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SIERRA VISTA — Aching backs and sore necks are really hurting businesses.
In 2006 more than 1 million workers were affected by back pain, resulting in a loss of $50-100 billion annually, said Shaun McGuire a chiropractor with Sierra Vista Chiropractic.
McGuire spoke with workers at the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce Friday about ways they can reduce their chances of getting injured at work.
Lower back strains and sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome and tension neck syndrome are some of the most common work-related injuries affecting employees.
 Shaun P. McGuire of Sierra Vista Chiropractic demonstrate the proper stretching for good posture during the Work Safety and Ergonomics seminar at the Greater Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce. (Ed Honda-Herald/Review) |
Nearly any type of work, from data entry to hairdressing, has the potential for injuries — causes range from improper lifting and pulling to sudden accidents.
Repeated bending and twisting at the waist is also a common source of back injuries, and workers who repeatedly grab and pull with their hands are at more of a risk for carpal tunnel syndrome as well.
But there are a few simple things workers can do to prevent getting hurt on the job, McGuire said.
“Good shoes are paramount,” he said. Shoes with a wide toe area, good heel support, laces and an anti-slip sole are the best choice.
Workers shouldn’t attempt to carry more than 25 percent of their own body weight. If it’s any heavier, just ask for help, McGuire said.
When heavy objects need to be moved, take some time to plot the course and think ahead.
“Lets plan the lift,” McGuire said. “Is there a door we have to go through? If so, it would be beneficial to have it open before we get there.”
When lifting, legs should be positioned shoulder length apart with one foot slightly in front of the other. Lift with the legs, not the back, and avoid sudden movements.
Head and neck tension is often the result of poor posture as well, McGuire said.
The head accounts for about 10 percent of a person’s body weight, about the weight as a bowling ball. For every inch the ears move in front of the shoulders the neck must support about 10 more pounds of weight, adding to the potential for injury, he said.
Quitting smoking and taking time to stretch are also important to promote workplace health.
Taking time to rest and stretch for 10 minutes for every 50 minutes of work will increase work productivity as well, McGuire said.
McGuire demonstrated a few stretches and some tips for proper posture. Though it can feel strange at first, practicing proper posture is important, he said.
“Pretty soon you’ll be standing that way at the checkout line in Safeway, and it doesn’t feel weird,” McGuire said.
Al Sablan, an installer for Budget Blinds, has experienced some back pain and neck tension at the end of the day, he said.
The stretches are something he will likely use.
“It stretched some of those muscles I’ve never really stretched before,” he said.
Working safer
Tips for better lifting posture:
• Stand with arms at sides, feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
• Roll hands so palms face forward.
• Squeeze shoulder blades down and in towards the spine.
• Pull chin in, tighten buttocks and abdomen.
Is your workstation ergonomically correct?
• Monitor should be in front of you and 18 to 25 inches away.
• Top of screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
• Use a headset to prevent awkward phone positioning.
• Place feet flat on floor or on a foot rest.
• Elbows and hips should be bent a 90 degree angle, and knees at a 90 to 100 degree angle.
• Keyboard and wrists positioned at the same level as the elbows.
For information, contact Sierra Vista Chiropractic at 459-1414.
Reporter Laura Ory can be reached at 515-4683 or at laura.ory@svherald.com.
nancy wrote on Aug 27, 2007 9:02 PM: