This article was
written by ErgoRisk
Posted in: Self Care Ergo Series (4) Printable Version: Self Care Ergo 1: Early Intervention.pdf
Why is it that when a warning light comes on in our car or truck, we immediately pick up the phone and call our mechanic? Are you maintaining your car better than you are maintaining your body?
Musculoskeletal symptoms are our body’s warning lights. Discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, a reduction in the ability to move, or swelling are a few of the most common indicators that tell us that we should change our direction.
One of the main reasons that MSIs are important to understand is that these types of injuries can slowly or quickly escalate from minor discomfort to serious symptoms that impact all aspects of your life. In as little as 6 weeks, MSI symptoms can progress from signs or symptoms to structural changes in your soft tissue.
That’s why putting your hand up early and getting help on (supervisor, safety) or off the job (family physician, physical therapist), will help ensure that your symptoms are temporary and that you can keep your body on the road.
This article was
written by ErgoRisk
Posted in: Self Care Ergo Series (4) Printable Version: Self Care Ergo 2: Microbreaks.pdf
Microbreaks? As in stop working? For even a few seconds? Don’t be a wimp! Back when I started on the job… <insert senior operator’s story here…>.
Microbreaks are an interesting idea. The aim is to take short but frequent breaks before fatigue builds up to the point where you have to take a break due to fatigue or discomfort. Even breaks as short as 10 seconds can be beneficial and allow your muscles time to recover.
If you have ever worked out a gym, you understand the need to take short breaks in between your sets. Microbreaks are the ‘release valves’ that will protect your body.
One of the common things you see in workplaces is congratulations when someone pushes through a break, lunch, or extra hours to finish a difficult task.
If you truly value safety, respecting your own physical limits and allowing time for our body to recover while you are on the job is another one of the cornerstones of MSI prevention.
This article was
written by ErgoRisk
Posted in: Self Care Ergo Series (4) Printable Version: Self Care Ergo 4: Stronger than muscle.pdf
Have you ever heard of the saying: “Engage your brain before putting mouth in gear”?
Putting your brain in gear before starting your work can save you a lot of pain and strain. Ask:
• Do you know what you are supposed to do?
• Do you have all of the tools where you need them?
• Are there any obstructions that you can clear to make the job easier?
Put your ‘Ergo’ hat on and think – there must be a simpler way!
Simple solutions like raising your work off the floor, taking a few extra minutes to find a cart, a dolly, or a forklift can save you a few minutes or a sore back for weeks.
As always, our muscles only get stronger when they are used. Shift your gears and try a couple of ‘brain’ repetitions today!
This article was
written by ErgoRisk
Posted in: Self Care Ergo Series (4) Printable Version: Self Care Ergo 3: Warm Ups.pdf
Ergonomics is about fitting your job to you so that you don’t get injured. But some jobs require a lot of stress, strain or awkward postures. If you think of it, a lot of sports could be classified as ergonomic nightmares!
But in most organized sports, the first thing everyone does is warm-up, then a few drills and then they play the game. Have you ever asked yourself why you or your kids do these activities in this order?
Warm-ups are a great way to get the blood flowing and remind our body that it is time to get moving.
Doing exercises, drills or movement patterns specific to your sport or work (example squats) are a great way to remind your body how to move safely.
Is your body work ready or are you skating on thin ice?
