Tag: sprains

STRAINS & SPRAINS

Posted on by Jim Wood

Construction is a physically demanding job, and the physical demands can place stress on the body. The physical stresses can result in sprains and strains to the muscles and ligaments. Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction.

STRAIN vs. SPRAIN

A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Back injuries are the most frequent strains. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. Sprain injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of the ligament.

MINIMIZING THE CHANCES OF STRAINS AND SPRAINS

  • When you are lifting, maintain a good position. A good position means keeping the item being moved or lifted close to the center of your body (waist and midsection). The farther the item being lift is from the center of the body (above the head and neck or below the knees), the greater the risk of a strain.
  • Don’t be foolish. Know your limit. Get help from another person or a piece of equipment.
  • Avoid twisting. Always turn your whole body when you’re changing direction while carrying a heavy object.

RECOVERY

You have to allow your body to recover from the stress you place on it.

  • Rest – a person needs seven to eight hours of sleep a day for sufficient recovery.
  • Nutrition – your body needs a proper supply of protein to allow for recovery. Poor nutrition can slow down your recovery, and some foods can create additional inflammation.
  • Notice warning signs – pain is your body’s indicator, if you ignore pain, it’s more likely an injury will become worse.
  • Do not self-diagnose – some self-treatment methods like Rest-Ice-Compress-Elevate (RICE) are outdated. See the correct person within your company to direct you to proper medical care.

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Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.

ROADWAY & ASPHALT PAVING SAFETY

Posted on by Jim Wood

Potential hazards during roadway construction and asphalt paving include:

  • Getting struck by heavy equipment and vehicles.
  • Radiant heat from hot mix asphalt.
  • Strains and sprains.

STRUCK BY

Struck-by accidents account for 11% of construction fatalities.1 Vehicle and equipment traffic including dump trucks, paving equipment, rollers and other heavy equipment, creates a struck-by hazard for contractors working within the project.

The size and height of equipment create blind spots for the operator that can extend greater than 10 feet outside the perimeter of the vehicle or equipment.2

  • Before an employee goes to a location in the hazard area that is out of view of the operator, the employee must ensure that the operator is aware of/informed they are going to that area.3
  • Never walk in front, along the side or behind moving vehicles or equipment.
  • Maintain a three-foot perimeter around all operating vehicles and equipment.
  • No work activity should take place within the swing radius of excavation equipment.

HOT MIX ASPHALT TEMPERATURES

The temperature of regular hot mix asphalt will average between 275 – 300F. The radiant heat of the hot mix asphalt combined with excessive summer temperatures can increase the possibility of heat-related illness like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hydrate early, and hydrate often. For every pound of lost body weight, you should consume16 ounces of water or electrolyte beverage. Tell your supervisor or foreman immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, fatigued or nauseated; experience muscle cramps; or if you develop a headache.

STRAINS AND SPRAINS

Stepping on and off vehicles and equipment creates the possibility for an injury.

  • Maintain three points of contact when getting on or off equipment.
  • Be aware of the surface you are stepping on to.

Lifting materials and equipment

  • Put yourself in a good position.
  • Keep the object close to your waist (center of mass). The farther your shoulders are past your waist, the greater the chance of injury.
  • Don’t act foolishly. Know your limits. Ask for help when you need it.

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018
2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/highwayworkzones/bad/imagelookup.html
3. 1926.1424(a)(3)(i)

Download a printable PDF and recording form here.

Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.

Sprains and Strains Prevention

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 02/21/2018

Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones and other bones. Sprains involve a stretching or a tearing of the tissue. Ankle, knee, and wrist injuries account for most sprains. A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Back injuries are the most prevalent regarding strains. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. Maintaining good physical fitness is essential in avoiding sprains and strains.

To minimize the chances of sprains, observe the following practices:

  • Practice safety measures to help prevent falls such as good housekeeping by keeping work areas clear of clutter.
  • Avoid strenuous activity on the job when tired or in pain.
  • Use extra caution when working on slippery surfaces such as ice or wet floors.
  • Always wear appropriate and proper fitting footwear for your job.
  • Use extra caution when walking across uneven surfaces. These are areas where you could easily turn or twist an ankle or knee.
  • When stepping off ladders, always look where you are placing your feet, before you put your full weight on them.

Follow these helpful tips and you will greatly reduce the chance that you will experience a painful sprain or strain:

  • Whenever possible, arrange your work areas to minimize the amount of heavy lifting required.
  • Before any heavy lifting activity, always warm up, using moderate stretching exercises. Do not stretch aggressively as you may over-stretch and injure yourself.
  • Always plan before lifting. Consider the weight of the object, how far you must carry it, and your route of travel. If the object is too heavy, seek additional help or use a mechanical lifting device such as a forklift, hand truck, or winch.
  • Lift objects in the “power zone”. This is the area between mid-thigh and mid-chest height.
  • Always carry objects close to your body.
  • Always lift slowly and smoothly.
  • Avoid twisting. Always turn the whole body as one unit when changing direction while carrying a heavy object.
  • Move heavy objects by pushing or pulling, whenever possible. Pushing is always preferable.
  • Always stand close to the object that you are lifting and be certain that fingers and toes are clear when setting it down.
  • Always lift with your legs and not your back.

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Preventing Soft Tissue Injury

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 08/16/2017

Soft tissue injury is one of the most common injuries in construction. Soft tissue refers to tissues that connect, support or surround other structures and organs of the body. Here are some of the most common soft tissue injuries reported in construction:

  • Muscle sprains and strains;
  • Injuries to muscles, ligaments, intervertebral dics and other structures in the back;
  • Injuries to nerves, ligaments and tendons in the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs;
  • Abdominal hernias; and
  • Chronic pain.

These injuries can occur suddenly or over a prolonged period of time. Risk factors for soft tissue injuries include awkward postures, repetitive motion, excessive force, static posture, vibration and poorly designed tools. The good news is that soft tissue injuries, and the conditions caused by them, are preventable.

The following precautions can help prevent soft tissue injuries:

  • Stretch before you use your muscles.
  • Avoid bending or twisting the back or neck.
  • Avoid overexertion.
  • Use ladders to reach overhead objects and mechanical equipment to carry and move heavy materials.
  • Use proper lifting techniques. Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Make the most of your break times and stretch muscles that have become tense from continuous sitting and/or exposure to vibration.
  • Use tools properly. When possible, keep tools between your waist and shoulder height, which is considered the “lifting zone.” This gives you the most leverage, and allows the strongest muscles to do the work.
  • Keep your work area clean and free of hazards. Pick up loose objects from the floor, and clean up spills immediately to eliminate tripping and slipping hazards.

Take action today. Decide what you can do right now to help prevent a soft tissue injury, and then do it. You’ll end up with a safer workplace and fewer workplace injuries.
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