Preventing Strains & Sprains Rutherford County Safety Training

Objectives Become familiar with hazards in your workplace that lead to the risk of sprain & strain injuries Know how to reduce the risk of strain & sprain injuries Assessment 5 question quiz Course Outline

Strain & Sprain injuries are due to stretching muscles beyond their limit which in turn damage ligaments & tendons: Back (Most Common) Shoulder Knee Ankle Elbow Wrist Types of Strain & Injuries

Rutherford County Strains & Sprains injuries Stats Body Part ( YTD ) Back Leg/Knee Shoulder Arm/Hand Other Total The Numbers

Strains & Sprains Occur During the following: Lifting Pushing/Pulling Overreaching Slips, Trips & Falls Repetitive Motion Standing/Sitting in Awkward Positions How it Happens

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

Reduce The Risk Reducing Low Work: Raise and/or tilt the work for better access Use a stool for ground level work Alternate between bending, kneeling, sitting and squatting

Reduce The Risk Reducing High Work: Use an elevated work platform or rolling stairs Use tools with longer handles Limit overhead storage to infrequently used items Bring work down to a more comfortable level and tilt for easier access

Clear Your Working/Walking Paths: Clean up spills/avoid walking on wet floors Avoid placing cords across walking paths Secure mats & rugs Sufficient Lighting in working/walking areas Report damaged walking areas Reduce the Risk

Just as an athlete prepares for a sporting event by stretching & warming up, we should consider this routine before we begin any physical job task. Stretch Core muscles everyday Before lifting, pushing, pulling & reaching Prior to physically demanding tasks Between repetitive motions Key Prevention Step

Applying Safety Thinking Report all unsafe working conditions to your supervisor immediately Be aware of your surrounding to help prevent future accidents (Situational Awareness) Don’t try to be a hero, use common sense and always ask for help if you find yourself in a challenging situation Plan your lift: Reduce the size/weight, Utilize a mechanical lifting device(when possible) & Clear your walking/working area

Safety Training Contact For answers to questions, interactive discussion or Other information related to Preventing Strains & Sprains, please contact: Tim Street Training & Development Specialist

Quiz Click on the link below to take a 5-Question Quiz. You must take the quiz to receive credit for the Safety Training. Once you have linked to the quiz, please enter your Social Security Number at the top. You will need to enter it according to the example shown (ex with hyphens included). Once finished with the questions, lease click the submit button and your training will be recorded.