Harry C. Crooker and Sons, Inc.
Wellness
Stretching Program
Occupational MSD’s, which stands for Musculoskeletal Disorders, are strains, sprains, pulled hamstrings, torn ligaments, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Between 1999 and 2002, NIOSH ( National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ), reports that $13.0 Billion dollars was spent on MSD’s for Workers Comp reported claims, affecting 37.9 million workers annually. On a National Average for all Industries, 62% of ALL claims are for Musculoskeletal Disorders. Last year, 48% of all our injuries here at Crooker’s were MSD’s. Here’s the top three injury categories;
Category 1: Strains and Sprains of the upper extremities; hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck and back, which is the big one. How many people do you know that use their upper extremities and back I ntheir job?
Category 2: Overexertion. How many people do you know that work long hours?
Category 3: Repetitive Motion. How many people do you know in our industry that operate equipment, turn a steering wheel, shift a transmission, use the same tools over and over, punch a keyboard, etc.?
The Top 10 Industries with the most strain and sprain reported claims are:
- Nursing and Personal Care Services
- Food Products Mfg. – Meat Packing was # 1 in this field
- Millwork – Mfg. with machinery
- General Construction
- Forestry / Sawmills
- Coal Mining
- Landscaping
- Trucking
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
Every day Crooker's employees work in at least four out of these top ten Workers Comp reporting categories. And, that brings up another point; Workers Comp does not pay you for the first week of work you miss. Ask yourself, how many sprains or strains have you had that kept you away from work for more than a week? What it boils down to for me is I do not want to spend five of my vacation days with my leg or arm wrapped in an Ace bandage and an ice pack?
Years of research, and testing has proven to the insurance companies that stretching in the morning reduces the percentage of occupational MSD’s. The stretches in our program are just an example. Do what works best for you. If you have any questions, see your Foreman.