Ergonomics in the Workplace | By Ally Safety

Summary

In this informative video, Rachel Wallaa from Ally Safety addresses the leading cause of workplace injuries: musculoskeletal injuries from non-impact activities like lifting and repetitive motions. She outlines four key preventative measures: maintaining proper posture, minimizing force exertion, avoiding repetitive tasks, and recognizing early signs of injury. By adopting these strategies, viewers can work smarter, stay active, and prevent long-term pain.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The number one cause of workplace injuries is non-impact injuries, specifically musculoskeletal injuries.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Posture is crucial for preventing injuries; create a strong base, hinge at joints, and turn instead of twist.
• 💪 Force exertion during work can lead to joint and tissue stress; work within your comfort zone and use aids when necessary.
• 🔁 Frequent repetition of tasks can cause wear and tear; take breaks and stretch to avoid overuse injuries.
• 🚑 Early intervention is key for musculoskeletal injuries; recognize early signs of discomfort and take action.
• 👀 Watch for early warning signs such as muscle fatigue, tingling, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• 🛑 Implement preventative measures like breaks, stretching, yoga, and physical therapy to address early signs of injury.
• 🛠️ Use carts, dollies, and two-person lifts to reduce the force needed for heavy tasks and prevent overexertion.
• 🧘‍♀️ Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and reduce injury risk.
• 🤲 Keep tools within arm's reach to minimize unnecessary strain and maintain a good posture while working.
• 🌟 Remember to work smarter, not harder, by finding easier ways to do tasks and lifting within your limits.

Q & A

What is the number one cause of workplace injuries according to the video transcript?

The number one cause of workplace injuries is non-impact injuries, which include manual tasks that require repetitive motion or lifting, pushing, carrying, and other similar activities.

What are musculoskeletal injuries?

Musculoskeletal injuries are soft tissue injuries that can result in debilitating pain in various parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, knees, hips, or hands, often caused by repetitive motions or manual tasks.

Who is Rachel Wallaa and what is her role in the video?

Rachel Wallaa is a representative from Ally Safety, and she is the host of the video, discussing factors contributing to musculoskeletal injuries and ways to prevent them.

What are the four factors discussed in the video for the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries?

The four factors discussed for the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries are posture, force, frequency, and early intervention.

What is the importance of having a strong base when lifting or working according to the video?

Having a strong base, similar to a pyramid rather than a tower, is important for providing stability and reducing the risk of injury when lifting or performing manual tasks.

Why should one avoid bending with the back and instead hinge at the joints?

Avoiding bending with the back and instead hinging at the joints helps to prevent injuries by ensuring that the load is lifted with the strength of the legs and knees, rather than straining the back.

What does the video suggest to avoid when turning while performing manual tasks?

The video suggests avoiding twisting from the hips while performing manual tasks, as it can lead to instability and increase the risk of injury. Instead, one should turn the entire trunk to maintain alignment with the spine.

How can one work smarter, not harder, to prevent musculoskeletal injuries?

To work smarter and prevent musculoskeletal injuries, one should lift within their comfort zone, keep tools within arm's reach, and use carts, dollies, or two-person lifts when necessary.

What does the video suggest to reduce the wear and tear caused by repetitive tasks?

The video suggests taking periodic breaks and performing stretches to reduce the wear and tear caused by repetitive tasks and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

What is the significance of early intervention in preventing musculoskeletal injuries?

Early intervention is significant in preventing musculoskeletal injuries because it involves recognizing early warning signs of discomfort or pain and taking preventative measures, such as rest, stretching, or physical therapy, before the injury becomes severe.

What are some of the warning signs of musculoskeletal injuries that the video advises to pay attention to?

The video advises to pay attention to warning signs such as muscle fatigue, discomfort, tingling in the hands and fingers, swelling or inflammation of the joints, muscle stiffness or weakness, and loss of range of motion or discomfort when making certain movements.