Ease the Strain By Using Ergonomic Measurements

More than two thirds of injured workers suffer from repetitive strain injuries, costing over $300 million in lost working hours. A survey of over 1,000 office staff found when employees do report injuries to HR managers, 68% did nothing.¹ Time and motion studies (TMS) work to address these issues.

Time and Motion Studies (TMS) help employers to:

1. Identify risk factors for repetitive motion injuries.

2. Assess the credibility of repetitive strain injuries.

3. Make recommendations that will help reduce claims and costs.

TMS is a complex evaluation measuring the elements of various job tasks to identify the presence of risk factors for upper extremity repetitive, forceful motion injuries (workplace musculoskeletal disorders) such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The process entails an onsite visit to the workplace by a Vocational Case Manager specially trained in ergonomics. While at the facility a description of the job tasks are obtained, production records are reviewed and measurements are taken. Workers are then videotaped performing all major, required job tasks. The results are then organized, analyzed and compared to nationally recognized risk assessment instruments to determine the presence of risk for compensable injuries. The study then can apply to everyone with the same job description.

If the job tasks do not place workers at risk, the claims professional can then pursue denial of claim (per jurisdictional guidelines). If the study proves tasks are not forceful in nature, it may eliminate future claims. If the job is repetitive, forceful and potentially harmful to workers, an edited video is provided with a report to assist the employer to modify the work environment, eliminate unnecessary tasks, lower claims or control costs.

1. Claims that include workplace musculoskeletal disorders.

2. Clients with workers doing forceful work or repetitive motion.

3. Investigations where no previous incidents were reported.

4. Questions of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy and obesity.

5. Previous workers compensation claims for a similar injury.

6. When further information or clarification is needed to determine injury causation.

Contributor: Broadspireproviding workers compensation third-party administrative services. For more information, contact Broadspire by calling 1-866-625-1662 or emailing us at [email protected]; www.choosebroadspire.

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