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PROVIDE RELIABLE INJURY PREVENTION
INFORMATION TO EACH WORKER
As the basis of your ergonomics program, treatment practitioners need a written
source of comprehensive, authoritative ergonomics and injury prevention information
that they can refer to time after time as they work for your spa. Providing such a
resource shows that management cares, instantly boosting morale.
ON-SITE TRAINING REINFORCES ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES
On-site training by a qualified ergonomics specialist reinforces the principles
learned (including but not limited to good body mechanics) and helps workers put
the concepts into practice in their own work environment. By observing treatment
staff as they work, the expert trainer can evaluate body mechanics, postures and
techniques, and make suggestions that can reduce injury risk.
ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENTS IDENTIFY WORKPLACE RISK FACTORS
Adapting the workplace to better fit workers has been proven highly effective in preventing work-related injury. Ergonomics assessments help spas create a safe
workplace that allow workers to use the healthy body mechanics and good work
practices they have learned.
IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF SYMPTOMS AND INJURY
Despite your and your employees’ best prevention efforts, injury can still occur.
Manage these instances well by instituting protocols and procedures early on, and
include guidelines on reporting injury or symptoms without fear of reprisal (e.g.
having their hours cut back or being let go). Early reporting of symptoms should be
encouraged, and assistance should also be provided in finding a clinic that offers
occupational health care.
TRAIN A LEAD THERAPIST TO PROVIDE ON-SITE SUPPORT
Workers need ongoing support to reinforce healthy work practices and maintain an
open dialogue about symptoms. Spas can get one or more lead therapists trained
and certified in ergonomics and injury prevention principles and coaching techniques, to provide feedback and coaching on body mechanics and ergonomics, as
well as encourage colleagues to report symptoms early. ■
Injury Rates Among
Treatment Staff
Injury rates are high among treatment professionals. Based on different studies and research,
percentage of therapists who experience chronic
body part symptoms or injury as a result of their
work are as follows:
●
●
thumb pain)2
●
62% to 83% among Canadian
●
massage therapists3
71% among Taiwanese massage
therapists4
REFERENCES:
1
Lauriann Greene and Richard W. Goggins, “Musculoskeletal
Symptoms and Injuries among Experienced Massage and
Bodywork Professionals,” Massage & Bodywork, 2006; Dec-Jan:
48-58.
2
Terra Rosa (2008). Survey of musculoskeletal injuries among
massage therapists in Australia. ww.terrarosa.com.au.
3
Albert, W.J., Currie-Jackson, N. & Duncan, C. A., (2007). A survey
of musculoskeletal injuries amongst Canadian massage therapists. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
4
Jang, Y, Chi, C-F, Tsauo, J-Y & Wang, J-D, (2006). Prevalence and
risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in
massage practitioners. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation,
16: 425-438
Ergonomics and
Injury Prevention Tips
●
Space Configurations That May Pose
Injury Risks
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●
●
Lack of space around the treatment table for adopting a wide stance to get lower in
relation to the client and ability to use the legs more to generate force.
Tables that don’t adjust low or high enough to allow good posture.
Hard floors that cause fatigue and leg and back discomfort.
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March/April 2011
77% among American massage therapists1
26% among Australian massage therapists
(lower back pain) and 69% (wrist and
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●
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Design spaces for the largest workers to ensure
that all staff have sufficient room to work with.
Place anything heavy or frequently lifted at waist
level (to avoid repetitively bending over).
Use a cart if possible to move around heavy
equipment.
Avoid overloading any one therapist with too many
appointments or too much deep tissue work.
Involve therapists in design decisions for treatment
spaces, work and break schedules, and any other
decisions that could affect how they work.