Ergonomics Repetitive Movement Ergonomics Injuries

Ergonomics

Repetitive Movement Ergonomics

Injuries on the job and the results of repetitive motion are able to be decreased through several minutes of self-care during regularly scheduled breaks. Following a prescribed process will decrease the risk of injury. Ergonomic workplace design is a partial solution for on-the-job injuries. The most effective prevention programs consist of both workplace design and effective training and conditioning of the worker.

Most workplace injuries involve musculoskeletal disorders. Repetitive movement patterns and habitual working positions the muscular and nervous systems into chronic muscular tensions that leads to muscular soreness and joint damage. In the extreme, chronic muscular tension is incapacitating, develops pain and decreases the body's energy reserves.

Regardless of how well the working condition is designed, muscular tension interferes with coordination and adds to pain and fatigue. Poor coordination can cause injury; pain and fatigue that may last long after injured tissue has healed, which is why injuries often linger. The residual, heightened muscular tensions of guarding cause the pain. Accumulated tension produces muscular soreness and encourages muscle spasms.

Before people exercise, it is well recognized that they need to do stretching exercises. After they work out, the same thing should be done. At work, it is also helpful to do stretching exercises for the arms before doing anything that has a repetitive motion.

Several times a day, it is highly recommended that a person does the following exercises:

Pull Arm Across the Chest

This will stretch out shoulders, upper arms and upper back and enhance one's posture while working on the competitive job: 1) a person places an right arm across the chest and the left hand just above the elbow; 2) Then he or she pull yours an arm across the chest and holds for ten seconds and 3) Relax, then repeat on other arm.

Repetitive Motion Injuries can be prevented through a proper workplace setup. Once a worker makes these adjustments to the work area, it is possible to feel more natural about working and be more productive. In addition to exercise, a person should do the following:

• Take short, frequent breaks from computer work. Suggested 10-15 minutes break away from the computer for every hour on the computer.

• Get up and move around whenever feeling symptoms

• Give input when the department is purchasing furniture and computer equipment

Here are other suggestions for repetitive syndrome in a work setting: