Best Ideas to Avoid Posture-Related Injuries in Manufacturing
Manufacturing usually involves highly repetitive job functions. According to EHS Today, many injuries among manufacturing workers are attributed to ergonomics, heavy lifting, and repetitive tasks. Postures plays a major role in the health and longevity of workers.
Poor posture can lead to painful musculoskeletal conditions and accident-related injuries. Over time, it can damage the joints, muscles, and ligaments. On the positive end, good posture can boost productivity.
Proper posture isn’t something that comes naturally to most people. It takes daily practice and mindfulness. When in a crunch of job-related stress, it’s very easy to forget to hold yourself upright.
In order to prevent an injury from occurring, it’s important to follow these suggestions provided by EHS Today.
When sitting:
In manufacturing, it’s common for some workers to primarily be seated at a station. While you’re unlikely to sustain an injury from sitting, developing musculoskeletal disorder is probable when taking posture and ergonomics into account.
When sitting, you can maintain proper posture by:
- Positioning your buttocks all the way to the back of the chair.
- Keeping your back straight and shoulders back.
- Keeping your weight evenly distributed in the chair.
- Keeping your knees as close to a right angle as possible.
- Keeping your feet flat on the floor.
When lifting:
Proper posture is crucial when it comes to lifting, especially when lifting is repetitive. If an object is too heavy for you to lift, it’s not worth putting the strain on yourself and risking an injury. Always seek help from other workers.
When lifting, it’s important to:
- Ensure that you have a firm grasp on an item before lifting it.
- Ensure you have good footing and a wide stance when lifting heavy objects.
- Bend with your knees and hips but lift with your legs. Avoid bending with your hips to reach down and pick up an object
- Avoid reaching to lift items from tables, counters, or shelves. Always pull the item to the edge and lift it close to your body.
When driving:
Some manufacturing employees drive trucks or forklifts to transport objects. As with sitting at a work station, it’s important to follow these suggestions to maintain proper posture:
- Avoid extending your arms to reach the steering wheel. Adjust your seat if you need to.
- Ensure that your knees are bent, and your feet can comfortably reach the pedal.
- Make sure your seat height is adjusted so your knees are at the same level as your hips.
- Keep your back straight and rested against the back of your seat.
- If need be, use a lumbar roll to support your back’s natural curve.
Injured on the job? Talk to an attorney today.
Maintaining good posture on the job can significantly reduce the likelihood of being injured. Whether your injury was posture-related or caused by another factor, you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
Before filing your claim, it’s critical that you consult with an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl today.