Wednesday 10 December 2014

Work smart, not harder; adopt concept of Ergonomics

Drug Today Medical Times of India

Work smarter, not harder is the call of the day. By designing tools, equipment, work stations, tasks are executed to fit job to worker and not worker to job. This concept leads us to realization of another goal – Ergonomics. Ergonomics is derived from ergon (work) and omics (law), which is “science of fitting job settings conducive to worker”.

It is essential for every professional, irrespective of the stream one belongs to, should give first priority to his/her health. No matter how demanding your job is, you should take time off for your own health needs. Doctors, who devote themselves to others’ health and well-being, are no exception. It is in this context, the significance of Ergonomics can be determined.

It is seen that 64-93 per cent dentist suffer from musculoskeletal pain, while 36.3-60 per cent complain of back, 19.8-85 per cent neck, 60-69.5 per cent hand and wrist pain.  Musculo Skeletal Disorders are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. These occur due to the presence of one or a combination of risk factors: repetition, awkward or static postures, high forces, and contact stress. Studies have also shown that female dentists reported neck symptoms 1.4 times more often than male dentists.

Myofascial Pain Disorder (MPD) is characterized by pain and tenderness in the neck, shoulder, arm muscles, and a restricted range of motion. Cervical Spondylosis is characterized by intermittent/chronic neck and shoulder pain or stiffness, headaches, hand and arm pain, numbness, tingling, and clumsiness. Back Pain, the main risk factors associated with dental work are the sustained awkward postures and poor seating.

Your goals should include reducing risk of disorders, increasing productivity, increasing safety, improving quality of work, decreasing fatigue and errors.

To improve your work practice, schedule enough time for each patient. If there is time left over, the practitioner should perform exercises and stretches to increase circulation, decrease muscle tension, and prepare the body for the next patient.

Alternate scheduling and rotate between tasks
  • Schedule rest breaks between patients. To prevent repetitive injuries, it is better to pace yourself and schedule fewer patients per day, with rest breaks in between to allow yourself time to heal. During your break, you should perform non-stressful exercises, take walks, stretch, perform stress relaxation techniques, or just rest your hands.
  • Switch between positions throughout the day and vary operator position/delivery system with each patient. By switching sides of the patient and altering the position of your delivery system, you will use your muscles in different ways, which will spread the stress over other parts of your body.
  • Gradually increase work tolerance. If you have control over your work hours, try to gradually increase the amount of time that you spend doing certain tasks, so that your body has time to adjust to the new stresses that you are putting upon it.
These simple easy-to-follow tips will go a long way in keeping you healthy and fit. Follow them with right earnest to sustain yourself physically as well as professionally for long to attain efficiency, productivity and professional excellence.

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