CDT307-4 Safety Talks! a Safety Smart!

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S AFETY T ALKS! Ergonomics

Stand Up Injuries Arent Funny

In many occupations, workers have to
stand or walk through most of their
shift. Examples of these jobs are health
care, cashier jobs, assembly line work,
custodial tasks and warehousing among
others.
Workers who stand all day risk these
types of injuries: temporary and
chronic back and neck problems,
difficulties with the joints such as hips
and knees, and varicose veins.
Depending on the tasks they are doing
as they stand, they are also prone to
repetitive strain injuries such as Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome and muscle strains
caused by bending, twisting or
stretching.
To keep injuries to a minimum, there
are several things that can be done. One
approach is to modify the work station
if possible, so you do not have to stand
all of the time. A stool might allow you
to rest once in awhile. A raised footrest
allows you to rest one foot at a time,
which gives your back a break by
changing your position. A work bench
which can be raised or lowered
depending on the task is ideal. A high
work surface is good for precision
work, lower for light work and lowest
for heavy work. Lighting should also
be arranged so you do not have to lean
over the work to see it.
Your work area should be arranged for a
minimum amount of stretching or
twisting. Materials and tools which are
frequently used can be placed where
they are easier to reach without
excessive movement.
To lessen the impact on the feet and
legs, some cushioning such as padded
flooring or mats may be desirable
but too much cushioning can cause
fatigue.
The kind of footwear you choose is
extremely important when you are
standing all day. Do not wear shoes
which alter the shape of your foot
such as shoes which squeeze your toes
together. Your shoe should fit snugly
around your heel so your foot does not
move around inside. Laces can provide
a better fit than other types of fasteners.
Make sure there is adequate arch
support. A low heel may be more
comfortable than no heel. For hard
floors, wear soles made of shock-
absorbing material. Footwear must also
be appropriate to protect you from other
hazards, with non-slip soles to prevent
slipping or safety toed to protect your
foot from falling objects.
Your own personal health and fitness is
also important. Maintain a healthy
weight by eating a nutritious, low-fat
diet. Excess weight increases your risk
of joint injuries and other damage when
you work in a standing position. Get
enough sleep so your body has time to
repair damaged tissues each day.
Alcohol and nicotine decrease your
ability to handle workplace stresses and
strains. Avoid them. Exercise regularly
to maintain strength and flexibility.
Exercise on the job is important too.
Companies concerned about preventing
back injuries and repetitive strain,
encourage employees to do warm-up
exercises before they start work. They
also take advantage of breaks for
flexibility exercises.
Learning to stand and move correctly is
also vital for preventing injuries. Use
good posture by standing up straight
without tensing your back. Keep your
knees flexed when standing or bending.
When you turn, move your feet rather
than twisting your body. Try not to
reach behind the shoulder line or above
shoulder height. Be sure to lift
correctly by keeping the load close to
your body and lifting with your legs
rather than your back.
To prevent injuries when you have a
stand-up job, be aware of how you
stand and move. Pay attention to stiff,
sore muscles and change your position
to relieve the strain. Rearrange your
work area, if possible, so you can work
in several comfortable positions. These
steps may help prevent injury it
stands to reason!

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