FACILITIES
Strains and sprains are among the most frequent and costly work-related injuries. Often caused by repetitive motion, overexertion, ergonomics, or falls, they can lead to prolonged days off work, increased insurance rates, and lower productivity. Fortunately, many can be prevented with forward-thinking planning, training, and support to employees.
Strains: Muscle or tendon damage from overstretching or overuse.
Sprains: Ligament damage, usually from twisting or impact to a joint.
Both can range from mild discomfort or serious injuries requiring medical attention and work time off.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, more than 266,000 sprains and strains happened in the workplace in 2022 in private industry and represented nearly 30% of all nonfatal days-away-from-work injuries. The National Safety Council estimates that the cost of a sprain or strain injury is more than $30,000, excluding indirect costs like loss of productivity.
Figures for the Risk Pooling Trust (RPT) reflect those figures. Sprain and strain injury losses for the RPT for the five-year period from 2020-2024 accounted for 1,031 claims, and $22.5 million in Overexertion Claims, which make up 26% of all Workers Compensation claims (frequency), and 38.4% of all costs of Workers Compensation claims, with the average claim costing $21,800 per claim.
Overexertion and Lifting: Lifting or moving heavy, awkward loads without any lifting technique is a prime culprit.
Repetitive Motions: Endless repetitions of motions fatigue and overwork muscles due to no job rotation program being utilized.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Most commonly result in sprained wrists, ankles, or back injuries.
Poor Ergonomics: Inefficiently arranged workstations/workflow and lack of employee training on prevention methods can lead to neck, shoulder, and back strain.
Sudden Movement: Unexpected twists due to rapid changes or uneven surfaces.
Strains and sprains are common among physically demanding professions such as construction and manufacturing. However, ministries oftentimes forget that teachers, dietary, maintenance/grounds, housekeeping, office and nursing staff are also frequent victims of these types of injuries as well and should not be overlooked.
As an employer, you can help reduce your employees' risks and identify underlying causes of injuries by carefully monitoring claims and how they progress. To address repeat injuries like strains and sprains, incorporate targeted training and assessment in your workplace practices. These include job assessments, performing ergonomic evaluations, and training not just to front line employees but to include trainers as well so they can perform in-house ergonomic checks and provide continuing education in proper lifting and ergonomics.
A good prevention program addresses the surroundings, work activities, and worker awareness. A few measures that employers can adopt to prevent the development of strain and sprain injuries among their employees are:
Ergonomic Enhancements
• Complete a need’s assessment to determine if staff needs better ergonomic tools for each department, starting with the department with the highest risk or who has had frequent and severe claims.
• Determine if there are alternative ways to perform specific higher risk jobs to eliminate exposures.
Safe Lifting Practices
• Train employees on proper lifting techniques (bend knees, keep load close).
• Utilize devices like carts, gait belts, Hoyer lifts and dollies to handle heavy loads.
Fall Prevention
• Keep walkways clear and provide proper lighting.
• Use slip-resistant surfaces and signs for wet areas.
Support Movement and Stretching
• Support frequent movement, job rotations and breaks to reduce muscle fatigue.
• Pre-exercise stretching before physically demanding activities can prevent injury.
Develop Policies on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Provide Training
• Insure the use of adequate footwear and property protective gear.
• Training employees on the use of personal protective equipment and supervisors on how to enforce those policies requiring their use
Education is the foundation of avoiding injury. Regular training ensures that employees are knowledgeable about hazards and how to avoid them. Members of the RPT have access to online training modules tailored to your industry and job function, topics include:
Accident Prevention
Safe Housekeeping Practices
Strain and Exertion Injury Prevention
Safe Lifting Practice
Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Training
Office Ergonomics for the Employees
Recognizing early signs of injury
To facilitate employees safe behaviors, RPT members also have access to the entire collection of Risk Solution Toolkits, such as the Slip, Trip, Fall Prevention Toolkit, and the Ergonomics Home Computer Workstation Self-Assessment Checklist.
Through anticipation of strain and sprain risks, organizations enjoy the following benefits:
Decreased injury-related accidents
Lower workers' compensation costs
Enhanced worker morale and productivity
Stronger organizational ministry and workplace safety culture
Sprains and strains may be common, but they don't have to be inevitable. With a focus on ergonomics, proper lifting, fall prevention, and regular training, organizations can reduce the risk of these types of injuries. Leveraging Christian Brothers Risk Solutions' online tools, resources and training programs can better equip your workforce so they can work safer and protect not only themselves from being injured but the ministry and those clients you serve.
Start today by reviewing your current safety practices and engaging your workers in building a healthier, more sustainable workplace. Christian Brothers Risk Solutions can help you get started or boost your employee safety training to a higher level. Contact Anthony Chimera, Risk Control Specialist for details.
