On the seventh day of industrial ergonomics, my favorite safety team gave to me...strategies for preventing repetitive strain injuries, and a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card!
Remember: For your chance to win the daily prize, share this blog on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok and tag the DORN Companies account so we can record your submission. For extra entries, you can share each day’s blog on multiple social media platforms and tag your friends and colleagues in the safety world. This time, share this post with your wellness or HR partner for another chance to win.
The winner from Day 6 of the 12 Days of Ergonomics is Thomas Johnston. (That’s right... He’s a two-time champion! Remember, you can win more than once, so keep those entries coming!)
Today’s prize: $15 Amazon gift card!
How a Proactive Safety Strategy Prevents Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are among the most common and costly workplace injuries today, responsible for an estimated $20 billion in workers’ compensation costs and more than $100 billion in indirect costs, including lost workdays, reduced productivity, and turnover (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Common RSIs include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
These injuries often develop gradually, as employees repeatedly perform the same motions thousands of times over weeks or months. Instead of a single acute incident, RSIs develop through gradual overuse, resulting in pain, stiffness, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected areas.
The Key: Proactive Ergonomics and Preventive Coaching
The most effective way to combat RSIs isn’t reactive treatment, it’s preventative design and continuous education. At DORN, we combine on-site ergonomics coaching, biomechanics assessment, and therapeutic pain relief programs to keep workers healthy and productive.
As DORN’s Cheryl Roy explains in today’s video, here are six powerful ways to reduce RSI risk:
- Encourage micro-breaks and movement: Short, frequent breaks to stretch and move the body reduce accumulated strain.
- Use counter-movements: Move muscles and joints in the opposite direction of repetitive tasks to restore flexibility and blood flow.
- Train proper technique: Offer ongoing coaching that reinforces safe movements and ergonomic awareness.
- Optimize workstation design: Configure tools, desks, and layouts to fit workers, not the other way around.
- Provide soft-tissue therapy: Target affected muscles and connective tissues to relieve discomfort and prevent re-injury.
- Rotate job tasks: Alternate duties to prevent repetitive motion from building up over time.
Why It Matters
A proactive RSI prevention strategy doesn’t just protect workers; it reduces costs, boosts morale, and enhances productivity. When employees move efficiently and pain-free, they’re more focused, engaged, and resilient.
At DORN, we’ve spent over two decades helping organizations reduce musculoskeletal disorders through data-driven ergonomics, body mechanics coaching, and employee care programs.
Thank you for joining us for Day 7 of the 12 Days of Ergonomics! Don’t forget to share this post, tag @DORNCompanies, and mention your wellness partner for your chance to win today’s $15 Amazon gift card.
Stay tuned for Day 8, where we explore the next step in creating a safer, healthier workplace for all.
