Ergonomics: Working Smart: Reducing Risks of Sprains & Strains

Many people suffer from sprains and strains, which can lead to scar tissue, arthritis, and disability. This workplace safety training video features Dr. Richard Bunch, a physical therapist and ergonomics specialist, who presents a comprehensive overview of how sprains and strains happen and what can be done to prevent or relieve them.

Viewers learn that sprains and strains are injuries to ligaments and tendons, and are usually caused by overexertion while running, jumping, lifting, or pushing. Dr. Bunch explains the importance of muscle preparation before physical activity and introduces his on-the-job stretching program called WUPR, which stands for Warm Up and Posture Relief. WUPR prepares the body for stressful postures by first doing stretches to stretch tissues in the direction they will be moved while working, followed by stretches to move tissues in the opposite direction. This course also illustrates how ergonomics, which includes the use of back supports, cushioned floor mats, computer monitors elevated to eye level, and many other practices, helps reduce injuries.

This course teaches employees how to prevent, as well as how to manage, sprains and strains. Learn how to safely prepare yourself for physical exertion by watching this safety training video.

   This course is in the Video On Demand format, to read about Video On Demand features click here.

All workers

• Introduction
• Sprains and Strains Defined
• Common Causes of Sprains and Strains
• Known Soft Tissue Injury Risk Factors
• Treatment of Sprains and Strains
• Ergonomically Modifying the Jobsite
• Effective Soft Tissue Injury Prevention Program
• Warm Up and Posture Relief Stretching Program
• Stretching Safely
• Neutral Posture Benefits
• How To Relieve Common Stressful Postures
• Supplements for Joint Health
• Early Intervention

• Ergonomics for the Mobile Worker
• Industrial Ergonomics: Understanding Ergonomic Injuries
• Industrial Ergonomics: The Hand and Wrist