Dooley Noted: 5/4/2014
Caution at Work
A few days ago, I came across a construction site here in Grenada.
It was warning me to watch for men working ahead.
I wasn’t in a car, so I wasn’t at risk of endangering them.
In fact, these men were doing an excellent job of endangering themselves with poor work ergonomics. Check out this technique for digging dirt:
Yes, I cringed, also. I saw the same thing you noticed: full lumbar flexion as he applied load – on repeat.
I wanted to take these men aside and show them how to not hurt themselves. While it may not be my place to interrupt those working men, it certainly is my place to help my patients.
People get hurt in the gym. They often blame it on what they do in the gym. But what if their work positioning sets them up for failure in the gym?
After all, most of us spend a much shorter time working out than we spend at work.
Work positions matter. Even the way one gets to work matters.
If your movement is being analyzed, request the assessor to observe your work positioning.
Your gym or rehab time needs to set you up for success in the things you do the most, like work.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley