| Notes from the IBEW Women's Conference 2000
Fit and Suitable by Annemarie Cavallaro The Women’s Conference allowed me to share our ergonomic experience with other Local Unions who do not have any programs and with Locals whose programs have been around for a long time. This is not just an office issue. Many times, ergonomic issues are much worse for those of us who work in the field.Here are a few things to look for outside of work that affect your potential for ergonomic injury: Home computer use, activities involving repetitive movements of the fingers, such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, playing musical instruments, and hand-held games; model building or other precision crafts work, any sports activity; prolonged/awkward postures (working on cars or making home repairs); use of household tools; any activity involving repeated heavy lifting, bending, twisting or reaching; and some medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, previous injuries and fractures, thyroid problems and some bone and muscle conditions. Of course, many of these activities are desirable or unavoidable. Our long-range goal should be to develop a consciousness about activities involving repetitive motion. We should recognize these risk areas and make it a habit to break up such activities with preventative stretches and modify the way we approach these tasks to minimize their potential damage. We should take suitable action to keep ourselves fit, at work and throughout our daily lives. |