As many Americans recover from the devastation from the two recent hurricanes, it’s important to ensure workers stay safe and healthy. Many people are engaged in cleanup and rebuilding efforts both at home and at work, and are likely engaged in tasks that are not part of their normal daily routines. This can cause a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, as they use muscles they normally don’t and may find themselves in awkward physical positions.

Some simple steps, such as using the appropriate equipment and proper body mechanics can keep workers safe. Employers who are cognizant of the physical stress on their employees and how they can help will find their workers are more productive and better able to fulfill their job tasks.

The Basics

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! This is one of the most important tips for anyone involved in hurricane recovery efforts. These storms generally occur during the summer months when temperatures and humidity can be at all-time highs. Workers may be unaware of the effects of the environment on their bodies. Provide lots of water for them during the course of the workday, and remind them to drink plenty of fluids while they are working outside when away from the worksite.

Training and equipment. Even though it is the responsibility of the maintenance people to secure and remove hurricane shutters and remove debris after a storm, chances are they only do it every few years. Make sure they have the right equipment — gloves, safety glasses, appropriate footwear, tools, etc., and provide refresher training before they start. If possible, expand the training to other workers who may do these tasks at home.

Pace. Whether at the worksite or at home, employees are likely doing more labor-intensive tasks when there is a storm. While at work, make sure they are not working too fast. Provide short rest breaks to give them time away from the heat and humidity and to allow their bodies to relax.

Listen to the body. If a worker thinks something might be too heavy to lift, he should feel it is OK to get assistance. Employees should not be forced into actions they believe might cause them harm.

Stretch. Light stretches before and especially after the work can help workers to be more flexible and reduce injuries.

Body Mechanics

Proper movements can prevent injuries and muscle fatigue. Body mechanics — the way we move our bodies — involves everything from lifting, standing, sitting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and carrying. Using good body mechanics will ensure the person moves in a way that conserves energy, is efficient, and is safe.

Here are a few tips for optimal body mechanics:

• This creates one of the highest risks of injury when not done properly. Before lifting a load, the worker should know exactly where he will move the item and make sure there is a clear path to get there. The item or load to be lifted should be placed directly in front of the worker; with his back straight, he should bend at the knees or hips – not from the waist, and bring the load to his chest; he should lift from the legs to a standing position. This prevents twisting and stooping, both of which can cause injuries to the back. If at all possible, he should avoid lifting by pushing, pulling, rolling or sliding the load.
• If possible, the item or load should be held at the sides and bottom and close to the body. The elbows should be bent. Putting the object down should involve the same actions in reverse as lifting.
• The same principles apply to reaching as lifting and carrying; the back should be straight, the weight should not be on the back, and the person should avoid twisting. Hyperextending the neck can cause stress on the back, so if an item is high, a stepstool or ladder should be used, that is placed solidly on the floor.
• Workers and others involved in preparing and cleaning up from a hurricane may spend more time than usual standing. Even if they don’t, poor posture can exacerbate strain caused by the increased manual activity. To avoid aches and pains, the person’s feet should be flat on the floor, about 12 inches apart; the shoulders should be down, chest out and back straight; and the knees should not be in a locked position. This position creates a founding of support that helps maintain balance. If the worker must remain in one position for long periods of time, he should take regular breaks and stretch the muscles.
• Workers can reduce the risk of injury from excessive movement by using proper posture when they sit. The back should be straight, feet flat on the floor and shoulders relaxed; there should be extra support behind the lower back — a rolled towel or small pillow will work if the chair itself does not provide enough support. If sitting for more than an hour, the worker should get up, stretch the neck and shoulders, and change positions. Workers who use the phone often should be given a headset.

 Conclusion

We often see an increase in occupational injuries about a month after a disaster, such as a hurricane. Employers can help keep their workers injury-free by educating them on correct body mechanics, offering support for the extra tasks they are doing, and using common sense.