Page 64 - OHS, September 2022
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FACILITY SAFETY
absorption and support that dual layer 100 percent memory foam anti-fatigue insoles provide. ThThese unique insoles not only help to
keep workers healthy and safe but can also aid in the reduction of
body tension and injuries.
Success Requires Balance
One ergonomic risk factor that places employees at risk to tremendous danger is a lack of balance. Balance is the distribution of an employee’s weight while they are working. Poor balance can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains and strains. Many companies install anti-fatigue matting to combat the effects of continuous standing. Although well intentioned, this seemingly helpful solution is actually a dangerous hazard. These mats are difficult to clean, often peel at the corners and are ineffective in their ability to cover the entire workplace. Instead of creating comfort and balance, they are often the culprit of slips, trips and falls.
A better solution to achieving balance in the workplace is to provide employees with anti-fatigue, 100 percent dual layer memory foam insoles. These unique insoles are designed to evenly distribute an employee’s weight, providing them with the support and comfort they need to stay safe and productive throughout their workday. Offering employees clinically proven and ergonomically designed memory foam anti-fatigue insoles helps improve balance and distribution of body weight. This in turn can help reduce foot, knee and lower back pain—some of the most common injuries seen in today’s workforce.
Creating an Engaged Workforce
Successful businesses know that by making physical changes to the workplace, they can enhance employee mental health and well-being. The objective of every health and safety professional or manager should be to enhance employee wellness through ergonomics. Comfort, productivity and safety can all be increased by making simple changes to the workstation.
As a safety professional, it’s no longer about simply providing the proper safety gear anymore. Safety professionals have to go beyond basic practices in order to keep employees healthy, safe, motivated, productive and engaged. Instead, employers need to provide them with ergonomic solutions to common daily workplace hazards that demonstrate appreciation and understanding of their daily physical sacrifices.
Dr. Kevan Orvitz is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Founder & President of MEGAComfort Inc. Dr. Orvitz and his revolutionary ergonomic designs have paved the way for employees to experience enhanced comfort, decreased pain and fatigue creating a safer more productive workplace. With over 20 years of experience in various industries, Dr. Orvitz has studied all aspects of biomechanics and the human body, specifically the lower body and feet.
REFERENCES
1. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2022/04/13/falls- campaign-2022/
2. https://www.bullard.com/cen10
3. https://business.libertymutual.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ WSI_1002.pdf
Businesses can only accomplish their goals when they prioritize employee wellbeing and safety.
will assist them in maintaining good posture while they are working so that these injuries do not occur.
Clinically proven, anti-fatigue insoles are shown to decrease the impact of awkward foot postures, allowing employees to maintain proper lower extremity alignment while also reducing body stress.
Workplace Performance
Another key consideration is the way work is performed. For example, if you have a job that requires repetitive motions, it’s important to consider ways to reduce the risk of injury. Repetition occurs when an employee repeats a task in a given period of time. Musculoskeletal problems, such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders, can be caused by tasks that are repeated frequently. Employers should provide employees with PPE that will assist them in reducing the amount of repetition in their job to prevent these disorders. This may include mechanization equipment, rotational schedules and ergonomically designed tools and equipment.
Reducing the effects of repetition in a job is possible by providing workers with PPE that allows them to accomplish the task with ease and comfort. Memory foam insoles that are clinically proven and ergonomically designed can assist people who suffer from repetitive strain injury. Anti-fatigue, 100 percent dual layer memory foam insoles help to improve blood circulation in the active and static muscles of the feet, legs, knees, hips and lower back. They also reduce discomfort and localized tiredness in these areas by increasing blood flow. These unique insoles assist in distributing body weight more evenly, reducing the risk of harm. Memory foam anti-fatigue insoles are an excellent option for safety managers looking to enhance employee health and safety, from the ground up.
Physical Demands
The physical demands placed on workers can feel like a relentless barrage of daunting heavy tasks. Workers engaging in physical or manual labor are constantly combatting fatigue and injury. Each day, these workers are at risk of musculoskeletal problems due to the sheer force of their work. Force is the amount of pressure an employee applies to a task.
This might be due to the weight of the object they are lifting, or the degree of effort needed to complete a job. Musculoskeletal problems such as strains and sprains can develop from tasks that require a lot of force. Like most ergonomic risks, safety starts from the ground up. Employees who must lift, carry or move a lot of weight greatly appreciate the additional cushioning, shock
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