Preventing Repetitive Motion Injury - On the job tool box talks

Repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome result from performing a task or motion repeatedly without giving the body time to rest, recuperate and repair from the activity. These injuries may also be increased by awkward positions or postures, vibration, and using hands to pound or push on things. Other common repetitive motion injuries also include tennis elbow, bursitis of shoulder, hips, and/or knees and tendonitis.

How to apply prevention strategies:

Stretch

You need to warm up muscles before use. Doing a quick five minute exercise can prevent repetitive motion injuries. Almost any stretching regime will help.

BASIC STRETCH EXAMPLE:

Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are in a hand‐stand position. Hold for a count of 5.

Straighten both wrists and relax fingers.

Make a tight fist with both hands

Then bend both fist done while maintaining the fist. Hold for 5.

Straighten both wrists and relax fingers hold for 5.

Repeat 10 times then relax arms to side and shake out fingers.

Use the right tool
- Handles should be comfortable and fit to the individual. Modifications with foam, tape or other materials can be used to improve comfort of grips. Broken or damaged grips are usually bad from an ergonomic standpoint and should be replaced.

- Keep bladed tools sharp. This will decrease resistance and muscle strain.

Watch the pace
- Mix things up. Try to avoid doing the same repetitive activity for more than 20 minutes or so. Take a break and stretch, clean up scrap, inspect work or other activity to give your muscles a change and/or rest.

- Try not to rush. Pushing speed will increase muscle strain and increase chance of other accidents. Listen to your body

- Muscle pain is a warning. Don’t ignore it.

- Change your position, stretch, modify tool handle or just take a break when your muscles start hurting. You may be preventing a serious accident.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency