Back Care Program #2

We all have one thing in common, we all sleep! Much of our human life is spent in bed. Sleeping posture is a critical component to our back health and safety. It is important that we #1 choose a correct bed, and #2, choose a correct position to sleep in bed.

Click here: http://oneaccordindustrialservices.blogspot.com/2008/05/better-backs-by-better-beds.html for more information on choosing a proper bed for you.

Remember these tips when you lay your head down:

1. Do Not put your arms above your head in any position. This can cause multipe issues ranging from sway back to neurological problems either in the arms or legs. - Do your hands fall asleep at night? That is why.

2. If you choose to lay on your back, use a good pillow so your head is slightly elevated from your torso, and place a pillow under your knees. This will support your neck and maintain your back in a neutral position.

3. Gold standard is curling up on your side with your knees slightly bent. Curl your pillow up and under your ear for added support including a pillow between your legs to keep your back in alignment.

For more informations email: industrial@oneaccordservices.com

Functional Preventative Stretch #2

Wrist Rotation

Avoid keeping your wrist in one position for prolonged periods of time. Break the pattern by taking multiple micro-breaks. Rotating your wrist will prevent wrist strains and sprains, improve flexibility, and increase productivity. REMEMBER, keep your elbows close to your body when you use your wrist.

Key Points:

1. Stand up straight.

2. Keep your elbows straight.

3. Rotate your wrist clock-wise, then counter clock-wise.

4. Continue for 5 seconds each way.

5. Repeat multiple times per day (Micro-Breaks)

Back Care Program #1

Maintaining a healthy back will always start with POSTURE. The first thing to remember is to always be aware of your back, whether you be in your car, to in a chair with a high or low back, to even sleeping in a recliner to a bed. So remember this tip when you sit...

1. Push your navel back toward your spine - this will create a natural curve to your back.

2. Try and keep your knees higher than your hips - if you don't you will find yourself slouching and increases pressure on your back.

3. Do not put your legs on an ottoman while sitting - this can put stress and strain directly to your low back.

For more information, email: industrial@oneaccordservices.com

All Hands on Deck for Safety at Frito Lay

Frito Lay, Casa Grande, has recently created a 12 member safety team comprised of a cross section of all employees at the Casa Grande manufacturing site. This team was created to promote discussion around how to make the site safer and improve overall wellness of the employees. These 12 team members have set their goal for 2009 to see a 30% reduction in total incidents vs. 2008. The safety team, who through regular scheduled meetings, have identified 3 main areas which they intend to target. Below is listed there target areas and initial action plans:


Target I: Aged and Tenured Work Force - 10%

• Educate tenured employees who have chronic aches through involvement with their site therapist provided by One Accord Industrial Services.
• Focus training-visual training- pictures Reminders/examples – LOTO, back safety, stretch posters, etc.
• Utilize the One Accord Industrial Newsletter through the Web site which will integration information on health tips, healthier choices of foods, etc.
• Ergo Advocate present on-site for off shift and weekend coverage.
• Posters for general awareness medical condition and ICE/badge med id
  

Target II: Process Modifications - 10%

• Write immediate work orders for faulty equipment identified by team members.
• Re-enforce safe speeds of forklifts and drivers
• Pedestrian walkway Installed w/ flashing warning light
  

Target III: Daily Operating Parameters - 10%

• Ensure proper proficiency for all new hires.
• Increase safety focus at all meetings and venues.
• Create structured pre-shift meetings with daily health related information.

There goals are simple, yet specific. Way to go Casa Grande! The project manager the safety team is Miranda Rodriquez, if you have any questions or would like more information regarding their program, you can contact her at miranda.rodriguez@fritolay.com

Functional Preventative Stretch #1

Door-Way Stretch

Train your shoulders properly by promoting good posture by stretching the muscles in front of the shoulder into the chest muscle. This will promote posterior shoulder rotation, improve your strength and prevent shoulder injuries. In other words, stand up straight like your mama taught you!

Key Points:

1. Stand up straight and bring your forearm up to a solid surface.

2. Elbows and shoulder at 90 degrees.

3. Step through with the same side leg (ie. as in the picture, step through with the left leg)

4. Hold that position for 10-15 seconds.

5. Repeat multiple times per day.

How Do I Listen to my Body While Working in a Physical Job?

When working long hours, or simply training your body, it is important that we all listen to our bodies. The biggest question is what are we listening for. The solution is very clear, but sometimes we are scared to do what is right.

Some listen so hard to their body, they become paranoid to every new symptom, feeling, or physical change. This is followed by frequent changes in habits or direction in their wellness. Others ignore the tale tale signs and don't know they have an illness or injury until its too late. This will slowly end up, in what I like to refer to as "the breaking point of your weak link", whatever that may be for you.

There is a way to find the middle of the road. Be aware of your body, and make educated decisions of your next step. The traffic light used in many circles can guide us to those proper decision making.


Green - Feel good at the end of the day, stretching through out the day improves stiffness and tightness. An ice pack may even help alleviate some sore muscles, including the ever popular Biofreeze or Painzone ointment. You understand that proper lifting and ergonomics are key to your health. If you are stuck in front of this light, keep going, great job!




Yellow - Soreness and muscle cramps last more than a few days and never goes away during a scheduled day off. Fatigue sets in and you find yourself lifting improperly and using poor ergonomic techniques, with low energy output. If you are stuck in front of this light, there is hope! Understand that you are not alone, do not re-invent the wheel here, focus on re-energizing your body!

1. Start eating energy foods such as pasta the night before work
2. Continue with nuts and cheeses during the day.
3. Drink more water, even a sports drink to balance your electrolytes.
4. Chat with your local physical therapist or wellness specialist at your work.
5. How about this question, "Am I doing everything I should be doing?"
   

Red - Soreness is now discomfort and your ability to complete a task is inhibited. Back off your work, reduce the intensity, decrease the number of repetitions and call for help. Don't try and push through the pain, stop and seek help! Call your resource and get a hold of your physical therapist. We can help you get back to GREEN, through stretching, massage, and abatement strategies.