Injuries can occur when workers try to pull or lift a heavy or awkward object without help or lift an object while twisting from the waist. When carrying a load, avoid bending or lifting upward unnecessarily.

Get help with heavy loads. Don’t try to move or lift an object you can’t handle. Instead of lifting a 75-pound load, break it down into smaller parts. If you can’t break it down, get help from a mechanical device or lift it with another worker. Make sure moving equipment works properly or it will cause you to strain unnecessarily just trying to get it to work. If the wheels on a cart are not aligned, you could strain your arms, shoulders, and back trying to move it.

Change your working positions frequently. Chronic strain due to an unchanging work position can weaken your back, arms, and shoulders. Adjust working heights to prevent slumping or excessive reaching. A vicious cycle develops when chronic strain continues; muscles become less able to withstand strenuous activity and grow more prone to injury of all kinds. Stretch during the day to increase your flexibility. Take body relaxation breaks by letting your shoulders and neck muscles go limp; swivel your head or arms or flex your hands and fingers.

Sprains and strains are easy to prevent. By following some of the simple tips listed above you can reduce your risk of getting these injuries.

Greg Summerhays is Director of Public Relations and Community Outreach at Workers Compensation Fund. WCF offers ongoing safety training and UMA members are eligible for a 5% premium discount through a partnership with WCF. Visit www.wcfgroup.com for more information.