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Emerging Issues

Strain injuries are the most frequent and most costly cause of loss for most injury types. Many employers have work physical in nature, complete with tasks involving the lifting and manipulation of heavy objects. Workers frequently push, pull, bend, lift and reach to transport and use heavy tools and equipment. Jobs that tend to be more physical by nature usually have an increase in sprains and strains that lead to Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and are among the most frequent causes of injuries, lost time and reduced productivity. Identifying and reducing the ergonomic risks associated with the jobs will help you make your company a place where employees can return to work safely and productively. According to 2007 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Strains and sprains were the most frequent nature of injuries and illnesses across all industries

• MSDs (injuries or illnesses affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs) accounted for 29 percent of all workplace injuries requiring time away from work

What is true in the realm of recreational exercise and sports is just as true in the world of physical labor. You do not need to be an expert to understand the potential value of stretching prior to, during and after physical exertion. As little as fve to ten minutes of daily stretching can help to increase fexibility, improve range of motion, improve circulation, promote better posture, relieve stress and reduce the possibility of painful sprain and strain injuries in your organization.

Additional Reading

• Flex Time

3. Sprains and Strains

17 This is intended as a general description of certain types of managed care services available to qualifed customers through Zurich Services Corporation,

an individual member company of Zurich in North America. Zurich Services Corporation does not guarantee a particular outcome, reduction in costs or improvement in administration and further assumes no liability in connection with the providing of these services. ©2011 Zurich Services Corporation

Zurich

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