Employees with carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and lower back problems costs businesses billions of dollars a year in lost productivity and workers’ compensation claims.
The sad fact is that most of these musculoskeletal disorders are preventable with a few simple changes in the workplace.
In August, OSHA wrapped up a series of hearings on its $4.2 billion ergonomics proposal that would regulate safety measures to help prevent common workplace injuries. While the final proposal is still under revision, it will be certainly be a hot issue that the president and Congress will deliberate over in the coming year, says Mark Katz, labor and employment attorney for Ulmer & Burne in Cleveland.
“How do you provide rule-making that says thou shalt correct overrepetitive motion?” says Katz, who prosecuted OSHA violations for the U.S. Department of Labor’s solicitor’s office for 10 years under presidents Ford, Carter and Reagan. “That’s the real problem from a standpoint of a regulatory authority; there is no simple answer to every specific case.”
While it may be several years before OSHA sees any kind of ergonomics standard passed, there are ways to prevent common workplace injuries, says Robert Pater, an author and martial arts expert who incorporates martial arts principles into the program.
“This program focuses on helping employees become very aware of their surroundings and the task at hand so that they are relaxed and comfortable,” says Pater, who founded Strategic Safety Associates, an international management and safety consulting firm. “Safety should not be a process or a program; it should be a culture — a way of life. When you show people how, by using their own minds, to become safer, you’re giving your company a benefit that has no price tag.”
Here are some basic martial arts based techniques from Pater’s program, used by companies including 3M, Boeing, BP Amoco, DuPont, Kodak and Textron.
Set one foot slightly forward, one foot back
This will alleviate strain and fatigue and will take stress off your lower back. Try this at your next presentation or if you have to sit for a long period of time. Be sure to switch feet occasionally.
Unlock your knees when you stand
With your pelvis tilted ever so slightly forward, this takes pressure off your back and keeps you in a balanced posture that creates proper breathing and, therefore, less physical and mental strain. People who lock their knees tend to have very short, shallow breathing that affects oxygen intake and energy levels.
Relieve stress and strain in your neck
If you feel strain while sitting at your desk, sit up straight, tilt your head back and roll your shoulders backwards. Repeat this often.
Your odds of getting a herniated disk are 30 percent higher if you sit a lot on your job. This technique is particularly helpful for relieving pressure and pain caused by long hours of sitting.
Create strength by focusing on your hands
Redirect your focus from your thumb and index finger to your ring and small finger, which is where your natural strength is. Try this focusing exercise with your golf or tennis swing and you will notice more power and strength.
Use the same technique when grabbing something, carrying heavy luggage or reaching for things up high — concentrate on the neglected ring and small finger.
Shake on it
Firm handshakes can turn into power struggles if they throw you off balance. Next time you shake someone’s hand, try these simple techniques that will keep you in balance: When your are face-to-face with someone, getting ready to shake their hand, make sure you are standing with one foot slightly forward; this keeps you balanced and focused and provides more strength.
Concentrate on your ring and small finger when you shake, which adds firmness and give you balance. How to reach: Mark Katz, Ulmer & Burne, (216) 621-8400; Strategic Safety Associates, (503) 977-2094
Morgan Lewis ([email protected]) is a reporter for SBN.
