WorkPro

10095 Brick Church Road • Cambridge, Ohio 43725 • 740-439-8191

"Providing Health Care for the Prevention of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses"

Providing Health Care for the Prevention of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

February 2000

New CT Scan has arrived:

The new GE LightSpeed Computerized Tomography Scanner has arrived at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. The scanner began operating the end of December 1999, and our unit is one of only 200 available in the world.

Some direct benefits and features for the patient are:
    Ø Increased comfort and accuracy
    Ø Improve speed up to six times faster than any other CT scanner available
    Ø Less time needed for breath holds, resulting in better patient comfort
    Ø Improved performance, allowing for better 3-D images

Using LightSpeed, a CT exam of the body that used to take three minutes can now
be completed in 20 seconds.

Originally developed in the 1970's, CT exams combine the power of x-ray technology and computers, allowing physicians to view wafer-thin cross sections of internal anatomy without the need for surgery.

An estimated 50 million CT exams are performed annually around the world.

OSHA Ergonomics Plan:

The OSHA proposed ergonomics rule for American businesses should be finalized by the end of 2000. "Work-related disorders such as back injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome are still the most prevalent, most expensive and most preventable work related injuries in the country," according to U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman. An estimated 300,000 workers can be spared from potentially disabling injuries and $9 billion can be saved annually.

Fewer than 30% of general industry employers have instituted ergonomics programs. Many employers recognize the need to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), but some have not followed through. The OSHA proposal identifies six elements for a full ergonomics program (required only if one or more work-related MSD actually occurred):
    1. Management leadership and employee participation
    2. Hazard information and reporting
    3. Job hazard analysis and control
    4. Training
    5. MSD management
    6. Program evaluation

About 1.6 million employers need to implement a basic ergonomics program:
    1. Assign someone to be responsible for ergonomics
    2. Provide information to employees: signs and symptoms, risk of injury and importance of reporting
    3. Reporting system for employees with signs and symptoms

The proposal has a "Quick Fix" alternative to setting up a full program: correct a hazard within 90 days, check to see that the fix really works and no further action is needed. A "grandfather" clause gives credit to employers which already have effective ergonomics program.

One of the greatest benefits of the proposed rule may be ensuring equal protection for workers' nationally. Employers can also stand to gain a great deal from the rule. The employer can expect to see reductions in lost time and workers' compensation costs, as well as increased productivity.

For more information the proposal was published in the November 23, 1999 Federal Register at: www.osha-slc/ergonomics-standard/.

Message From the Doctor:

No matter how hard we try to prevent injuries in the workplace, some will still occur. The challenge then becomes dealing with them effectively. Improper treatment may not only fail to improve a worker's condition; it may even contribute to the individual's disability. At this February's meeting of the Safety Council, I will be presenting a treatment model called S.P.I.C.E., as outlined by Alan Colledge, M. The basis of the S.P.I.C.E. model is as follows:

Simplicity - This is extremely important. When we deal with simple problems in a complicated manner, they become complicated.

Proximity - this refers to the need to keep the injured worker involved in the workplace, both physically and psychologically.

Immediacy - Dealing with injuries in a timely manner helps to avoid fostering "disabled" behavior.

Centrality - All parties dealing with the injured worker must share a common vision and common goals to achieve success.

Expectancy - Like other people, injured workers will often live up - or down - to expectations, and will learn to fit the labels placed on them. Therefore, it is vital to communicate reasonable expectations and avoid labels that reinforce self-images of disability.

Getting injured workers back to their jobs - and to their other activities - is a goal we all share. Hopefully, a shared approach can help us meet this challenge. I look forward to seeing many of you at Safety Council, February 23, 2000, at 8:00am at SEORMC. For further information call WorkPro at 439-8189.