What exactly is occupational biomechanics? Who uses it and how can it reduce injuries in the workplace? This and the subsequent article will attempt to answer these questions.

A Working Definition

Biomechanics has been around for many years. The term has been used to describe many different disciplines. For purposes of this article, I will use the following working definition:

The scientific methodology concerned with injury thresholds and mechanisms of injury of the musculoskeletal system and related components and their relationship with mechanical forces when physical work tasks are performed.

Biomechanics can determine a range or tolerance threshold of occupational injuries. It is not itself considered a medical function, but an occupational biomechanical practitioner must be trained in anatomy and injury mechanics. Further medical training is required to diagnose and provide treatment.

The Interplay with Ergonomics

Ergonomics studies the efficiency between the human body and the working environment and tasks.

Occupational injury biomechanics addresses injury threshold and injury mechanisms of the ergonomic aspects of the work tasks.

As for the interplay between the two, ergonomics issues, such as sitting, standing, reaching etc. are necessary in any occupational biomechanics study. Injury biomechanics takes this to the next level and determines injury mechanisms and human tolerance during working tasks.

Practitioners of Occupational Biomechanics

Occupational biomechanics is used by many researchers and companies and is taught in many universities, either in conjunction with the public health degrees or OSHA-related degrees. Students of occupational biomechanics include:

• Industrial and production engineers
• Industrial hygienists
• Occupational physicians or nurses
• Orthopedic or rehabilitation physicians, including physical therapists
• Ergonomics and biomechanics personnel
• Safety managers and labor relations personnel.

How Companies Use Occupational Biomechanics

Today's companies apply occupational biomechanics to improve working conditions.

For example, a company seeking to expand or redesign its workplace would benefit from an occupational biomechanics study relating to machines, tools, workstation benches, etc. A company may also feel that its injury rate is intolerable and require an occupational biomechanics study, complete with suggested improvements.

In assessing the workplace, occupational biomechanics uses the laws of physics and engineering concepts to describe the force on the motion of various body segments and their related forces during occupational functions and tasks. For example, lifting is a mechanism of injury if it is not performed properly or the tolerance levels are beyond the threshold for human injury. This is very important in material handling tasks.

Analyzing Forces

A simple slip and fall can cause serious injury or death, since the impact with the floor or an object is over a short period of time (milliseconds) and usually involves a localized segment of the body.

With this description, it's easy to understand that force greatly increases with the decrease in time over which the force is applied.

If the force is sudden, injuries such as contusions, fractures, concussions, etc., can occur. If the activities involve over-exertion with or without repetitive motion, these injuries can result:

• Tendonitis
• Cumulative trauma and nerve disorder
• Lower back disorders.

Understanding the threshold of forces and mechanics and dynamics to help prevent these injuries is the cornerstone of occupational biomechanics.

Conclusion

Next week, we'll discuss the various methodologies used to monitor and determine corrective actions to reduce injuries in the workplace.

Dream Tower Heater Recall

Maxi-Heat Dream Tower Heater™ Recalled.

With six more weeks of winter predicted by Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day last week, it's likely that many of your workers will still rely on heaters to help them through the cold season. So make sure they know about a "dream" heater that could actually be a safety nightmare.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall of the Maxi-Heat Dream Tower Heater™ sold in Wal-Mart between August and December of last year.

There have been reports of the wires inside the heater short-circuiting and sparking, posing a fire hazard. The product distributor has received 31 reports of the product smoking or sparking and one report of a house fire; fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.

The recalled product is a grey, ceramic portable electric oscillating tower heater, with the word "Maxi-Heat" printed on the control panel and the number CH920 printed on the bottom of the rear of the unit.

These heaters should be turned off and unplugged immediately and returned to a Wal-Mart store for a full refund.

For more information, contact the distributor King of Fans toll-free at (866) 443.1291.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Finding the Right Home Security System

A home security system is a good idea. But how do you find out which one is the best for your home? To get an impartial, but informed opinion, talk to your local police. Not only will they be able to tell you of any particular problems in your neighborhood, but they could also share their knowledge of reputable alarm manufacturers and installers.

Richard Hawk
Safety Consultant and Author

Got a safety tip you'd like to share? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com. Let us know if we can include your name and name of your company.

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