What you can do to help lessen soft tissue injuries

Whether your job involves small, repetitive hand-and-arm movements on the assembly line or heavy lifting and larger movements of the shoulders and back, workplace stretching may help reduce injuries and successfully prepare your muscles for the work ahead. 

Did you know?

• 32% percent of all injury and illness cases in 2014 that were musculoskeletal disorders1
• 9 is the median number of days away from work needed to recuperate2

Risk factors for back injuries and pain4

• Twisting, reaching, sideways bending, unequal lifting 
• Working in a single position 
• Pushing, pulling, tugging 
• Lifting 
• Whole-body vibration 

Preventing sprains, strains and other pains5

• Participate in a conditioning program to build muscle strength
• Do stretching exercises daily
• Nourish the muscles by eating a well-balanced diet
• Wear properly fitting shoes
• Plan ahead to limit manual handling and ensure pathways are clear

Sources:
1 “Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2014,”Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 19, 2015.
2   Ibid.
3   Ibid.
4 “Preventing Muskuloskeletal Disorders in Construction Workers,” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, August 1999,  https://elcosh.org/document/1648/d000560/preventing-muskuloskeletal-disorders-in-construction-workers.html
5 "Sprains and Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries,” American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), July 2015,      http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111