3 Things Linemen Can Do To Avoid Musculoskeletal Disorders

Power linemen perform an essential task in installing, maintaining, and repairing our nation’s power grid. It’s also a dangerous occupation in which many workers experience serious injuries caused by exposure to electricity, working from heights, and exposure to the elements. 

Some injuries are evident and come without warning, such as cuts, burns, and broken bones. But other injuries can’t be easily spotted. These are internal damage to the body, and one of the most common is Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Here’s what you need to know about MSDs and the things linemen can do to avoid them on the job. 

What is a Musculoskeletal Disorder?

A musculoskeletal disorder is a common health condition suffered by power linemen due to the stress and strain of climbing poles, heavy lifting, twisting, and reaching. Power linemen are tasked with things like twisting to avoid contact with energized lines, carrying heavy equipment, and climbing ladders or poles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a musculoskeletal disorder as a condition characterized by pain and limited mobility, function, and dexterity. Common MSD conditions include:

• Spine — back and neck pain
• Bones — osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and traumatic fractures
• Joints — osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout
• Muscles — sarcopenia
• Tendons — carpal tunnel syndrome and hand/wrist tendonitis
• Others — inflammatory diseases such as connective tissue diseases, widespread pain disorders, and epicondylitis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has discussed work-related MSDs. Risk factors for MSDs include the duration of exposure, intensity of exposure, and frequency of exposure. Some of the work tasks and conditions that can lead to an MSD include:

• Overhead work
• Routine lifting of heavy objects
• Regular exposure to heavy vibrations
• Performing repetitive forceful tasks
• Working with the neck in a flexed position

Anyone who understands the jobs power linemen perform understands that these are all physical aspects and hazards of the occupation. Unfortunately, this makes power linemen more prone to MSDs than many people with other type of job. 

3 Things Linemen Can Do to Avoid Musculoskeletal Disorders

The CDC also reports that MSDs are associated with high costs to employers and workers, such as increased absenteeism, higher healthcare costs, lost productivity, and more disability and workers’ compensation costs. Fortunately, there are things linemen can do to avoid musculoskeletal disorders. Here are three of them:

1. Stretching to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders

One of the primary causes of MSDs is repetitive stress and strain on different parts of the body. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that some of the injuries could be prevented or lessened by stretching. 

Many power lineman are asked to put their bodies in awkward positions and hold them there while performing work. By taking a few minutes before work and before starting a job to do some stretching exercises, you may be able to handle some of these physically demanding tasks without getting injured. 

2. Risk Control and Elimination

Many MSDs can be avoided through risk control and elimination. This approach involves identifying certain risks, such as heavy lifting or twisting, and then finding the right solutions to lessen or eliminate potential injuries. 

For example, if you have to dig holes, is there a machine that can do it for you instead of doing it by hand? To protect your back when lifting and climbing, you can wear a fitted back brace. Also, some specialized tools can lessen the vibration on a worker’s arms and hands. 

3. Safety and Education Programs 

Another way to reduce the instances of MSDs among power linemen is to teach them how to perform their jobs more safely and ergonomically. For example, there’s a right and wrong way to lift heavy objects or dig a ditch. 

With proper safety and education programs, workers can learn the right way to move their bodies so they can avoid injuries. This training can also teach workers to recognize and address pain before it gets worse. 

Power Linemen Have Rights

Employers of power linemen are subject to the regulations and standards created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Some of these rights include:

• The right to safe working conditions that don’t pose a serious risk of injury or illness
• The right to receive education, training, and up-to-date information about workplace hazards, hazard mitigation strategies, and OSHA standards
• The right to file complaints with OSHA or request workplace inspections if a worker believes that proper standards aren’t being followed without fear of retaliation
• The right to review relevant records of work-related illnesses and injuries

If you’re a power lineman who has been injured at work, you should have a thorough understanding of your employer’s responsibilities and your rights. The mission of Lineman Injury Attorney is to offer knowledgeable and authoritative information regarding OSHA guidelines so workers understand their rights before and after a work-related injury.