Wrist Injury PreventionMusculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are common,
costly and frustrating. Think prevention!
Each day we use the muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand to perform various upper extremity tasks. The physical stress and strain to these muscles and tendons can produce microscopic wear and fatigue to these tendons and muscles.
As long as the amount of fatigue is lower than the body’s ability to recover, the soft tissues in the wrist will remain healthy. But too much strain and fatigue, coupled with too little repair, can lead to inflammation and eventually a painful and costly musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).
Potential Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) to the Wrist:
- tendonitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- ganglion cysts
- trigger finger
- DeQuervain’s
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 wrist injury prevention:
- Maintain neutral posture
- Avoid repeated or sustained flexion and ulnar deviation
- Avoid repeated or sustained pinching and allow for small hands when designing gripping tasks and selecting hand tools
- Allow plenty of access space for large hands
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 wrist 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.
