Hand overuse injuries in the workplace: How to prevent them?
Introduction
Preventing repetitive strain injuries of the upper limbs is vital for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. These common workplace injuries, resulting from repetitive hand movements, can lead to significant absenteeism, with an average of 13 days of leave for recovery from overexertion.
What are repetitive strain injuries?
Repetitive strain injuries occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are damaged due to repetitive use. Tasks that involve frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling place the upper limbs at particular risk. Even office environments pose a threat, as the constant motions of typing and using a mouse can lead to musculoskeletal strain.
Common symptoms of overuse in the upper limbs
The key symptoms to watch for include:
- pain that worsens with movement
- edema (swelling)
- numbness or tingling sensation
- restricted movement
By training employees with ergonomic prevention programs, companies can minimize the occurrence of these injuries, thereby reducing absenteeism and costs.
Strategies for Preventing Upper Limb Overuse Injuries:
Such injuries can be debilitating, causing intense pain and limiting a person’s ability to perform their duties. They can develop into more serious conditions like tendinopathy, muscle tears, or even nerve damage. Here are three key strategies to protect employees:
- Warm-up Before Work: Starting the day with warm-up exercises is essential. These movements increase blood flow to the upper limb muscles, preparing them for physical tasks. Incorporating stretching further enhances flexibility and range of motion. This way, the body is fully prepared to meet the demands of the job.
- Incorporate Regular Breaks: Overuse injuries are caused by continuous, repetitive movements, as muscles have specific endurance limits. When employees take regular breaks, this repetitiveness is interrupted. This gives the muscles the valuable time they need to rest and recover during the workday.
- Focus on Proper Body Mechanics: Injuries often stem from repetitive movements that force the body into awkward positions, constantly straining the same muscle groups. Ergonomics and injury prevention training for employees is crucial, as it focuses precisely on this: avoiding awkward postures that cause strain on specific areas of the body, such as the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Conclusion Hand overuse injuries can be effectively prevented with proper training, the implementation of preventive strategies, and early intervention. Investing in prevention not only protects the health of employees but also contributes to creating more productive and sustainable work environments.
Learn How to Improve Your Occupational Health
Hand overuse injuries are not something that should be considered normal or inevitable at work. With early prevention and proper guidance, you can protect your health and continue to work safely and comfortably.
Learn more about the prevention and proper management of such problems through our specialized services:
Contact us to create a healthier and more efficient work environment together.
Blog written by Michail Arvanitidis
References:
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- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (1997). Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors: A critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back (Publication No. 97-141). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/97-141/
- National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. (2001). Musculoskeletal disorders and the workplace: Low back and upper extremities. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10032
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- Van Eerd, D., Munhall, C., Irvin, E., Rempel, D., Brewer, S., van der Beek, A. J., Dennerlein, J. T., Tullar, J., Skivington, K., Pinion, C., & Amick, B. (2016). Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: An update of the evidence. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 73(1), 62-70. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2015-102992
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