KU EHS January Safety Tip: Sprains and Strains

When employees adapt awkward postures to perform their work, the result can be a high number of sprains and strains. Today, we’re going to focus on some simple strategies to prevent these types of injuries.

Work is safest when lifting and reaching are performed within a specific zone. What is the zone?

Ideally, the zone:

• Extends as far forward as your wrists when you hold your arms slightly bent
• Is about as wide as the shoulders
• The upper level of the zone is at about heart height
• The lower level descends to about waist height

True or False? Sprains and strains are basically the same thing. The answer is false. A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament. A ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone, supporting or strengthening a joint to prevent it from moving in the wrong direction. Ligaments are present in every joint.

• Symptoms of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, instability and loss of the ability to use the injured joint.
• A strain is an injury to either a muscle or tendon. A tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that usually connects muscle to bone and is capable of withstanding tension.
• The symptoms of a strain include pain, limited motion, muscle spasms and muscle weakness. There may also be cramping or inflammation of the joint.

True or False? The risk of sprains and strains increases in cold work environments. 

The answer is true. Working in cold environments puts more stress on the body, increasing the likelihood of sprains and strains. By dressing properly in cold conditions and keeping your body warm, you can reduce the risk of such injuries.

What are some things we can do to prevent sprains and strains on the job?

• Shoulders and arms: Keep your shoulders relaxed rather than hunched. Also, keep your elbows close to your body and keep your work at elbow height. 
• Head and neck: Avoid situations that require twisting your neck or bending it forward, backward or to the side.
• Hands and wrists: Keep your hands straight and in line with your forearms. Avoid twisting your hands and working with your wrists pressed against sharp or hard edges.
• Back: Stand straight. Avoid situations that require bending (forward or backward), leaning to the side or twisting. Use a stool to allow for changes in posture when standing. For work performed while sitting, a backrest can help maintain proper posture.
• Feet and legs: Placing a foot on a footrest or other support will promote comfort. Adequate toe space will allow you to stand close to your work in comfort. This will also reduce reaching. Good quality anti-fatigue mats also reduce back and leg fatigue

Be Proactive to Prevent Pain

Take some time to think about how you move to perform different job tasks. If something doesn’t feel right, that is a good indication that you need to shift your position.