Injured at Work: What You Can Do To Avoid Becoming a Statistic

Workplace injuries, whether they occur suddenly or over time as a result of repetitive stress, are a major occupational concern for both staff and management. Workplace injuries can happen anywhere, from white-collar offices to construction sites, to hospitals, factories or farms. Each year, according to the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), more than 4 million of Americans suffer non-fatal injuries at work and more than 5,700 die from workplace injuries.

"The most common workplace injuries involve muscle strains, often when workers perform a new task, or perform an old task in a new way," says William W. Greaves, MD, MSPH, Director and Associate Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin Division of Public Health. "Just as athletes must condition themselves to physical activities, workers must also gradually condition themselves to the tasks of their jobs."

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common throughout various work environments. These disorders include conditions that involve nerves, tendons, muscles, bones and supporting structures such as spinal discs. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), repetitive, forceful or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying of heavy objects; prolonged awkward postures; and vibration may contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

NIOSH conducts research and provides various publications, including Elements of Ergonomics Programs, for employers and the public. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 1994 about one-third of cases involving days away from work were the result of overexertion or repetitive motion.

General Principles
OSHA, the federal agency responsible for setting workplace safety and health regulations, notes four basic elements found in workplaces with good accident prevention programs:

1) The manager or management team leads the way by setting policy, assigning and supporting responsibility, setting good examples, and involving employees.

2) The worksite is continually analyzed to identify all hazards and potential hazards.

3) Methods for preventing or controlling existing or potential hazards are put in place and maintained.

4) Managers, supervisors and employees are trained to understand and deal with worksite hazards.

"The general principles to prevent any injury or illness at one's home also apply to the workplace," says Dr. Greaves. "Try to be more aware of where you are and what is around you. Don't make assumptions. For example, do not assume whatever equipment or materials you are working with are safe in the manner you are using them.

"Be sure you fully understand the job and all of the tasks related to it," Dr. Greaves recommends. "If you don't know how something is supposed to be done, ask for instructions and take the time to learn how to do it the right way."

Know What You're Working With
Before using any vehicle or equipment at work, make sure that it is in proper working order and you know how to operate it before using it. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing near power equipment - it can get caught in moving parts.

"Skin rashes from exposure to various materials and chemicals are also commonly seen," says Dr. Greaves. Know what you're working with and wear the recommended personal protective equipment for the task you are about to perform, such as gloves, goggles or earplugs. Whenever you see a potentially hazardous situation, report or correct it before someone is injured.

Other suggestions:

• Always follow proper procedures and safety policies.
• Ask for help in advance if you have questions.
• Read any available safety information, including Material Safety Data Sheets, when handling hazardous materials.
• If your company employs health care providers (e.g., nurses or safety officers), get to know them and the resources they have available.
• Being aware and using available information will decrease your risks for injury or excessive exposure to hazardous materials.

"To prevent workplace injuries or harmful exposures, familiarize yourself with any potential hazards and think about how you can avoid them before you begin a task," Dr. Greaves says.

"In addition, good personal health can reduce the potential for injury and its impact." Sufficient sleep, regular exercise, maintaining your recommended weight, keeping a healthy diet, and wearing seatbelts will all help to keep you safe and healthy. Good public health principles are good workplace principles as well.

Work offers important benefits - social, financial and emotional - but a serious workplace injury can take it all away. By understanding the hazards related to your profession, asking for assistance when needed and staying alert and fit, you can keep from becoming a statistic on the roster of those who were injured on the job.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.