Page 31 - Occupational Health & Safety, January/February 2020

for workers. Stretching leads to better muscle control and elas- ticity, with increased range of motion and flexibility. Taking fre- quent short breaks that include stretching can release tension and increase mental alertness. In addition to stretch breaks, it’s also a good idea to have workers warm up before work. This also helps reduce MSD by improving balance, posture, and coordination.
Being proactive is always better than being reactive, especially when it comes to MSD. Having employees report fatigue and pain at their onset can prevent bigger issues. Many workplaces install anti-fatigue matting with the best intentions of reducing MSD. However, these good intentions are often not led to fruition. Tradi- tional anti-fatigue mats can cause more danger than good. As they age, they collect dust, debris, and peel, becoming tripping hazards. Not only are they costly to install, but they are also expensive to maintain and replace.
Using anti-fatigue insoles is a more cost-effective and longer- lasting solution for all workers, especially aging workers combating MSD. Due to their ability to provide workers with full 360-degree coverage throughout the workplace, dual-layer, anti-fatigue insoles provide maximum shock absorption and comfort with every step. While traditional floor matting covers individual workstations, anti-fatigue insoles made of dual-layer memory foam fit perfectly into the wearer’s shoes and reduce pain and fatigue while simul- taneously increasing productivity and energy. Regardless of the flooring and surface, anti-fatigue insoles allow the wearer to walk
comfortably throughout the workspace.
Ageless Workability
Physically demanding industries often find it difficult to make ac- commodations for aging workers, leaving workers with a tough de- cision of continuing to work in a physically demanding role or risk injury. Employers that take ergonomics seriously can find solutions that allow all aging workers to work until they want to retire, and not when their body gives out. Ergonomic and safety programs can reduce the likelihood of injury because they increase awareness of workplace hazards and create an atmosphere of safety mindfulness.
Supporting and promoting aging workers is beneficial to any business. These workers are often more reliable and committed to the goals and efforts of the company. They provide guidance for younger employees and offer an intangible value to any business. Protecting workers from MSD is an ageless endeavor, that only in- creases productivity throughout the workplace.
Dr. Kevan Orvitz is President and Founder of MEGAComfort and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
REFERENCES
1. Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate, December 2017 2. https://academic.oup.com/epirev/article/34/1/156/496006
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