Reducing Strain and Sprain Injuries

1. Reducing Strain and Sprain Injuries Georgia Department of Administrative Services Risk Management Services Loss Control Services

2. Introduction • Nationally, 39% of injuries are related to Strains and Sprains. • The #3 injury type and #3 injury type cost to the State of Georgia. • Slips, Trips, & Falls is #2. Many end up as strains or sprains.

3. Parts of the body injured • ,

4. Causes of Sprains & Strains? • They are caused by excessive • reaching, bending, lifting, • gripping, squatting, or twisting of • hands, shoulders or body. • Caused by any work performed • with high force, with many • repetitions, or in an awkward • position. 4

5. Sprain or Strain? Sprains occur when the ligament or joint is overstretched or torn. Ligaments connect bone to bone, and stabilize and support the body’s joints. Ankles (the most common), wrists, and fingers are also targets of sprains. Injuries are usually the result of acute overexerting. Strain or Pulled Muscle occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Generally sprains are not as serious as strains.

6. Risk Factors Consider the following to reduce the risk of Strain & Sprain Injuries: • Time Frame • Duration of exposure • Frequency • How often the motion is repeated • Intensity • Weight of items lifted and relocated

7. Sprain Treatment: R-I-C-E RICE– Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. By following this simple formula, you can avoid further injury and speed recovery. • REST the injured area. • ICE or cold packs should be applied immediately. Do this for up to 48 to 72 hours after the injury. After 48-72 hours, applying heat may bring additional relief. • COMPRESS the area by wrapping it (not too tightly) with an elastic wrap. Begin wrapping from the point farthest from the heart and wrap toward the center of the body. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. • ELEVATE the injured area higher than the heart. Do this even while you are applying the ice or cold pack as well as when you sleep.

8. Break the Injury Cycle Fatigue Listening to your body can prevent many injuries. Discomfort Pain Injury re-injury may be likely Disability

9. The Majority of Sprains are to the Back; so use Proper Lifting Procedures. • Plan the lift. • Test load before lifting. • Place feet shoulder - width apart close to object. • Bend the knees. • Get a secure grip. • Lift with legs, keeping the back straight. • Lift evenly and slowly; no jerky motions. • Keep load as close to the body as possible.

10. Proper Lifting Procedures (continued) • To change directions: • Do not twist. • Turn your feet in the direction of intended travel. • Let your body follow your feet. • When moving with a load: • Keep it close to your body. • Watch for slip and fall hazards. • Ensure travel path is clear. • To set a load down, follow steps in reverse. • AVOID lifts from floor level if possible.

11. Power Zone and Help The “Power/Safe Lifting Zone” is the areabetween the knees and the chest. • Keep materials to be lifted in the “Power/Safe Lifting Zone” as much as possible. • Get HELP when needed. • Use mechanical help whenever available.

12. Repetitive Strain Injuries • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tendonitis, and many of the ergonomic injuries result from straining muscles or ligaments. • Workplace set up for a person is the first step. • Remember the rule of 90s for office operations (knees at 90 degrees, back/legs at 90 degrees, elbows at rest and at 90 degrees with arms). • Job rotation is another method to reduce job stress. • Take stretch breaks as needed. • Exercise and stretch to help with blood flow and keep muscles loose.

13. How Can We Prevent This? • Although we cannot prevent all sprains and • strains from occurring, there are some tips on how • to avoid them: • Stretch before you work with • heavy items. • Use proper footwear for the • activity you are doing. • Warm up adequately before • activities. • Do not run on icy/uneven • surfaces

14. How Can We Prevent This? (continued) Administration • Policies: Are the procedures and guidelines in place communicated and supported/enforced? Equipment & Tools • Are workstations set up properly? Set up to fit the worker and not to fit the worker to the machine. Training • Is the job specific, clear, and documented? • Hazard Awareness: Are hazards of the operation communicated to employee? Does worker know how to avoid strains and injuries?

15. Additional Tips on Avoiding Sprain Injuries(resulting from Slips and Trips) • While walking, mentally chart your path. • Refrain from inattentiveness while walking i.e. Texting, Talking on the phone, eating, reading, etc. • Maintain awareness of your surroundings. Avoid floor/ground holes and depressions, loose flooring, gravel walk and driveways, pits, uncovered drains, poor drainage areas, wet floors, puddles of liquids, loose carpets and mats, raveled carpet, open file drawers, loose extension cords/cables in the floor, etc. • Walk in well lit areas. • Use great caution when ascending/descending steps. Again use the handrail. • Do not carry loads that obstruct your view.

16. Conclusion • There is no one solution to the problem. • Job Safety Analysis may help identify possible solutions. • Solutions need to fit the job. • If it hurts, don’t do it! • Planning can eliminate many of these hazards.

17. Questions? Contact Information: Hiram S. Lagroon, BS Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) 463-6309 Hiram.Lagroon@doas.ga.gov C. G. Lawrence, III, CSP, REM, ARM-P Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) 657-4457 Charles.Lawrence@doas.ga.gov