ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
OVERUSE INJURY
Factors which may precipitate an overuse injury include high frequency of repetition movements, unnecessarily forceful movements, unaccustomed work, prolonged repetitive tasks without rest, constant bracing of support muscles, poor workstation design, excessive job content and poor work practices. Overuse injuries are cumulative injuries and become apparent as pain and weakness of a particular area followed by impaired function.
Overuse injuries are of two main types:
Repetitive
Postural injuries
Affecting muscles which help to position hands and head consisting
of the neck and shoulder muscles and muscles of the back which
maintain a sitting position. Injuries which may occur are:
All overuse injuries are preventable. At the first sign of any of the symptoms mentioned they should be mentioned to your supervisor who should investigate the cause of the problem. Prevention is always better than cure and this applies equally to overuse injuries. Individual work rates must be assessed which are not excessive, rotation of staff to nonrepetitive tasks, adequate rest periods and the monitoring of workloads are methods of avoiding overuse injuries. Ergonomic consideration must be given to work place design in relation to chairs, desk or bench height, surfaces, lighting, noise and air conditioning. This list is by no means comprehensive. There are exercises which staff can perform which relieve tension and strain placed on a muscle group. These are detailed under Fatigue and Overwork.
Reference
Ring, L. (1988)
An Introduction to Ergonomics.
PO Box 620437, Sylvia Park, Auckland, New Zealand.
South Australian Government (1984)
Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries in Keyboard Operations. An
Occupational Health Guide.
South Australian Government Printer, Adelaide, Australia.
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