Exercising ergonomics

Story by Laura Johnston

Photos by Fred Lynch ~ Southeast Missourian

Simple everyday chores around the house and tasks on the job provide plenty of opportunities for Americans to injure themselves, often when they don't intend to, but using ergonomics could help prevent many injuries, particularly those of the lower back, knees and wrists.

A study of work-related injuries in 1994 compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 32 percent of injuries were repetitive motion or overexertion injuries. While statistics show that the number of injuries is declining, the figures are still substantial. In 1999, the number of injuries related to ergonomic problems was actually higher at 34 percent.

That's why OSHA has created a new plan designed to reduce ergonomic injuries through tougher enforcement measures, research and outreach. The plan was announced earlier this month.

While research shows that injuries are on the decline, "this plan is designed to accelerate that decline as quickly as possible. Thousands of employers are already working to reduce ergonomic risks without government mandates. We want to work with them to continuously improve workplace safety and health," said John Henshaw, administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Area physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists see dozens of injuries related to repetitive tasks, and those could be lessened if people would pay attention to warning signs instead of ignoring them, they say.

Some of the problems and discomfort people face at work come from habit not necessarily from problems with their work sites, said Jeff Thieret, a physical therapist at St. Francis Medical Center.

"There are a multitude of variables that can cause problems," he said.

Whether it's sitting too far away or too near from the computer screen, sitting with shoulders slumped or back hunched over a workstation can be some problematic factors. "Most of the problems start as neck and posture-related," Thieret said.

"The body wasn't made to be sedentary so staying in those positions puts a strain on the body," he said.

Most common problems from poor posture are back and knee injuries, though hand and wrist injuries related to carpal tunnel syndrome are the most well known. No matter what the injury, correcting the pain using ergonomics can help employees without causing disruption in their work environment.

Making ergonomic changes doesn't always mean making an economic investment, said Sharon Naughton, a WORKPlus clinical coordinator for Outpatient Rehabilitation at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

"If people would look at the red flags instead of running from them," they could easily solve their problems, Naughton said. Instead people tend to overlook any symptoms or say that the problem with their worksite is out of their control.

Some ergonomic changes can be so simple that they are overlooked. Adding a stool or chair for a worker who stands all day can help alleviate stress on the back. Using a footrest can help your feet reach the floor. Sitting in an adjustable height chair can add proper support for the lower back and help knees stay level while seated. Even using a split keyboard or wrist rest can eliminate some problems for people who type a great deal.

Naughton once worked with a woman whose executive desk and plush office chair were too large for her body. The woman couldn't even reach across her desk without a strain. Sizing down helped her create a better work environment.

Stacia Ledbetter rearranged her desk to put some three-ring binders up a little higher so she didn't have reach for them as much, added a longer keyboard tray to her computer and a wrist wrest and footstool. She also added a neck rest for her phone so she wasn't always twisting her head and propping the earpiece against her shoulder.

"You wouldn't think that such small things would make that much difference," she said. "But it does."

ljohnston@ semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126