Repetitive Injury Motions in the Workplace

Per California state law, employers are required to implement ergonomics to protect workers from repetitive injury motions (RMIs) in the workplace. The conditions geared to reduce the occurrence of RMIs among many employees include time requirements, medical prerequisites, the correlation between RMIs at the worksite, and job-associated causation. Even though the set policies mandate the execution of the ergonomics plan after the second injury, staff and the employer must concentrate on RMIs prevention. The first requirement for an ergonomics plan involves worksite evaluation to determine contributing factors, as RMIs have long-haul implications and are costly.

Secondly, the control of exposures enables the provision of sufficient workspace and engenders unobstructed access to the people. One should use leg muscles and maintain an upright posture when lifting heavy materials. In addition, nitrile and properly fitted gloves should be used instead of ambidextrous ones. Lastly, training offered to the subordinates includes the essentiality of reporting signs and injuries to the employer, the symptoms and repercussions of RMIs, the RMI-associated exposures, and recommended initiatives to reduce RMIs.

While undertaking computer work, the extra considerations observed by a worker include keeping the wrist in a straight position, maintaining knees and elbows at ninety degrees, and ensuring the monitor is at eye level. The operator must ensure they have a footrest and the computer keyboard and monitor are directly in front of them. The checklist for equipment is adjustable instrument trays, movable chairs, ergonomically designed tools, and properly fitted gloves. At the same time, the checklist for staff training must involve methods deployed to minimize RMIs, instructions on the importance of reporting symptoms, aspects of ergonomics programs, exposures related to RMIs, and informed consequences.