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July 22, 2009
Dear Fellow Employee,
This is the third in a series of
letters published in partnership to provide safety and wellness tips and
resources to IAM-represented employees of United’s Airport Operations
Division.
Airport work is physical, especially
below the wing. Whether standing all day or moving bags, most injuries
come from overexertion. Year to date, 65% of United’s OSHA recordable
and lost time injuries are attributed to strains and sprains from
lifting, pushing and pulling. Avoiding overexertion is our number one
opportunity to reduce lost time injuries.
Strains occur when muscles or
ligaments are overstretched. Sprains occur when they actually tear.
Muscles can become agitated over time. A repetitive action like throwing
a baseball at home or loading bags at work can stretch muscles, and then
an abrupt movement during another activity can cause a more serious
strain or sprain.
There are several simple things you
can do to prevent and minimize sprains and strains:
• Many exertion injuries come
from incorrectly moving bulky objects. Hold them close when lifting,
use your legs versus your back and keep the load at waist level.
• If objects are large or
awkward, either break them down into smaller loads or get help.
• Inspect moving equipment or
dollies before you use them and plan the entire path of travel,
including steps or stairs, to ensure you don’t find yourself in an
unexpected or uncomfortable position and cause a strain or sprain.
• Repetitive tasks can stress
specific muscle groups and cause them to either seize suddenly or
create a chronic injury gradually over time. When performing
repetitive tasks, adjust your working position occasionally and
stretch during breaks to maintain flexibility.
• Finally, over reaching causes
many back strains and sprains. Never reach over or around an
obstacle to lift a load. Instead, walk around the obstacle to place
yourself in a position to lift properly. Use a step stool or ladder
if something is out of reach.
Recently, United launched a new
program called MoveSmart® to teach lifting, pulling, and pushing
techniques in a unique way using principles from the martial arts. The
techniques can help avoid injuries and the concepts can be applied at
both work and home. MoveSmart launched in IAD, SEA and, most recently,
ORD and it will roll-out to other stations this year. Ninety-five
percent of the employees who took the class said they use the
information in their daily lives and would recommend the class to their
peers. Look for the training at your station.
Your friends, family and coworkers
depend on you to be safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at both home and
work. Use the tips above to help avoid exertion injuries and stay
healthy.
Scott Dolan
Richard Delaney
SVP – Airport Operations, Cargo and UAX
President - IAMAW 141
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