Rehabilitation Report

WorkSafe Queensland has developed a DVD focussing on preventing injuries resulting from manual tasks in the workplace: No Sprains, big gains! - Reducing the risk of manual task injuries in the workplace.

 

The DVD explains how to help workers, safety officers and employers identify, manage and reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries in the workplace. WorkSafe have also produced a handbook - PErforM - to accompany the DVD. View the DVD and download the handbook and worksheets here.

 

What are solf tissue injuries?

 

Soft tissue injury is the name used for damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body. Soft tissue injuries can result from a sprain, strain, contusion (or bruising) resulting from a blow, or overuse of a particular part of the body. Soft tissue injuries can result in pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function.

 

Strain or sprain injuries accounted for over a third of all Queensland workers' compensation injury claims in 2009-2010 with back injuries being the most common. Claim payments for strains/sprains totalled $196.8 million which exceeded all other injury types.

 

So how do soft tissue injuries occur in the workplace?

 

Over time, damage can build up through things such as:

* handling loads - frequent lifting with the back bent and/or twisted, or pushing or pulling loads

* repetitive work - using the hand or arm, or gripping tools or loads tightly

* static work of the whole body - working in a fixed position with the back bent, continuous sitting or standing, or driving vehicles for long periods

* static work of the upper limb - working with the neck, shoulders and arms in a fixed position (such as using tools and handling heavy loads)

* vibration - using tools or coming into contact with vibrating surfaces while undertaking manual tasks (such as sitting on a large machine).