10 Jun Motion Injury Prevention – General Safety

Motion Injury Prevention – General Safety

Motion injury prevention starts with thinking about how everyday movements, lifting techniques, posture, and repetitive tasks affect the body. Poor body mechanics or repeatedly performing the same movement can lead to strains, sprains, back injuries, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Many of these injuries develop because a task is rushed, performed awkwardly, or completed without proper planning. Taking a few moments to evaluate the task can prevent an injury that may affect both work and personal activities.

Think Before You Lift

Back injuries frequently occur when workers bend at the waist, reach too far, twist while lifting, or attempt to handle a load that is too heavy.

Before lifting:

• Determine the weight and size of the load before attempting to move it.
• Position yourself close to the object.
• Maintain stable footing.
• Bend at the knees rather than bending at the waist.
• Keep your back in a neutral position and lift with your legs.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Avoid twisting, jerking, or excessive reaching.
• Turn with your feet instead of twisting your back.
• Get assistance or use mechanical equipment when a load is too heavy, bulky, or awkward to handle safely.

Never allow a busy schedule or reluctance to ask for help to turn a routine lift into an injury.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Motion injuries can also develop gradually. Repeated lifting, reaching, gripping, twisting, pushing, pulling, or other movements can place continual stress on muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves.

Warning signs may include:

• Pain or aching.
• Tingling or numbness.
• Swelling or stiffness.
• Weakness or loss of grip strength.
• Burning sensations.
• Discomfort that continues after work or interferes with sleep.

Do not ignore these warning signs. Report symptoms early so the task and work practices can be evaluated before the condition becomes more serious.

Preventing Repetitive Motion Injuries

Reduce repetitive motion and ergonomic hazards whenever possible.

• Rotate tasks or change work positions periodically.
• Take appropriate recovery or stretching breaks.
• Maintain neutral and comfortable working postures.
• Keep frequently used tools and materials within easy reach.
• Avoid prolonged bending, reaching, twisting, or awkward positions.
• Use mechanical aids, adjustable workstations, and ergonomic tools when available.
• Adjust the work rather than forcing your body into an awkward position.
• Report ergonomic concerns and symptoms to your supervisor.

Take Two Before the Task

Before beginning a task, use the Take Two principle:

• Talk: Communicate with your supervisor or coworkers when you have questions or need assistance.
• Actions: Consider how your movements and actions could affect your safety.
• Knowledge: Know the proper procedures and techniques for the task.
• Equipment: Use the correct tools, equipment, or mechanical assistance and ensure they are in good condition.

A few moments spent evaluating the task can prevent days, weeks, or even longer periods of pain and disability.

Ask Yourself

Before lifting, carrying, or performing repetitive work, consider:

• Am I using good posture and proper body mechanics?
• Can I perform this task without excessive reaching, bending, or twisting?
• Is the load within my ability to handle safely?
• Should I ask another employee for assistance?
• Is mechanical assistance available?
• Am I repeating the same movement for extended periods?
• Am I experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or unusual fatigue?
• Is there a safer or easier way to perform the task?

Remember

Your body is one of your most important tools. Do not sacrifice proper technique to save a few minutes. Plan the task, use good body mechanics, vary repetitive movements, and ask for assistance when needed.