Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workplace and the work to the worker. A good fit results in increased productivity and improved morale. A poor fit can lead to workplace injuries, decreased productivity, and absenteeism.
Repetitive Stress Injury is a group of injuries occurring from repeated small traumas. By itself, each small trauma causes no significant problem. However, when small traumas are repeated hundreds or thousands of times, they result in debilitating pain, loss of sensation, weakness and atrophy. Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, ulnar palsy, thoracic outlet syndrome and muscle strain are all examples of Repetitive Stress Injuries.
These injuries are now epidemic in the American workplace due to poor ergonomic designs and increased repetition required by new computer technology.Repetitive Stress Injuries are insidious. A small ache in the arm initially goes away with a brief massage. Over time, that same pain is not relieved with a massage and lasts until the next morning. The pain continues to intensify, requiring progressively longer periods of recuperation. The pain which started as an ache in your arm now keeps you up at night and analgesics provide no relief. At this stage, small tasks such as opening a jar, buttoning a button and combing your hair now cause pain. For a listing of medical descriptions of Repetitive Stress Injury click here.
Repetitive Stress Injuries are a serious threat to worker safety. However, these injuries are preventable. Chicago Ergonomic Group, Inc. works with you to prevent this epidemic from taking over your organization.
Repetitive Stress Injuries are now epidemic in the American workplace
Over the past ten years, personal computers and application software have changed the way we work. We now have greater efficiency and greater flexiblity. Unformtunately, we also now have more injured workers, due to repetitive motion activities.
Repetitive Stress Injury is the #1 occupational injury. 300,000 new cases each year. Growth rate as high as 20% per year. Single case can cost employer up to $30,000. Injured worker loses an average 30 work days per year.
These costly and painful injuries are preventable.
The Chicago Ergonomic Group can show you how.
E-Mail The Chicago Ergonomic Group
Chicago Ergonomic Group
201 E. Huron Street, Suite 11-100
Chicago, IL 60611
Ph. 312.926.ERGO (3746)
Fax. 312.926.3709
