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Healthy Workplace Month
Author : Health Media Today, Category : Health and Wellness
Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates acknowledges that October is Healthy Workplace month. While a healthy workplace encompasses everything from air quality to machinery safeguarding, physiotherapists generally work with those injured at work due to repetitive strain injuries. The most common injuries that we treat are tendonitis of the shoulder, elbow and wrist and strains to the neck and low back.
Successful workplace injury prevention requires contributions from both the employer and their employees. Employers need to recognize that the nature of the work can create workplace injuries. Ergonomics looks at the interface between a worker and their workstation. The interaction of workplace forces, postures and the repetition of the work lead to the potential for injury. Employers can reduce workplace injuries by ensuring that workstations are set up properly, and that employees receive appropriate treatment when symptoms of injuries are first noticed. In turn, Employees need to recognize that their own general health (i.e. smoking and inactivity) can predispose them to many injuries.
A majority of upper extremity injuries can be prevented or rehabilitated through a program of strength conditioning and appropriate stretching exercises. Neck & low back injuries are generally the result of improper lifting or carrying technique and are more prevalent in those with reduced abdominal strength and conditioning. Core strengthening exercises and education regarding proper lifting and carrying techniques are critical for the prevention and treatment of low back and neck pain.
Employees who work at computers can also sustain injuries. Typically, injuries are a result of poor sitting postures and workstation set up. By adjusting a workers chair and computer station to accommodate their physical characteristics, you can minimize their risk of injury and maximize their comfort and efficiency.
Eramosa Physiotherapy offers lunch and learn seminars for offices. We can coach you and your employees in the proper set up of desk and computer workstations to minimize the potential for injury. If you are an employer and would like some more information please contact our Acton or Georgetown clinics.
