Your pocket guide to Preventing Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are the most common type of injuries for equipment operators. They might not kill you, but they can make life very uncomfortable. However, they’re also fairly easy to prevent with a little extra care and attention.

Sprain: a stretch or tear of a ligament – a band of fibrous tissue connecting two or more bones at a joint. Usually caused by a fall, sudden twist or a blow, forcing a joint out of its normal position.

Strain: an injury to a muscle, or to a tendon that connects muscle to bone – either a stretch or a tear. Usually caused by twisting or pulling the muscle or tendon.

Preventing sprains and strains:

• Eat a healthy diet to keep muscles strong.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Keep fit.
• Stretch gently and warm muscles up before starting heavy work such as lifting.
• Wear boots which fit properly, with good traction. Keep them snugly laced.
• Keep steps, ladders and handrails free of ice, snow and debris.
• Include steps, rails, ladders and handholds in your circle check. Report missing or damaged parts. Is tire inflation correct?
• Adjust your seat for your height and weight.
• Park your equipment on solid, dry ground.
• Check travelway for large rocks and debris that could cause bumps and jolts.

3-point contact:

Many injuries are a result of slips and falls while people are climbing in and out of vehicles. One sure way to prevent these is by adopting 3-point contact. Always have at least three points of your body in contact with something solid when climbing a ladder or getting in and out of a vehicle – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.

First aid for sprains and strains:

Use the RICE formula to treat the pain, swelling, bruising and stiffness if a sprain or strain does occur:

R est
I ce
C ompression
E levation

For Inquiries Contact:

MASHA- 690 McKeown Ave.,
North Bay, ON P1B 9P1
ph. (705) 474-7233 x261
f. (705) 472-5800