How to identify this danger: Strain and sprains are often the result of routine, seemingly ordinary activities. That these injuries often occur either gradually over a long period of time, or suddenly during an activity that has been completed innumerable times without injury makes these injuries particularly troublesome to identify without closer inspection of the possible risks of the work activity. Any work activity that requires prolonged standing, reaching and lifting, or repetitive motions is particularly susceptible to strain and sprain injuries.
How to proactively address the hazard: Prevent lifting injuries by lifting with your legs and not your back, utilize mechanical lifting devices when appropriate, and use teamwork for heavy or awkward lifts. Exercising good judgment to ask for a moment’s help or rescheduling work until the proper mechanical lifting device or assistance is available is always the smart action to take. For work tasks with long periods of standing, use a stool to relive stress from the legs and back. Avoid awkward positions (reaching high overhead, overtop of other materials, etc) when reaching; place your body as close to the object as possible and at an equal height. Avoid repetitive stress injuries through variety in tasks and by selecting ergonomically advantageous work positions and tools.
For more information:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html OSHA Safety and Health Topics – Ergonomics.
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding - WebMD - Understanding Strains and Sprains.
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