Basic Ergonomic Principles
Classifications of Ergonomic Injuries
There are two classifications of ergonomic injuries, and they are:
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD's) - exposure driven
- Strains/Sprains - instantaneous (event driven)
Characteristics of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD's) are:
- Injury to soft tissue caused by prolonged exposure to multiple ergonomic risk factors
- Typically develop in small body segments (i.e. fingers, wrists, elbows, and neck)
Examples of CTD's
Tendon disorders:
- Inflammation of tendon and/or tendon sheathing caused by repeated rubbing against ligaments, bone, etc.
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Nerve disorders:
- Compression of nerves from repeated or sustained exposure to sharp edges, bones, ligaments, and/or tendons
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Neurovascular disorders:
- Compression of blood vessels and/or nerves from repeated exposure to vibration or cold temperatures
- Raynaud's phenomenon (white finger syndrome)
Characteristics of Strains and Sprains
- Injury to connective tissue caused by single forceful event: lifting heavy objects in awkward position
- Common to large body segments (i.e. back, legs, and shoulders)
- Risk of injury increases with the presence of multiple risk factors
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-4. Which of the following is an example of a strain or sprain?
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