It is highly likely that most businesses have had employees off sick due to problems from upper limb disorders (ULD), commonly know as repetitive strain injuries.
This condition manifests itself as pain or tenderness, stiffness, tingling, cramp or swelling felt in the upper body area - neck, shoulders, arms and wrists.
Various factors have the potential to cause it such as:
Repetitive work
Uncomfortable working postures
Sustained or excessive force
Carrying out tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks
Poor working environment and organisation
Any type of work that involves a worker using their arms to carry out tasks can lead to ULD's e.g. computer use and assembly work.
Preventative measures may be simple and cost effective
You can look for any signs of problems or symptoms in your workplace; observe work tasks to see if there are factors that could lead to ULD's.
If you do have a problem here are some helpful suggestions:
Encourage employees to report any signs and symptoms at an early stage so that medical help can be sought
If a task is causing or contributing to a ULD, stop employees doing that task
Tackle serious risks or those that affect a large number of employees first
Trial any new work practices before rolling them out across the workplace
We have years of experience in working with employers to both prevent problems occurring or mitigate their impact if they do arise:
We can develop workplace risk assessments
We can provide workplace based staff training
We can assist with drafting an appropriate response to enforcing officer requests
For further information on any of our services please contact us on 01394 389683.
Safetyboss Ltd
3-4 Deben Mill Business Centre
Old Maltings Approach
Melton
Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP12 1BL
01394 389 683
020 7692 8441
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