Health and Safety Resources Caution to Users

Transcription

1 Health and Safety Resources Caution to Users Many of the resources in this archive were originally prepared by WSN s predecessor organizations for use by industry clients. While much of the information and many of the forms included with them are still valuable, users should recognize that examples, contact information and data such as legislative references may be out of date. The resources are offered as free tools for companies to use in an effort to continuously improve their health and safety systems. But users of these resources also need to ensure that they are aware of the most recent legislation, equipment and processes, as well as current practices.

2 Keeping the OUCH out of the workplace Aches and Pains Participant s Notes - Aches and Pains - Keeping the Ouch out of the Workplace September 2003 Descriptor: Aches and pains may be a temporary discomfort or a result of an injury, but they are the most common reason why we book off sick from work, take medications or seek medical attention. This short program specifically created for MASHA s member companies will help employees understand the cause and control of aches and pains, and will provide first aid treatments and strategies to avoid pain and injury to muscles, tendons and ligaments. #1 Much of the pain and discomfort we experience is a result of overstretching or overuse of our muscles, tendons and ligaments. Sudden or unfamiliar movements can strain muscle and tendon fibres and may even cause serious injury. Repetitive tasks can overwork muscles and tendons, causing them to feel cramped, burning or achy. Even holding muscles and tendons in an awkward position or in one place for long periods of time can cause problems. Ask the participants how many of them have had any aches after a physical day at work or at home. Can any of them identify what it was that caused the discomfort? #2 What We ll Cover Why we hurt the technical reasons What causes aches and pains How to treat minor injuries Prevention of injuries Working smart Lifestyle changes It s important to understand how our joints and limbs are held together and why our work environment plays a key role in keeping us healthy and pain free. Today we ll look at factors that can cause pain and talk about how to minimize or eliminate those factors. We ll also cover basic first aid for aches and pains and how to avoid injury. 1

3 #3 Why We Hurt Muscles are strong strands of fibre tissue that help support and move the joints Tendons are narrow bands that attach muscles to bones and transmit force from muscles Muscles are strong strands of fibre tissue that help support and move your joints. Tendons are narrow bands that attach muscle to bone and that transmit force from the muscles. Ligaments are strong, rope-like fibres that connect the bones and restrict the movement of the joints. Most ligament pain is a caused by an overextension of the joints - forcing your joints to move beyond their normal range of motion. Ligaments are strong rope-like fibres that connect bones #4 Risk Factors and Control Strategies: the Task Risk Factor How? Extreme Postures and Motions How much? Forceful Exertions and Motions How often? Repetitive Motions and Exertions Description Static postures that are not comfortable or dynamic movements that exceed normal range of motion Puts stress on joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments or cuts off blood flow The use of muscle power to push, pull, lift, grip, hold, turn, move, etc. Can be either static or dynamic Puts stress on muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues Same task done repeatedly each day Puts wear and tear on joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves Engineering Controls Organize work area so tools are within comfortable reach Design work area to provide comfortable access and comfortable working space Provide adjustable tools, work surfaces, equipment, etc. Provide a mechanical aid like a lift or a rest for a heavy object Provide a better tool Reduce unit weight or reduce force required Automate the task Provide better tools requiring minimal force or less extreme posture Administrative Controls Keep back in a naturally straight position Avoid twisting Keep load close to the body Use power grips Keep movements smooth Change procedure so two people can do it together Alternate easy and more difficult tasks Take frequent breaks Provide training on correct work procedure Perform work at comfortable pace Change which muscle group you are using Reduce the amount of repetitions Provide correct work procedures training Reduce individual exposure through job rotation or sharing Change job description Schedule frequent Aches rest breaks and Pains Risk factors are anything that increase the likelihood of a negative effect, which means, anything that puts you at risk of getting injured. These factors can be broken down into two groups: factors affecting the task, and factors affecting the job. Control strategies to minimize or eliminate risks means controlling the work environment and how the work is done, not the person. The main idea is to eliminate or reduce one or more of the risk factors, eliminate some risk and reduce other risk factors, or prevent interaction of risk factors by separating risk events. Controlling the risk factors can be done either through the engineering of the work (changing the work environment) or through administrative controls (changing how the job should be done). Many circumstances can influence each type of risk factor. #5 Risk Factors and Control Strategies: the Job Risk Factor When and why? Work Organization Where? Environmental Factors Who? Human Factors Description Machine sets the pace Lack of control over how to do the work Work overloads and time restrictions Wage incentives or piecework Stress Change or lack of stability Lighting can cause awkward work postures Noise can be distracting Vibration can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves Temperature extremes Physical characteristics, age, personal fitness, degenerative diseases, fatigue, stress, prior injuries, outside activities Engineering Controls Provide adjustable tools, work surfaces, equipment, etc. Maintain vibration damping systems in good condition Use tools with heated handles Vent cold air away from operator Energy absorbing seats and grips, reduced speed, improved roads Ergonomic design to control factor impacts Administrative Controls Set realistic productivity goals Worker sets pace of work Encourage communication and worker input Monitor incentive systems to maintain safe pace of work Provide training for new work procedures Dress for the temperature Reduce total exposure Provide training for new work procedures Schedule frequent rest breaks Reduce individual exposure through job rotation or sharing Pre-placement selection or aptitude testing Engineering controls are better suited for controlling this risk factor TASK FACTORS: extreme motions or postures - uncomfortable or awkward positions. A static exertion means holding something, and dynamic means pushing or pulling something. forceful exertions and motions - using your muscle power repetitive exertions and motions - doing the same thing over and over again for most of your shift JOB FACTORS: how the task is organized or designed - what you need to do to get the job done environmental factors - all those things around you that play a part in how you do your job human factors - your personal characteristics that determine how you are able to do your job 2

4 #6 Most Common Types of Injuries Back injuries Muscle strains (pull or tear) Tendonitis Sprains (pull or stretch tendon or ligament) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Bursitis Problems with joints, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments of the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders or back These common types of injuries, mainly caused by mild to moderate non-traumatic events, can be described as: Sprains - stretching, partial tear or complete tear to ligaments; Strains - stretch, partial tear, complete tear to a muscle or tendon or a pull to a nerve; Nerve damage - compressions, cuts and tears to a nerve. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between body tissues. Major locations for bursitis are near the large joints, like the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, the tissue which attaches muscle to bone. Tendonitis most commonly occurs as a result of injury, such as to the tendons around the shoulder or elbow. #7 Proper Lifting Technique Feet apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other Bend your knees, squat down, keep your back arched and your head up Use the power of your leg muscles to lift About 80% of all adults will experience lower back injuries over their lifetime. These injuries are often caused by improper lifting techniques or overuse. By using proper lifting techniques along with stretching and strengthening exercises, you can reduce the risk of back injury. The best way to lift anything is diagonally - straight up. Start with your feet apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other. This provides more stability, energy, and power. Bend your knees and squat down, keeping your back arched and your head up during the lift. This keeps the weight off your back and allows more power to come from the larger muscles of the legs. #8 Focus on Avoiding Back Injuries Keep objects close to your body when lifting and carrying. More stress is placed on your back when you carry an object away from your body, so hug the object as you carry it. Don t rush or jerk as you lift and don t twist or lift from the side. Bad lifting techniques increase the stress on your back, especially during repetitive lifts, and will cause serious injury. When carrying objects, stand up straight. Don t walk in a bent-over position. For short distances, carry most of the load to the front and close to the body. When carrying for long distances, support the load on your shoulder. Most importantly, if the object is too heavy, get help. 3

5 #9 How to Save Your Back Avoid lifting and bending whenever possible Spare your back the stress and strain of lifting and bending every chance you get. By not using your back like a lever, you avoid putting it under stress and potentially damaging force. Place objects up off the floor Set your load down on a table or other elevated surface instead of on the floor so you won't have to bend down to pick it up again. Raise / lower shelves The best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and your waist. Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves. Use carts and dolleys Use tools to move objects instead of carrying them yourself. Put less strain on your back by pushing a cart rather than by pulling it. Use cranes, hoists, lift tables, and other lift-assist devices Use tools whenever you can. Whenever possible, avoid lifting and bending to reduce the chance of strain or injury. Here are some basic ideas to save your back: If you must move the same object several times, set it down on an elevated surface so you won t have to bend as far to pick it up again. When storing objects, put heavier ones at waist level, with lighter objects on higher or lower shelves. Whenever possible, use carts and dolleys to move things around, and remember that it s easier to push a cart than it is to pull one. If you need to lift something, use the proper tools to assist you. #10 What to Do about Aches and Pains Stop and rest Inform your supervisor Report to First Aid See your family doctor If you feel pain, stop what you are doing, rest or change positions. If your discomfort doesn t stop, inform your supervisor and report to First Aid. See your family doctor to make sure the injury is treated properly. #11 RICE First Aid for Injuries Rest Immobilize and rest the injured area Ice Reduce swelling and control pain by applying crushed ice wrapped in a towel or plastic bag Compression Use an elastic tensor bandage on the area to slow the fluid buildup that causes swelling When you hurt yourself, there is usually heat, redness, pain and swelling in the injured area. Use the RICE treatment as your first aid strategy. Use ice on the injury rather than heat because heat will slow the recovery process and may cause the inflammation to be worse. Heat increases the flow of blood and other fluids to the affected area. Ice helps to slow down the flow of blood and reduces the swelling. Elevate Keep the blood from pooling around the injury by elevating the injured body part 4

6 #12 Working Smart Use mechanical lifts Maintain proper posture when lifting Get help with heavy loads Carry loads close to the body Take regular rest breaks Warm up muscles before working To avoid aches and pains and prevent injury, consider your work practices, work environments and your life-style. Work practices involve how you do a job. Working smart means that you consider the task and decide on the best way to do it. Use mechanical lifts or ask for help with heavy loads. Use the diagonal lift technique and keep your body straight when lifting. Warm up your muscles before you put stress on them and take regular breaks to allow muscles and ligaments to recover from strenuous activities. #13 Your Work Environment Avoid temperature extremes Provide mechanical aids Provide better/more effective tools Reduce how much an object weighs or the amount of force required to perform the task Provide comfortable work environment Not everyone works the same way. Each person is different and has physical limitations that need to be recognized so work needs to be designed to fit the worker. If a risk factor can t be eliminated, control measures can be used to limit the exposure the worker has to the risk factor. Workers aren t as likely to have pain, fatigue or discomfort when their surroundings are improved. #14 How Lifestyle Makes a Difference Improve fitness level through exercise Maintain a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight Get enough sleep Aches, pains and the risk of injury can be reduced if you maintain a healthy life-style. Being in good physical shape increases your strength and flexibility and helps you withstand the stresses of physical work activity. Muscles won t tire as easily if you get enough sleep, and a well balanced diet provides your body with the necessary proteins and vitamins to rebuild and strengthen your muscle tissue. 5

7 #15 How to Prevent Injuries Follow safe work practices Change your work environment Maintain a healthy lifestyle In conclusion, work injuries, aches and pains can be reduced when work situations are assessed and safe work practices are followed. By recognizing risk factors in the work environment, you can change or minimize the impact they have on you. And, your life-style choices also play a part in how smart you work. So, work smarter not harder, and keep the ouch out of the workplace. Legislation for Aches and Pains Occupational Health and Safety Act 25(1) An employer shall ensure that, (a) the equipment, materials and protective devices as prescribed are provided; (b) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are maintained in good condition; (c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace; (d) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are used as prescribed. 27(1) A supervisor shall ensure that a worker, (a) works in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures required by this Act and the regulations; and (b) uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker s employer requires to be used or worn. 28(1) A worker shall, (a) work in compliance with the provisions of this Act and the regulations; (b) use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker s employer requires to be used or worn; (c) report to his or her employer or supervisor the absence of or defect in any equipment or protective device of which the worker is aware and which may endanger himself, herself or another worker 28(2) No worker shall, (a) remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the regulations or by his or her employer, without providing an adequate temporary protective device and when the need for removing or making ineffective the protective device has ceased, the protective device shall be replaced immediately. 6

8 Regulation Regulations for Industrial Establishments also contains sections relating to protection of workers while handling materials. Section Material, articles or things, (a) required to be lifted, carried or moved, shall be lifted, carried or moved in such a way and with such precautions and safeguards, including protective clothing, guards or other precautions as will ensure that the lifting, carrying or moving of the material, articles or things does not endanger the safety of any worker; (b) shall be transported, placed or stored so that the material, articles or things, (i) will not tip, collapse or fall, and (ii) can be removed or withdrawn without endangering the safety of any worker; and (c) to be removed from a storage area, pile or rack, shall be removed in a manner that will not endanger the safety of any worker. References For more information on Aches and Pains contact your MASHA Representative and/or visit the following web sites: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has several informative articles on its web site. Use their search engine to look for information about Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders or WMSD. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business offers a WMSD prevention fact sheet at: MASHA recognizes that individual companies must develop health and safety policies and programs which apply to their workplaces and comply with appropriate legislation. The information contained in this reference material is distributed as a guide only to assist in developing those policies and programs. The course material contained in this manual is protected by copyright. The reproduction or transmission of all or any part of this material without the prior written consent of the Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association is a violation of national and international copyright laws. Copyright 2003, Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association 7 For more information please contact: Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association 690 McKeown Avenue, P.O. Box 2050 Stn. Main North Bay, Ontario P1B 9P1 Phone: (705) Fax: (705) info@masha.on.ca