Ergonomic Series – Sprains & Strains

Ergonomics

Feb 15

Date Posted: 02/16/2024

According to the Center for Construction Research (CPWR), one in five construction workers experiences musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), including sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries, which gradually worsen and are often chronic. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2005, construction's lost days nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate for sprains and strains (83.1 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) was higher than any other industry sector. Strains and sprains can affect a worker’s back, neck, shoulder, knee, wrist, and ankle. Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. Sprain injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue. Ankle, knee, and wrist injuries account for most sprains. A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon, the tissue connecting muscles to bones. Back injuries are the most prevalent regarding strains. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. These soft tissue injuries occur frequently and are painful, disabling, and often accompanied by lengthy recovery periods.

What are Sprains and Strains?

Although different, both injuries can be caused by the same activities. The body’s back, trunk, or torso are the most affected by strains and sprains. Almost 40% of workplace injuries in 2021 involved these parts of the body. For that same year, 27% related to injuries to legs or other lower extremities such as knees or ankle joints.

Sprain: In a sprain, a joint is forced to go beyond its normal range of motion. The ligament fibers overstretch and tear. This often happens with sudden twisting in active sports. The joint can still function, but ligament tears leak blood into the tissue surrounding the joint, causing swelling and discomfort.

Strain: A strain is the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon – the tissue that connects muscle to bone. The back and hamstring muscles are commonly affected areas of the body, and symptoms include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and inability to move the muscle.

Symptoms for both sprains and strains are similar. They include a burning sensation, swelling, shooting pain, difficulty, incapacity to move, numbness, or fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, act immediately! Ignoring these symptoms can lead to a complication of the condition that could result in long-term effects.

Causes of Strains and Sprains

Awkward postures: Workers who assume awkward positions place excessive force on their joints, tendons, and muscles. Slumping, excessive reaching, or working in cramped conditions can cause sprain and strain injuries if workers do not stretch and take breaks during the day. Over time, maintaining awkward postures can also lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

Lifting heavy loads/lifting incorrectly: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites poor material handling as a common cause of strains and sprains. Workers who attempt to carry loads that are too heavy or who do not lift objects properly are at risk for sprain and strain injuries.
Repetitive motions: Many jobs require workers to perform repetitive tasks. Over time, especially when combined with other factors, such as awkward positions, workers may develop strains, also called repetitive strain injuries. Common repetitive strain injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and rotator cuff syndrome.
Workplace physical hazards: Slip and fall hazards in the workplace contribute to workers’ risk of sustaining sprains and strains. According to OSHA, slips and falls are among the most common causes of injury. Workers who trip over debris in the walkway, slip on icy stairs, or fall due to uneven walking surfaces may suffer various injuries, including sprains and strains.

How Can Sprains and Strains Be Prevented?

To prevent sprains and strains, observe the following practices:

Warm up before physical activity.
Be alert to any possible way to reduce or eliminate lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy objects.
Avoid strenuous activity on the job when fatigued or in pain.
Use extra caution when working on slippery surfaces like ice or wet floors.
Always wear appropriate and properly fitting footwear for your job.
When possible, push rather than pull.
Ask for help when a load is heavy, awkward, or unstable.
Use extra caution when walking across uneven surfaces. It is easier to twist an ankle or knee in these areas.
When stepping off ladders, always look where you are placing your feet before you put your full weight on them.

Avoid twisting while handling a load.
Ask for help when a load is heavy, awkward, or unstable.
Ensure that work surfaces are at the appropriate height to maintain a neutral body posture.
Ensure that footwear fits well and is in good shape.