Solutions for Potential Work-Related Neck Injuries

Many workplace injuries occur over time rather than in one event. While that might make it take longer to recognize the risks, it also gives companies a little time to fix the problems that cause injuries. With a little knowledge of what can help and why, preventative measures are both plausible and economical. One key factor of preventing injury, however, is identifying all the body parts that can be affected by repetitive and stressful movement. This article will look at solutions for potential neck injuries.

Work-related injuries to the neck can be hard to detect. One reason is that the neck is exposed to so much stress from daily activity that people learn to ignore neck pain. By the time the pain is severe enough to take notice, the injury may be significantly more difficult to treat. A bigger reason neck pain is difficult to detect is that pain in the neck can affect the shoulders, arms, and hands. In these cases, the body part where pain is felt may be addressed, leaving the actual source of pain untreated. This can lead to chronic pain. Some typical injuries and problems in the neck include: arthritis, strains, sprains, herniated discs, headaches, impinged nerves, shoulder-neck-strain-syndrome, tension neck syndrome, and tingling and numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. Ideally, employers would solve injury-related problems before they occur. Here are some ergonomic engineering controls that can be managed to save the neck:

Create a proper working height. This includes not only adjusting the height of anything the employee looks at (using neck muscles to look up, down, etc), but also anything the employee has to reach for. The neck and shoulder are closely related. Adjustable chairs and a revamped desk are easy ways to help a person sit at a desk correctly. For more laborious work tasks, carts with adjustable handles (keeping elbows close to the body during transportation) will keep the neck and shoulders neutral. Carts that carry equipment and act as a workstation may also have adjustable components to ensure a proper work space for each user.
Reduce far reaching. Reaching can stress everything from the neck down through the back. Conveyors, racking, and anything with adjustable heights (ie: cart handles) will help minimize reaching. Be very careful that the workstation does not require reaching behind the body. If reaching also involves handling or carrying a heavy object, an automated solution may be best to eliminate both risk factors.
Reduce repetitive movements like neck bending and twisting. Any part of a workstation that can move with the employee to prevent a back-and-forth between tasks will help here. Additionally, ensuring the height of every repetitive task keeps the neck neutral can help. Depending on the job task, automating a repetitive task may be the safest and most productive option available. Bending and twisting the neck can also occur because of poor lighting. Reduce glare where possible.
Minimize static work postures. In addition to repetitive movement, no movement - especially in an awkward posture - can stress the neck as well. Here again, adjusting the height of tools and workstations, and implementing mechanization are very effective.
Minimize forceful exertions and heavy carrying. Whether a person is pushing and pulling, manipulating a tool, or carrying a heavy object, forceful exertions can be very detrimental to the body. Power tools with torque reduction or automatic shut-off, mechanized tasks, tools with clamps, and automated carts can all eliminate unnecessary exertion. Heavy objects should be transported by a cart, conveyor belt, or lift to reduce the chance of sprain or strain.

There are many more specific problems and solutions in the workforce, but some common ones were covered here. Saving the body from injury not only keeps the employee healthy and working, but saves the employer time, cost and production. Ergonomic solutions to reduce work-related injury are very effective, especially for the neck. Consult an expert to find the best solutions for you.

Carol Olin is Vice President of Americarts USA, a manufacturer of motorized carts such as platform carts used for hospitality and commercial industries. Americart USA features high quality carts price to compete with imported products. Carol has been in the material transport equipment industry for over 11 years and has written a number of articles relating to work place injuries.

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