How to Reduce the Risk of Employee Work-Related Overuse Injuries

Many work-related injuries are caused by overuse, repetitive motion, and static or awkward positions. But employers can be proactive, establishing policies that help to reduce the risk of injury among employees.

“Injury is most common when the task requires repetitive use of a specific body part, and you do it every day for years,” says Rhea O’Connor, PT, physical therapy manager at HM Works. “Risk also arises from poor posture or positioning, because you’re straining or stressing the same body part over time.”

Overuse Injuries Impact Many Industries

Employees in a number of industries experience work-related overuse injuries.

Injuries are common in construction, when workers grip tools tightly for prolonged periods; the vibration of power tools adds stress to the body. 

Painters make repetitive motions with brushes and rollers. When they look up and paint ceilings, they may aggravate their rotator cuff, cervical spine or neck.

Meatpacking industry employees saw cuts of meat and use specialized machinery to wrap it, which can cause wrist strain and increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Assembly line workers remain stationary while repeating the same task. Their workstations are at a fixed height, so taller employees may have to bend their necks uncomfortably.

Warehouse workers twist, bend and reach repeatedly for items on high and low shelves. If they don’t lift with proper technique, they may strain their backs.

Hospital patient care technicians who lift and move patients may injure their shoulders, necks and backs.

Landscapers squat for hours, planting or pulling weeds, which can stress tendons and ligaments.

Office workers may be at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day. 

Truck drivers sit in the same static position for extended periods, which can impact the back.

Common Sites of Overuse Injuries

Body parts that are commonly injured in the workplace include the shoulders, wrists, neck, and lower back.

“The upper body is more prone to injury because we use it not only to do repetitive motions but to stabilize ourselves as we’re using tools,” O’Connor says. 

Poor posture or incorrect form can lead to injury.

“With poor posture, you’re straining your neck or back over time,” O’Connor says. “And if you’re not resting your arms on the desk when you’re typing, it affects your neck and shoulders.”

Lifestyle Habits Can Reduce Injury Risk

The same healthy habits that promote heart health and weight management – a nutritious diet, an active lifestyle and ample sleep – can decrease the risk of injury.

“If our muscles are in good physical condition, we have more stamina and endurance,” O’Connor says. “And during a good night’s rest, we recover at the cellular level.”

Stretching, strengthening and aerobic activities like walking or running help improve circulation throughout the body. It can also make people more mindful about how they feel.

“People who are more active are more in tune with their bodies,” O’Connor says. “They know when to stop or when they need a little break because something is hurting.”

How Employers Can Decrease the Risk of Employee Overuse Injuries

These strategies may help to minimize the risk of overuse or repetitive motion injuries among your workforce:

• Promote proper lifting technique. Provide training and post signs instructing workers to bend their knees and lift with their legs, carry heavy items exceeding 50lbs with a colleague, and use forklifts or hand trucks when possible.
• Encourage stretching, changing positions and taking breaks. Workers should stand, stretch, shake out their hands, walk to the restroom, get a drink, or change positions once or twice per hour. “Even if you’re using the correct technique, your body still needs to recover,” O’Connor says.
• Consider job rotation. Certain workstations require more repetitive work than others. If possible, teach employees new skills so they can vary their tasks throughout the day. “It’s encouraging for workers when the employer is concerned about their well-being,” O’Connor says.
• Hold wellness events. Some companies have a physical therapist design a stretching program, then demonstrate proper form. “It can be used to train managers, so they can lead a stretching program at the beginning of each shift,” O’Connor says.
• Empower employees to report early. When workers report an injury sooner rather than later, it makes the condition easier to manage. Promoting a culture of safety helps employees feel positive about reporting, rather than being afraid to say anything. “If they don’t say something, the injury may become more serious or cause long-term effects,” O’Connor says.

To discover why we are the ideal choice for your occupational medicine needs, as well as to explore our complete range of workplace health and safety services, simply locate a Hackensack Meridian Works office near you or reach out to a member of our team by visiting our main website.