Cumulative Trauma Disorders

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Cumulative Trauma Disorders

• Recognition and Prevention in the Workplace

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Common CTDs

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-Injury to the median
  nerve.
• Tendonitis-Swelling of the tendons.
• Tenosynovitis-Swelling in tendon sheath.

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Other CTDs

• Shoulder Arm Pain
• Neck Pain
• Lower Back Pain
• Ischemia- Restriction of blood flow in tissues

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Common Causes of CTDs

• Awkward Positions
• Excessive Manual Force
• Repetition

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My Personal Workstation

• My workstation includes two desks, two chairs,
  two computers with a mouse and keyboard, one
  phone, and two printers.

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Potential Problems In My Workspace

• Keyboard Mouse- I use both input devices for
  extended periods of time. Neither has a wrist
  rest, which helps keep my palms from resting on
  the edge of the desk and my wrists out of the
  flexion position.

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Potential Problems

• Desk-The desk is about 3 feet tall with a wood
  laminate top with slightly rounded edges.
  Because the edges are still relatively sharp,
  leaning against them could pinch a nerve or
  restrict blood flow through the tissues

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Potential Problems

• Chairs-The chairs have wheels, are slightly
  cushioned, and are not adjustable in any way.
  The chair is also about one foot shorter than the
  desk. The chair does not support the back,
  forces the arms, wrists and shoulders into tense
  and awkward positions.

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Preventative Measures
Recognizing and Educating Myself About Potential
Problems
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Recognize The Warning Signs
They are everywhere
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Warning Signs

• Numbness and tingling in first three fingers
• Clumsy feeling in your hand
• Pain going up into the elbow or shoulder
• Pain is worse at night

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SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY and use.
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Alternative Work Methods

• Evaluate Work Area
• Take Periodic rests and Stretch

• Awkward positions caused by certain items and
  work practices in can be prevented.
• Trying to do too much at one time can cause
  muscles to tire and cause injury

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Environment Adjustment

• Replace Existing Equipment-The desks should have
  rounded edges to reduce possible pressure points.
  The chairs need the arm height and chair height
  to be adjustable, and give back support by having
  a tilt adjustment.

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Environment Adjustment

• Add Accessories to Existing Equipment-Wrist rests
  can be added to the keyboards and mouse to help
  promote a neutral wrist position. An adjustable
  document holder can be attached to the monitor to
  promote the proper head angle. A seat cushion
  can be added to the chair to help support the
  back. A footrest can be used to help keep thighs
  parallel to the ground and promote good posture
  to help prevent back, neck and shoulder pain.

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Education, New Equipment and Preventative Measures

• All Add Up To A Safer and Ergonomically Correct
  Work Environment