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.

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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

Course Level Intermediate
Languages English
Compatibility Audio, Video
Based on: 29 CFR 1910-900 (2015): Ergonomics Program Standard

Vector Solutions

Author

With over two decades of experience designing advanced 3D animated courseware and developing our proprietary learning management software, we pride ourselves by having developed over 1,000 safety and operations training modules, which have helped train over 250,000 workers worldwide. Our highly experienced team provides the industry with a simple and high-quality means of training their workforce. Whether your team consists of 25 people or an enterprise with thousands, we’re here to help.

Key Questions

What are some of the risk factors for shoulder injuries?
Age is the biggest risk factor. Other factors include a family history of shoulder injuries, a chronic disease (like arthritis), bone spurs on a shoulder blade, and participation in sports or manual labor.

What is a “rotator cuff”?
The tendons and muscles that connect the humerus (the upper arm bone) to the scapula (the shoulder blade) are collectively called the “rotator cuff.”

What is “frozen shoulder”?
“Frozen shoulder” occurs when connective tissues around the shoulder stiffen and scar tissue forms, causing shoulder movements to become stiff and painful.

What causes “frozen shoulder”?
“Frozen shoulder” can develop after surgery, an injury, or overuse, or be caused by a chronic condition like diabetes and arthritis. Any problem that causes you to stop using your shoulder normally or to lose range of motion can develop into frozen shoulder.

How can you treat shoulder inflammation, swelling, and pain?
Treatments include rest, ice or heat, compression, and pain relievers. Steroid injections may be used in severe cases, though their use should be minimized as they can cause damage over time.

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

Course Applies To

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