|
American Chiropractic Association Offers Tips to Prevent Injuries in the Workplace
Workplace injuries affect millions of Americans each year-whether they're the result of lifting and delivering heavy boxes or sitting in front of a computer all day. This October, during National Chiropractic Month, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is offering simple advice to prevent the most common on-the-job musculoskeletal injuries that cause pain and loss of productivity.
"By making relatively small changes in your workplace environment-using proper lifting techniques or by replacing your office chair with one that provides improved back support-you can help minimize your risk of injury and avoid making an existing condition even worse," said ACA President Dr. Richard Brassard.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports that work-related illnesses and injuries surpassed 4.2 million incidents in 2004, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Musculoskeletal disorders alone-like back pain and neck pain-account for more than 32 percent of all injuries that cause an employee to perform poorly on the job or take days off from work, costing employers more than $60 billion per year in lost productivity.
The ACA recommends the following tips to help reduce the risk of a workplace injury and keep employees on the job:
- While working at a computer, sit with your knees at approximately a 90- to 120-degree angle. Using an angled footrest to support your feet may help you sit more comfortably.
- Make sure your chair fits correctly. Allow for two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees. Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
- When lifting heavy or awkward items, don't lift by bending over. Instead, bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Don't twist your body while lifting.
- If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.
- Exercise regularly. Staying physically fit, strong and flexible helps you avoid back injuries.
The ACA is encouraging employers, government officials and health care executives to consider chiropractic care for the prevention and treatment of workplace injuries. A number of workers compensation studies have shown that the use of chiropractic care for acute and chronic lower-back pain can be more effective and less costly than traditional medical care-getting employees back on the job in less time than other treatment options. Furthermore, chiropractic can be an effective treatment option for carpal tunnel, neck pain, joint pain, headaches and other neuro-musculoskeletal conditions.
|
