Safety Meeting Toolbox Topics and Tailgate Talks
Cumulative trauma disorders refer to wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system. Common CTDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and lower back disorders. Pain, swelling, inflammation, burning and stiffness are often associated with CTDs, or they may lead to a CTD.
Ergonomics is applying engineering and scientific principles when designing a work environment that accommodates the employee in relation to the workplace, product, equipment, tools, workspace and organization of the work. Ergonomics' objective is to fit the task to the worker, rather than force the person to adapt to the work environment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics website states in 2008 there were nearly 2,500 lost workday injuries resulting from electrical shock. During the same time period, electricity killed an additional 192 workers. The characteristics and power that make electricity so useful in our everyday lives also make it dangerous.
Reports indicate 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lives, and fortunately, most will recover without requiring treatment within a couple of days. A small percentage will require surgical intervention and may suffer permanent disabilities.
Approximately 145 deaths are attributed to the failure to control energy in the workplace. Sixty three percent of the workers injured by the release of energy were production workers.