Cumulative Trauma and Work Injury Prevention
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009Almost all types of cumulative stress involve some combination of poor posture or postural stress, excessive amounts of force and repetitious motion.
Work that requires people to either hold prolonged fixed positions (computer worker) or awkward, stressful positions (auto mechanics) can generate a significant amount of biomechanical stress in the joints and soft tissues of the upper extremities. Postural stress usually results from overloading specific muscle groups, from uneven weight bearing stress of joints or from assuming positions that require prolonged muscular contractions to hold a joint or joints still over a long period of time.
Exerting muscular force without adequate recovery time is another major contributor to the development of cumulative stress injuries. Some types of work require prolonged contraction of certain muscle groups, which reduces blood flow resulting in fatigue. Muscles do not work efficiently under these conditions and without adequate recovery time will result in injury and possibly long term disability.
Highly repetitious movements of specific joints also contribute to cumulative stress syndrome. High frequency movements demand faster and stronger contractions of the muscles. Joints and muscles that are required to work in these conditions require more recovery time. Without adequate recovery time injury of the joints, muscles and tendons can occur.
All of the factors listed above should be taken into consideration when designing or evaluating an existing work area and / or work duties.
One of the best things that you can do to combat cumulative stress is taking frequent breaks, rotating job duties and getting much needed rest. All of these simple safe guards will help in keeping you healthier and more productive through the course of your work life.
Here’s To Your Health
Dr. Jones
(619) 280-0554 San Diego
Economical Adjustable Mouse Platform