Insurance Insights ~ December 2001

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Over the past 20 years ergonomic injuries have gained recognition as a major factor in work place health. About one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses stem from over exertion and/or repetitive motion. Cost to the nation in direct work's comp costs range as high as or exceeding $20 billion. Respected scientists from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and others have conducted several high profile studies over the last few years.

How do I know if I have an ergonomic problem in my workplace?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) occur when there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the human body. More than 100 different injuries can result from repetitive motions that produce wear and tear on the body. Back pain, wrist tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome may all stem from work-related overuse. Specific risk factors associated with MSDs include repetitive motion, heavy lifting, forceful exertion, contact stress, vibration, awkward posture and rapid hand and wrist movement.

There are a few key ways to determine if there are ergonomic problems in your workplace. These include observing the following:

• Operations. Observe operations to see if any of the previously listed risk factors are present, such as heavy lifting or repetitive motions.
• Injury Records. Analyze injury records to see if higher injury rates occur within certain departments or job classifications.
• Common Problems. Be aware of common problems within your industry or job classifications. If other companies in the same industry have ergonomic-related problems, then it is possible these potential problems are also your concern.
• Employee Comments and Suggestions. Interview employees directly to see if possible problems exist in their operation. Any that are identified should be investigated.

In general, solutions involve the following types of controls:

• Appropriate engineering controls, such as workstation, tool, and equipment design or redesign;
• Work practices, such as proper lifting techniques and keeping work areas clean;
• Administrative controls, such as worker rotation, more task variety, and increased rest breaks, and if necessary;
• Personal protective equipment, such as kneepads, vibration gloves, and similar devices.

Employers and employees can work together effectively to reduce workplace MSDs. Management commitment and employee participation are critical to the success of a program. Depending on the workplace, the scope, detail and implementation of an ergonomics program will vary. But the major elements of an effective ergonomics program remain constant. These elements include:

• Management leadership and employee participation.
• Hazard awareness and identification.
• Training.
• Medical management.
• Job hazard analysis.
• Hazard prevention and control.
• Program evaluation.

In developing your program there are several steps you can take in order to assure that you have carefully addressed all of these elements.

• Look at injury and illness records to find jobs where problems have occurred.
• Talk with workers to identify specific tasks that contribute to pain and lost workdays.
• Ask workers what changes they think will make a difference.
• Use employee comments to determine what improvements need to be made and then implement the employee recommendations.
• Encourage workers to report WMSD symptoms and establish a medical management system to detect problems early.
• Find ways to reduce repeated motions, forceful hand exertions, prolonged bending or working above shoulder height.
• Reduce or eliminate vibration and sharp edges or handles that dig into the skin.
• Rely on equipment-not backs-for heavy or repetitive lifting.
• Use educational programs to train employees and management about ergonomic techniques to prevent and correct MSD's.
• Ongoing evaluations provide a way to ensure that improvements are constantly made.

Simple solutions often work best. Workplace changes to reduce pain and cut the risk of disability need not cost a fortune. For example:

• Small changes, such as adjustable tables and chairs, combined with adequate ergonomic training, can make a huge difference.
• Change the height or orientation of the product or give workers tools with curved handles so they won't have to bend their wrists unnaturally.
• Provide lifting equipment so workers won't strain their backs lifting heavy items by themselves.
• Offer workers involved in intensive keyboarding more frequent short breaks to rest muscles.
• Vary tasks of assembly line workers to avoid repeated stress for the same muscles.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor

10 Ways To Turn The Tables On Stress

The holiday season is again upon us. While it’s a time that should be full of joy, it can also be a time that’s full of stress. Long-term, stress can lead to heart disease, stroke, depression—perhaps even cancer. Here are ten ways to make stress work for you rather than against you, not just during the holidays, but also all year long:

• Adjust your attitude. View problems as opportunities. Put all your skills and experience into play to resolve the problem.
• Plan ahead. Spending even a half-hour each week to anticipate what’s coming up over the next few weeks can prevent unnecessary "surprises" that add to your stress load.
• Leave earlier. Give yourself 5-10 minutes extra to arrive on time for work, meetings, church or other regular, important obligations.
• Eat well. This can be even more difficult over the holidays, but a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps strengthen your body’s natural defense mechanisms and makes you more stress-resistant.
• Don’t hide it. If something’s bothering you, talk about it with someone you trust. Keeping stress bottled up only makes it worse.
• Learn to say no. No one can do everything. Set realistic limits on how much you can do in the time you have, and then deliver on what you promise.
• Walk it off. When anger and anxiety threaten to take over, go for a walk. Moderate exercise such as walking not only burns calories and helps your heart and lungs, it can improve your mood.
• Don’t do it alone. Studies show that people with social networks handle crises better. Treat your friends well – call them, see them, listen. They’ll help you handle stress by doing the same for you.
• Try something new. Learning a new skill or revisiting a favorite hobby can be an enjoyable way to recharge your inborn stress-busting skills.
• Get help when needed. If nothing else seems to work, seek professional counseling…try yoga…look into biofeedback. There are many ways to combat stress, and it’s a battle you can win!

Do you know the difference between a flood and a sewer backup?

A flood involves rising waters, such as those caused by rain, melting snow, or overflow of a river or body of water. It can cause enormous damage. However, it is not covered by homeowner’s policies. The primary way to insure your home against flood is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Sewer or drain backup, on the other hand, involves water that causes damage to your house or property as a result of a sewer or drain that backs up. Unlike flood insurance, the coverage for this type of loss may be purchased as an endorsement to your homeowner’s policy.

Flood policies do not cover losses caused by sewer or drain backup. Nor do sewer and drain backup endorsements cover true flood losses.

Check with our office to see if the Sewer and Drain Backup Endorsement can be added to your homeowner’s policy. Your agent can also discuss with you the specifics and benefits of a flood policy through the NFIP.

INSURANCE INSIGHTS is an electronic newsletter published monthly (except for January and August) by G. C. Weimer Associates, Inc. Information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as of 12/1/2001. If you have a topic of interest for a future issue, e-mail us at info@gcwinsure.com.