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While
every job industry sees work-related injuries, the type and frequency
of injuries vary greatly. Trends in injuries that accumulate over time,
especially those that require time away from work, are being
increasingly monitored. Preventing injuries has become a priority, and
successfully doing so has led to increased production and morale and a
decrease in unnecessary cost. The injuries that have the most negative
impact across the board are strains/sprains and Musculoskeletal
Disorders (MSDs).
Strains
and sprains are injuries to the muscles and ligaments, and they usually
happen in a single incident. They are common to a number of fields and
can result in a several different outcomes. The sectors that incur the
most strains and sprains are nursing; manual material handlers and
laborers; and tractor-trailer truck drivers. These injuries are often
the result of overexertion, especially to the shoulders, back, hips,
and legs. Strains and sprains may not seem like major injuries, but
when severe, can take months to heal. Working with an injury before it
is fully healed can reinjure the site or even worsen the initial
injury. This can lead to other chronic problems that affect the
longevity of an employee’s career. When disability is the result of
strain or sprain, it not only financially affects the employer, but
also dampers the quality of life in the injured person. If left unable
to work, a person with strain or sprain can suffer a financial crisis
as well.
MSDs are
a category of injury that can also affect the muscles and ligaments,
but usually happen over time. When these injuries are finally apparent,
they often are already chronic and at least somewhat debilitating. MSDs
result from constant repetitive movement like twisting, climbing,
pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, and gripping. Affected areas are
discs (in the spine), joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and cartilage.
Many injuries are classified as MSDs; some of the MSDs more commonly
known are carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, and pain
in the muscles. MSDs often require not only time away from work and
doctor’s care, but also physical therapy or rehabilitation. In severe
cases, surgery is required. MSDs can create lifelong issues for the
injured employee and a number of problems for the employer. The same
three occupations that lead in sprains and strains also report the most
MSDs each year.
Ergonomics
has been very successful in preventing and reducing work-related
injuries. It seems that there is no job unable to benefit from
ergonomic analysis and implementation. Based on the number of injuries
reported each year, there are still areas of opportunity. As technology
and research develop, employers will be even better equipped to provide
a safe working environment for employees and a business that runs
smoothly and efficiently for patrons.
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