Shoulder Injury Prevention
Shoulder injuries are among the most common nonfatal occupational injuries in the U.S. They account for the highest median days away from work per incident compared to injuries to any other body part. In recent years, an average of about 68,000 workers annually miss up to 26 or more days of work recovering from shoulder injuries. Improper lifting, overexertion, repetitive motions, falls, and other health conditions can lead to serious shoulder injuries requiring physical therapy, surgery or may even result in permanent damage.
This course provides important information on the anatomy of the shoulder, the causes and risk factors associated with common occupational shoulder injuries, and the preventive measures that can be used to avoid painful and costly injuries.





Demos + Pricing
Learn more about our courses, get pricing, and see our platform.
Course Details
Learning Objectives
“By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify and describe the general anatomy of the shoulder and its common movements
- Identify common causes and risk factors for shoulder injuries
- Describe common acute injuries and chronic conditions related to the shoulder
- List common treatments for shoulder injuries
- Identify and describe components of the ‘hierarchy of controls
- Identify methods of preventing workplace shoulder injuries
- List shoulder injury symptoms that may require consulting a health care professional
“
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the risk factors for shoulder injuries?
What is a “rotator cuff”?
What is “frozen shoulder”?
What causes “frozen shoulder”?
How can you treat shoulder inflammation, swelling, and pain?
Sample Video Transcript
While back injuries are the most common workplace injury, shoulder injuries keep employees away from work for longer periods of time. In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that almost 89,000 workers in the U.S suffered shoulder injuries, resulting in a median of 26 days away from work – more than any other work-related injury. Every year, millions of people seek medical treatment for shoulder pain, and shoulder injuries cost workers and businesses millions of dollars. Many work activities – including reaching and lifting – can strain the body and cause musculoskeletal injuries to the back, neck, shoulders, and limbs. Shoulder injuries range from simple-yet-painful sprains and strains to torn tendons and broken bones. If not treated properly, they can lead to permanent stiffness, weakness, and pain, and cause progressive degeneration of the shoulder joint.
Additional Resources
- Texas Department of Insurance – www.tdi.texas.gov
- TDI publications – http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fspreventingsho.pdf
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Grant Materials – https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy11/sh-22310-11/PreventingSprainsStrains_RSI.pptx
- WebMD – www.webmd.com
- WebMD Guides – http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tc/shoulder-problems-and-injuries-prevention#1