Introduction • Discuss Musculoskeletal (Msk) injury and the manual task risk that may be relevant to the construction industry • Look at prevention strategies to manage manual task risk and Msk injury for workers and the employer • Demonstrate stretches that can be incorporated into the Tradies work day to reduce Msk discomfort and improve flexibility
What are the risks in Construction? • 42% of claims in 2015-2016 were for musculoskeletal injuries (down from 46% the previous year) • 33% of those were back related. • 2 nd most common cause for injuries was body stressing • Accumulative injuries are the result of what is done every day for months or years. • We all AGE, but the state we’re in when we get there depends on how we look after ourselves now
Factors that make injury more likely YOU WHERE MANUAL WHAT YOU TASK RISK YOU DO FACTORS WORK HOW YOU WORK
Manual Task Risk Factors THE NATURE OF THE JOB FORCE WORKING REPETITION AND VIBRATION EXERTION POSTURES DURATION Push Bending Bending Pull Twisting Lifting Grip width Lifting Gripping Load Reaching Reaching
Prevention Tools – The Worker • Manage your weight and stop smoking • Sleep well and eat well—give yourself energy to help you remain healthy, alert and safe • Drink more water • Keep fit, strong and flexible • Managing health conditions that you bring to work • Vary tasks to allow tired muscles to recover. The more varied the tasks, the lower the risk of injury. All these factors contribute to a healthy Msk system
Prevention tools – The Employer • Develop a culture of early reporting of ‘niggles’ • Walk the talk – managers and supervisors • Refer to the Hazardous Manual Task Code of Practice 2011 • Review SOPs ensuring how the work is done is aligned with the code of practice • Job task analysis / ergonomic assessments • Use PErforM for a collaborative approach to managing manual task risk in the workplace
Prevention Tools – the employer • Supervisor training on Msk injury and managing RTW • Manage older worker issues • Offer early intervention services to an individual or organize an external provider for worksite visit to review a task, ergonomic advice around equipment and plant • Specific training on manual task risk on the tasks that workers are engaged in. • Utilise Job Access and Job in Jeopardy programs https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/job-jeopardy-assistance https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/
How can Physios help? • Assess and treat Musculoskeletal symptoms / injury • Assess and treat pelvic floor conditions, balance conditions and other neurological conditions • Worksite visits and task analysis • Ergonomic and manual task risk assessments • Health and wellness programs • Functional capacity evaluations • Fitness for duty or periodical assessments • On-site physiotherapy assessment and treatment • Functional Pre-employment assessments • Suitable duties and return to work services
Tips from Kyal and Kara Reverse your position If you are constantly bending over to pick things up, make sure you do some back extension exercises. It doesn't need to be complicated. Maintain your thoracic mobility Tradies are constantly doing a lot of things repetitively with their upper limbs. It is important to mix up movements and change position, have constant breaks and stretch out to prevent tightness in the thoracic spine.
More Tips to Manage Msk Discomfort • Avoid over reaching when lifting or on the tools • Keep neutral positions for power and stability • Use of mechanical assistance • Raise up our work – avoid sustained bending and twisting actions particularly below waist level • Maintain tools and other mechanical devices • Hand tool design • Watch your feet
Factors that Affect Recovery Rate of Soft Tissue Injuries • Not reporting the ‘niggle’ early enough • Not getting treatment early enough • Not getting the right treatment • Inappropriate duties/ No duties • Complete rest from all activity can delay recovery
Strategies to Prevent Msk Injury • Stretch until you feel a strain not a pain • Hold for at least 10 seconds • Relax in between stretches • Stretch up to 3 times per muscle group • Movements should be slow and sustained not jerky or ballistic!
Shoulder and Neck Stretches
Back and Trunk Stretches
Hand and Wrist Stretches
Work Smarter not Harder • Use good body mechanics • Individual fitness is important • Working as a team improves safety • Follow the workplace procedures such as wearing of PPE, following work instructions use mechanical assistance that is offered • Promote early reporting of injury or symptoms that are not going away. If pain persists, see your physio!
Rehabilitation Services Qld Locations: Carina, Beenleigh, Crestmead, Logan Central, Bray Park Rockhampton and Townsville Phone: 1300 133 758
Preventing and Understanding injuries in the workplace • Resources • Case Studies • How WorkCover can assist with tailor made solutions
How WorkCover can help you? Text Identify Injury Trends Assist in developing tailor made solutions for your business Return to work and stay at work practices IPaM- Injury Prevention and Management WorkCover Connect Industry Resources Campaigns
Case Studies Back Injury Knee Injury Text PsychologicaI Injury Text
• Worker is a 44 year old Male • Trades Assistant • Works Full Time for the company since 2011 • Meniscus Tear • Symptoms • Treatment • Potential Barriers • RTW process
Case Studies Back Injury Knee Injury Text Psychological Injury
• Worker is a 39 year old male • Air Conditioning Technician • Employed 3 Months with company • Lower Back Injury • Symptoms • Treatment • Potential Barriers • RTW process
Case Studies Back Injury Text Knee Injury Psychological Injury
Secondary Psychological Injuries Flags for Secondary Psych • Not engaging in suitable duties and treatment • Focus on pain rather than recovery • Poor support network • Withdrawn from social activities outside of work • Injury is taking longer to heal than anticipated • Noticeable low moods at work • Uncommon errors being made at work
Preventing Secondary Psychological • Early Return to Work • Keeping in contact with the worker • Ensure workers are aware of the WorkCover process and support available • Ensure the staff are aware of the injury and the planned return to work • During the claim and return to work phase, check in on the worker
Questions?
worksafe.qld.gov.au 1300 362 128
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