Am I at risk for a MSD?

Do you

perform frequent repetitive motions? bend at the waist or twist when lifting objects? lift push or pull objects throughout the day? sometimes use the wrong tool for the job? grasp tools with your fingers? forget to take breaks while working? feel like you are under stress? have to stretch to reach your work? forget to adjust your work area to fit your task?
The more you answered yes, the greater your risk.

Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place

Phone PLACEMENT
Should be different for right and left handers
You should not have to twist and reach across your body every time you answer the phone.

Many people need to spend a lot of time on the phone, and must often do other tasks at the same time
This creates a lot of stress for neck and shoulder muscles

Consider a head set if you spend a lot of time on the phone, especially if you do other tasks at the same time

Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place

Document PLACEMENT
Place documents so that you dont need to bend your head to read while you keyboard Consider getting a document holder

Solutions

STRETCHES & BREAKS

Static positions are your enemy! Whenever you think of it, change position Small frequent stretches go a long way in preventing MSDs.

Solutions

Lifting (Static Loading)

Use a step stool or platform to reach loads above your head
For bulky and oversized loads, get help or use mechanical aids Get a good grip- use handles when available

Solutions

Lifting (Static Loading)

Dont pull Push Get twice the power Reduce the risk of injury

Unsafe Lifting Techniques

Lifting
Size up the load

If too heavy for one person, get help! Lift together or use mechanical assistance

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Term assigned to identify a group of injuries that classically result from long-term and repeated wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system.

CUMULATIVE indicates injuries that develop gradually over time, and result from many repeated stresses on a particular body part. TRAUMA signifies bodily insult or injury from mechanical stresses.

DISORDERS describes the adverse health effects that arise from chronic exposure to repeated trauma.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Cumulative = occurring gradually over a period of weeks, months, or years Trauma = bodily injury to nerves, tissues, tendons, or joints Disorders = physical ailments or abnormal conditions

Prevention Strategies
If you are experiencing symptoms of CTDs

Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers Pain in fingers, hands wrists, or even shooting up into the arms or forearms Loss of strength or coordination in the hands Numbness or discomfort in the hands that wakes you up at night....

SEE A DOCTOR!