June 1st marked the beginning of our favorite month…National Safety Month! At The Performance Group, we put a big emphasis on safety in the workplace through the use of a safety committee, monthly meetings, certifications, worksite screenings, and much more. This time around, we’re celebrating safety month with some blogs each week on the topic designated by the National Safety Council. This week marks the first with an interesting topic of musculoskeletal disorders. They are the leading cause of workplace injury and drive up the costs of workers compensation. Keep reading to find out which musculoskeletal disorders are most prevalent in the workplace!

Arthritis

Generally speaking, arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints. There’s more than 3 million US cases per year. You can imagine that those cases reach the workforce too, even more physically demanding jobs. There are many places to seek help if you struggle with this disorder at work. Talk to your employer and do some research on government programs and other organizations.

Back Injuries

Dealing with and preventing back injuries can be a daunting task when working in certain industries that may require more bending or lifting. In fact, back injuries account for about 1 in 5 workplace injuries and illnesses. The best way to avoid back injury is to know your limits and ask for help when you need it. Other than that, simply stretching and paying attention to your posture will help as well.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Another common musculoskeletal disorder in the workplace is carpal tunnel syndrome. This disorder involves numbness and tingling in the forearm when pressure to a certain nerve in the wrist. This disorder generally comes from clerical and office work as opposed to heavy lifting or excessive bending. A good rule of thumb is to take breaks from typing every 30 minutes and stretch your wrist if it’s feeling tight.

Tendonitis

Last but certainly not least, is tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. You are at higher risk of developing this disorder if you engage in repetitive motions or place your joints under excessive stress. Some ways to prevent tendonitis at work include taking breaks from repetitive tasks, easing into new physically demanding tasks, and cushioning the affected joint when possible.

To learn more about how you can improve workplace safety, check out this blog or take a look at the resources provided by the National Safety Council.