Reducing Strain and Sprain Injuries Georgia Department of Administration Risk Management Services Loss Control Services

Introduction Nationally 39% of Injuries are related to Strains and Sprains. The #3 injury type and #3 injury type cost to the State of Georgia. Slips, Trips, & Falls is #2. Many end up as strains.

BLS Distribution of Injuries for 2008

Parts of the body injured ,

Possible Solutions Administration Policies: Are the procedures and guidelines in place communicated and supported/enforced? Equipment & Tools Are workstations set up properly? Set up to fit the worker and not to fit the worker to the machine. Training Is the job specific, clear, and documented? Hazard Awareness: Are hazards of the operation communicated to employee? Does worker know how to avoid strains and injuries?

Sprain or Strain? Sprains occur when the ligament or joint is over stretched or torn. Ligaments connect bone to bone, and stabilize and support the body’s joints. Ankles (the most common), wrists, and fingers are also targets of sprains. Injuries are usually the result of acute overexerting. Strain or Pulled Muscle occurs when a muscle or tendon is over stretched or torn. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Generally sprains are not as serious as strains.

Risk Factors Consider the following to reduce the risk of Strain & Sprain Injuries: Time Frame Duration of exposure Frequency How often the motion is repeated Intensity Weight of items lifted and relocated

Sprain Treatment: R-I-C-E RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) treatment for the first one to two days after the injury: Rest the injured joint, apply an icepack for 20 minutes four to eight times a day, wrap the joint with a compression bandage and elevate it above the level of your heart

Proper Lifting Procedures Plan the lift. Test load before lifting. Place feet shoulder - width apart close to object. Bend the knees. Get a secure grip. Lift with legs, keeping the back straight. Lift evenly and slowly - no jerky motions. Keep load as close to the body as possible.

Proper Lifting Procedures, Continued To change directions: Do not twist. Turn your feet in the direction of intended travel. Let your body follow your feet. When moving with a load: Keep it close to your body. Watch for slip and fall hazards. Ensure travel path is clear. To set a load down, follow steps in reverse. AVOID lifts from floor level if possible.

Power Zone and Help The “Power Zone” is the area between the knees and the chest. Keep materials to be lifted in the “Power Zone” as much as possible. Get HELP when needed. Use mechanical help whenever available.

Repetitive Strain Injuries Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tendonitis, and many of the ergonomic injuries result from straining muscles or ligaments. Workplace set up for person is the first step. Remember the rule of 90s for office operations (knees at 90 degrees, back/legs at 90 degrees, elbows at rest and at 90 degrees with arms). Job rotation is another method to reduce job stress. Take stretch breaks as needed. Exercise and stretch to help with blood flow and keep muscles loose.

Conclusion There is no one solution to the problem. Job Safety Analysis may help identify possible solutions. Solutions need to fit the job. If it hurts, don’t do it! Planning can eliminate many of these hazards.

Questions??? Contact Information C. G. Lawrence, III, CSP, REM Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) 657-4457 Charles.Lawrence@doas.ga.gov Ted Low, Jr., CSP (404) 463-6309 Ted.Low@doas.ga.gov