Almost six million injuries happen in the workplace each year, costing over 60 billion dollars in lost wages, healthcare expenses, legal costs and worker's compensation claims, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The majority of injuries resulted from over-exertion, repetitive stress injuries and falls in the workplace.
Back sprains due to slips, falls and improper lifting account for over half of the six million injuries each year. Slippery and uneven floors in the workplace are one of the main causes of falls. Many of these accidents can cause permanent disabling injuries or death, and could have easily been prevented with proper training and safe work practices.
Another common workplace injury is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). It is one of the most common causes of hand and wrist pain. It occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve, one of the important nerves that supply sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers of the hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist created by bones and ligaments that protect the nerves and tendons that extend into your hand. When tissues in the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swollen from overuse or other causes, they press on the median nerve, producing pain and numbness in the hand.
This disorder afflicts computer users, cashiers, assembly-line workers, meatpackers, musicians, writers, surgeons, and others whose jobs involve using their hands in repetitive motions that strain the wrist tendons.
"If you suspect you may be suffering from CTS, you should pay prompt attention to the first twinges of pain or discomfort," advises Vernon T. Tolo, MD, president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic surgeon at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. "However, wrist pain may not necessarily mean carpal tunnel syndrome," warns Dr. Tolo. "There are other conditions that may cause these symptoms, and it is important that an orthopaedic surgeon evaluate any wrist pain to rule out other causes."
It is important to know that many hazards at work and at home can be easily eliminated resulting in less repetitive stress injuries and injuries from falls and lifting.
As part of the Prevent Injuries America!(r) Program, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these tips to preventing workplace injuries:
Computer users:
*Take frequent short breaks from your activity; stand up, walk around, stretch.
*Learn to use the computer mouse sensibly. Choose a mouse that allows you to work with an open relaxed hand posture. Don't squeeze or grip the mouse between your thumb and little finger. Don't twist the mouse side-to-side; move the mouse with the entire arm. Don't use a wrist rest; this doubles the pressure inside the carpal tunnel. Keep the mouse close to the keyboard; don't stretch out to the side of the desk.
*Make sure your computer workstation is properly set-up. Choose a chair with a backrest that supports the curve of your lower (lumbar) back. Sit back in the chair when you work at a computer. It is important to position your thighs horizontal with your knees at about the same level as your hips. Rest your feet comfortably on the floor (or a footrest if you need one). Make sure there is enough room below the work surface to comfortably fit your knees and thighs. Consider having the height of the surface holding your keyboard and mouse or trackball about 1-2 inches above your thighs. Center the keyboard in front of your body. Correct placement of your monitor may help some individuals prevent eye strain, neck pain and shoulder fatigue by keeping your head and neck as straight as possible.
*Additional workstation considerations: locate your workstation away from sources of glare such as windows, organize your workstation so the objects you need most often are within easy reach, and some find it helpful to use a head set if you talk on the phone and type at the same time.
Proper Lifting Techniques:
*When lifting, position yourself close to the object you want to lift. Separate your feet shoulder-width apart to give yourself a solid base of support. Bend at the knees, do not bend at your waist. Tighten your stomach muscles. Lift with your leg muscles as you stand up.
*To lift a very light object from the floor, such as a piece of paper, lean over the object, slightly bend one knee and extend the other leg behind you. Hold on to a nearby chair or table for support as you reach down to the object.
*While you are holding the object, keep your knees slightly bent to maintain your balance. If you have to move the object to one side, avoid twisting your body. Point your toes in the direction you want to move and pivot in that direction. Keep the object close to you when moving.
*Avoid lifting large or heavy objects. Get help.
Preventing Falls
*Be aware of slippery surfaces. Avoid routes that have not been cleared or appear to be glazed over.
*Wear appropriate footwear. Hard rubber sole shoes are best on greasy concrete and wood; soft rubber sole shoes are best on dry surfaces; crepe sole shoes are best on rough concrete surfaces either wet or dry; and neoprene sole shoes can be worn on most wet or dry surfaces.
*Do not use chairs or other items in place of ladders.
*Only carry loads you can safely handle.
*Promptly clean up spills.
*Hallways and walk-areas need to be free of rubbish, equipment and tools.
*Post signs where floor levels or surfaces change. Make sure lighting is adequate.
*In some workplaces, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Internet users can find information about preventing workplace injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome and more at the Academy's web site, www.aaos.org, or call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824-BONES.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
The 26,047-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (http://www.boneandjointdecade.org/us), the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives.
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