Suffering a rotator cuff injury at work can severely limit an employee’s upper body strength and function. Proper workplace injury management and prevention are crucial for identifying occupational risks and protecting workers. If you’re worried about your workforce getting hurt on the job, implement these strategies to prevent shoulder pain and torn rotator cuffs.
1. Minimize Repetitive Motions
It’s a common misconception that only those performing manual labor can sustain a rotator cuff injury at work. Any repetitive motion can strain one’s shoulder muscles. Even spending eight hours a day typing on a computer could take its toll on the musculoskeletal system.
Workers should focus on stretching their muscles throughout the day to break up repetitive motions. Taking a few minutes to stretch the hands, arms, and shoulders can go a long way in strengthening joints and preventing pain.
2. Split Tasks Among Workers
Every employee has certain job duties to fulfill, but employers who are worried about injuries on the job should consider rotating these duties among the workforce. For example, if one part of a factory assembly line is particularly tough on the shoulder muscles, it’s wise to train employees in other parts of the line. This way, they can rotate stations throughout the day and put less strain on their shoulders.
Splitting up physical labor can make a huge impact on each worker’s shoulder muscles. They may be more likely to suffer a rotator cuff injury at work if the business doesn’t keep the workload even.
3. Improve Workplace Ergonomics
Proper ergonomics is the key to injury prevention. When employees don’t adjust their work environment, they could be prone to joint pain in their upper back and shoulders.
Employers can conduct ergonomic assessments to pinpoint any risks. For example, an employee may be at a greater risk of muscle strains and injury if their desk chair is too low. Consistently reaching up for their computer keyboard and mouse would put unnecessary strain on their upper arm and shoulder muscles.
Other potential ergonomic improvements include:
- Making computer screens eye level
- Incorporating ergonomic chairs into each workstation
- Putting the necessary tools and equipment within easy reach
4. Promote Shoulder Strengthening Exercises
Jobs that involve heavy use of the arms and shoulders are not for everyone. However, workers who hold these positions should take steps to protect their most vulnerable joints.
Employers looking to reduce the risk of rotator cuff injuries should encourage their staff to complete a few simple stretches each day. Introduce these exercises while training new employees and emphasize the importance of protecting the rotator cuff. Putting posters and other visual displays of these movements around the workplace could also encourage workers to follow them.
5. Correct Poor Posture
Ergonomic improvements and periodic stretching can only do so much to prevent a rotator cuff injury at work. Unfortunately, employees of all ages and across all industries may suffer from back and shoulder pain if they have poor posture.
Maintaining good posture will support the musculoskeletal system and prevent common injuries. For office workers who primarily sit at a desk, keeping the head and shoulders up will reduce neck and back pain. Those who perform heavy lifting should lift with their legs rather than their arms and back.
6. Understand Your Limits To Minimize Strain
Have you ever tried to reach something on a high shelf and felt your shoulder ache soon after? Many people strain their shoulders because they push their limits while trying to retrieve objects. Workers throughout all industries could find themselves in this position.
It’s crucial for employees to understand their physical limits and listen to their bodies. For instance, if you feel a pop in your shoulder or significant pain, it’s time to rest the arm and not strain it anymore. Seek medical treatment to rule out a rotator cuff injury or other musculoskeletal issue.
If items are out of reach within your work environment, it’s best to use a step ladder to access them.
Prevent and Address Occupational Injuries With WorkSafe
Without the proper precautions, anyone could suffer a rotator cuff injury at work. Business leaders committed to employee safety should follow the tips in this guide.
Go a step further by teaming up with WorkSafe for various occupational health services. Whether an injured employee needs physical therapy, has to undergo job conditioning, or should reevaluate their ergonomics, we have the solution. Our goal is to keep Wichita businesses as safe and efficient as possible with injury prevention tactics.Contact us online or call (316) 262-8800 to learn more about our services.