Ergonomics—Repetitive Motion[Name], [Title]

[Company] [Address]T: [Main Telephone] DD: [Direct Phone] E: [Email]

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Ergonomics—Repetitive MotionAmong the many ergonomic disorders that can result from ergonomically incorrect actions or work/task design, repetitive motions are one of the most frequent types of injuries. Other than back injuries, repetitive motion injuries probably account for the largest percentage of ergonomic disorders in the work environment.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Repetitive motion injuries, also known as cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. They may be caused or aggravated by repetitive motions, forceful exertions, vibration, mechanical compression (pushing against hard sharp edges), sustained or awkward postures or by exposure to noise over extended periods of time.

CTDs can affect nearly all tissues nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths and muscles, with the upper extremities being the most frequently affected. These painful and sometimes crippling injuries develop gradually over periods of weeks, months or years. The injuries result from repeated actions, such as twisting and bending of hands, arms and wrists.

A common risk factor among these disorders is the use of force, combined with repetitive motion over time. These conditions are common to individuals who perform tasks such as assembly line work, sewing, meatpacking and lifting.

Today, CTDs are recognized as a major occupational health hazard in the workplace and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, account for the largest share of occupational illnesses known as “repeated trauma” disorders.

Symptoms of CTDs

CTDs may include such conditions as:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Bursitis Tendinitis Epicondylitis Ganglion Cyst Tenosynovitis Trigger Finger

Symptoms of these disorders may include pain, tingling or numbness, visible swelling or redness of the affected area and loss of flexibility and strength.

Tendon disorders are very common and often occur at or near the joint where the tendons rub against ligaments and bones. The most frequently noted symptoms of tendon disorder are a dull aching sensation over the tendon, discomfort with specific movements and tenderness to the touch.

CTDs can affect may different areas of the body, including, joints, muscles and

ligaments.

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Treatments for CTDs

Treatment for CTDs usually includes reducing or stopping the motions that cause symptoms. Medication such as pain relievers, cortisone and anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce swelling and pain. Physical therapy may relieve the soreness and pain in the muscles and joints. Other treatment options may include taking breaks to give the affected area time to rest, stretching and relaxation exercises, and applying ice to the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling.

Employee Training

There are no specific OSHA required training requirements. However, because repetitive motion injuries are a commonly recognized hazard, OSHA may cite their occurrence under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act.

Training Tips

Review the employee handout. Demonstrate proper work technique and procedures. Explain any company programs which use exercise, stretching or a special break or work rotation cycle to combat CTDs.

Explain how employees should report any suspected cases of CTD.

For More Information

NIOSH—Elements of Ergonomics Programs

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Ergonomics—Repetitive Motion HandoutRepetitive motion injuries are one of the most common ergonomic injuries seen in workplaces.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Repetitive motion injuries are also known as cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). CTDs are disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. CTDs may be caused by or aggravated by repetitive motions, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compressions (pushing against hard, sharp objects), sustained or awkward postures or by exposure to noise over extended periods of time.

CTDs can affect nearly all tissues including nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths and muscles. Upper extremities are the most frequently affected. These painful and sometimes crippling injuries develop gradually over periods of weeks, months or years.

Symptoms of these disorders may include pain, tingling or numbness, visible swelling, or redness of the affected area and loss of flexibility and strength. CTDs may include such conditions as:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Bursitis Tendinitis

Epicondylitis Ganglion Cyst Tenosynovitis

Prevention & Treatments for CTDsEstablish engineering controls that eliminate the repetitive motion. Use tools like an ergonomic keyboard or ergonomic handled screwdriver.

Establish administrative controls that control the exposure to repetitive motion, such as, job rotation with a four hour task time maximum.

Treatment for CTDs usually includes reducing or stopping the motions that cause symptoms. Medication such as pain relievers, cortisone and anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce swelling and pain.

Physical therapy may relieve the soreness and pain in the muscles and joints. Taking several mini-breaks will give the affected area time to rest and recover. Stretching and relaxation exercises, and applying ice to the affected area, may help reduce pain and swelling.

Protect Yourself

Completing the same task repetitively can cause cumulative

trauma disorders.

Although Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most often cited CTDs, other

joints, ligaments and muscles can be affected as well.

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Know what the signs and symptoms of CTDs are. Understand the process for reporting CTDs in the workplace. Ask for an ergonomic assessment of your work area if you are experiencing problems.

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Ergonomics—Repetitive Motion Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of __________Company Name______________________________, have taken part in a training session on Ergonomics–Repetitive Motion. The session covered:

What repetitive motion injuries are. The signs and symptoms of repetitive motion injuries How to report suspected cases of repetitive motion injuries. Who to go to with questions regarding ergonomics.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

________________________________________________________Supervisor’s Signature