Summary of a recent letter of recommendation we would like to share:

CIS onsite’s Early Intervention Program was introduced in March of 2022 coinciding with a commitment of early reporting within our facility.   Since the inception of early reporting and CIS onsite’s intervention program, we have observed a notable decline in MSD injures.

 

In 2023, CIS onsite conducted evaluations on 85 employees and remarkable, none of them required referral to medical professionals.  The achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the program in addressing MSD concerns promptly and efficiently.

 

CIS onsite’s commitment to exceptional customer service and their genuine interest in the welfare of the clients they serve are unparalleled.  Their dedication to fostering a safe and healthy work environment is commendable and has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the success of our safety initiatives.

 

Based on the demonstrated results and the exemplary service provided by CIS onsite, I confidently recommend their Early intervention Program to any organization seeking to enhance workplace safety and reduce MSD injuries.

 

Manager, HR and Safety

For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.

Don’t Forget Ergonomics Away from the Office

Employees who work from home or travel for work should be taught to assess their ad hoc workspaces for ergonomic risks, said Marilyn Ekdahl Ravicz, author of Ergonomics for Home-Based Workers: Use Your Brain to Save Your Body (Abbott Press, 2013).

Using poorly set up devices while working on the road, or from home, can cause a range of injuries to the musculoskeletal or nervous systems, noted Ravicz, an anthropologist who has redesigned workstations in office settings and homes.

Especially common are repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that may be caused by repeated tasks or sustained, awkward positions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that RSI affects about 1.8 million workers per year.

OSHA’s checklist for proper computer use recommends:

  • Head and neck upright, in line with the torso.
  • Head, neck and trunk facing forward.
  • Trunk perpendicular to the floor (may lean back into backrest but not forward).
  • Shoulders and upper arms in line with the torso, generally about perpendicular to the floor and relaxed.
  • Upper arms and elbows close to the body.
  • Forearms, wrists and hands straight and in line (forearm at about 90 degrees to the upper arm).
  • Wrists and hands straight.
  • Thighs parallel to the floor and lower legs perpendicular to the floor (thighs may be slightly elevated above the knees).
  • Feet resting flat on the floor or supported by a stable footrest.

“When you go into a hotel room, case it,” Ravicz advised, to find ways of sitting, typing and talking on the telephone that avoid stress. “Most chairs in hotel rooms are terrible,” she said, but “there are always pillows. … Put a phone book under your feet; put your laptop on a table or desk, not on your lap.”

Tony Biafore, an ergonomics specialist at Ergonetics in Kensington, Md., calls working on a laptop, in particular, an “ergonomic disaster” that forces a trade-off between proper head posture and proper wrist posture.

“The laptop was designed for convenience, not as a main tool” for workers using keyboards, he said. “There is no safe way to work. People are hunched over.”

At least give employees the option of using a portable keyboard and mouse when they work on the road or from home, Biafore recommended. While not perfect, “at least that is a better answer.”

Employees who are traveling should be encouraged to bring along whatever type of equipment they need to work comfortably, Ravicz said. “People have to get over the idea that this is OK, it’s just for a night, it doesn’t matter. Collectively, these things do matter. Our bodies did not evolve to do the kinds of things they’re doing,” she explained.

A lot of it is self-discipline, she added: “You have to become a nag with yourself” about being aware of ergonomic hazards and correcting them.

Ravicz also suggested that home-based workers get together regularly to discuss ergonomic problems and solutions and that HR provide them with up-to-date information about proper use of all devices.

Biafore said he believes a company needs to have a good overall ergonomics program. “If you don’t have one in-house, you won’t have one on the road. It should be an extension of the in-house program,” he said.

Source: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/risk-management/dont-forget-ergonomics-away-office

 

For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.

Tips to Stay Safe in Summer Months

Heat-related illness can be prevented. Learn these 4 simple steps you can take to keep from falling ill during hot summer months.

With summer fast approaching, remember that hot, humid weather can be a hazard to your health. In fact, hot weather causes more deaths than any other weather-related hazard. In hot and humid conditions, your body must work harder—just to maintain a normal temperature. Older adults and those with illnesses are at greater risk.

The good news is that heat-related illness and death can be prevented. There are simple steps you can take to keep from falling ill.

 

  1. Stay Cool
  • Stay in air-conditioned locations as much as possible. If your home is not air conditioned find places in your community that are air conditioned. Find out if your community has a cooling center available during hot months.
  • Don’t stay in a hot car (and don’t leave pets in a hot car).
  • If you are outdoors, take breaks from the heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Cover your windows with drapes to keep out the hot sun.
  • Consider using attic fans to clear hot air from your house.

Note: When the temperature outside is over 95 degrees, don’t use electric fans to try to stay cool. At this temperature, fans create a false sense of comfort, and do not reduce body temperature.

 

  1. Stay Hydrated
  • Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • If you are on a special diet or if you have end-stage renal disease or advanced congestive heart failure, ask your doctor how to stay hydrated.

 

  1. Stay Protected
  • Avoid strenuous or high-energy activities.
  • Wear loose and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen.
  • When outdoors, stay in the shade and wear a hat with a wide brim.

 

  1. Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

On hot days, watch for signs of heat illness in yourself and others. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible on hot days. Signs of heat-related illness include:

  • Muscle pains, cramps, or spasms
  • Heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, dizziness, headache nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion, fainting or unconsciousness
  • High body temperature (over 103 degrees) with dry skin (not sweating)
  • Rapid pulse

 

If you feel sick and suspect it may be heat-related, sip a sports drink. Get medical help if you still don’t feel better.  If you experience very high body temperature, rapid pulse, or dizziness it can be an emergency. Get medical help immediately.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of heat injury. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Source:  https://www.landmarkhealth.org/resource/tips-to-stay-safe-in-summer-months/

For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.