Shoulder Injury PreventionMusculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are common,
costly and frustrating. Think prevention!
Shoulder MSDs are associated with postures that place heavy loads on its muscles and tendons.
Since the arm provides a very long lever, holding even small loads in the hand with the arm held away from the body will quickly result in shoulder fatigue and discomfort, and place substantial stress on the tendons in the shoulder.
Potential Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) to the Shoulder:
- rotator cuff tendonitis
- bicepital tenosynovitis
- frozen shoulder syndrome
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the work to the worker, making sure jobs and tasks are within the worker’s capabilities and limitations. It’s part of your company’s commitment to provide a safe workplace.
A systematic ergonomics improvement process reduces injury risk, improves work performance and efficiently builds a better end product.
Ergonomic design principles for shoulder injury prevention:
- Place items and parts between shoulders and waist height
- Avoid reaches above shoulder and reduce any excessive reaching
- Avoid greater than 45o shoulder flexion and abduction
Plus
Poor work practices, a poor health profile and no recognition of early signs and symptoms by workers contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
An on-location, preventive health care specialist coaching and training your workplace athletes removes individual risk factors that lead to these common and costly injuries.
Prevention tools and techniques for shoulder injury prevention:
- Use proper body mechanics and work technique.
- Prepare your body for work by properly warming up.
- Utilize good health habits — stay hydrated, pay attention to your nutrition and keep your body fit for work.
Early Recognition, Reporting and Intervention
At the first signs of excessive fatigue and discomfort, employees should be trained to recognize it and strongly encouraged to report it. When an early report is received, an on-location preventative health care professional should conduct a one-on-one early intervention consultation to identify the root causes and help the worker utilize injury prevention best practices.
