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Are you an employee or employer looking to enhance your workplace safety? One of the most pressing issues for many working individuals is the threat of soft-tissue injuries. Read on to learn why soft-tissue injuries are so serious and the proper methods for preventing these ailments in your business.
What Is Soft Tissue?
Soft tissues help support nearly every organ and system within your body. First and foremost, they provide connections and stability for other tissues surrounding vital organs, nerves, tendons, blood vessels, joints, and bones. More importantly, soft tissues are essential for mobility and actively prevent pain and stiffness in weight-bearing joints (knees, ankles, hips). They also reduce inflammation from stress injuries. Conversely, strained or sprained soft tissues are far less flexible, leading to chronic pain and potentially minor immobility. While most soft-tissue injuries heal on their own within six weeks, permanent damage is possible and may require surgery to alleviate negative symptoms.
The Impact of Soft-Tissue Injuries
So why exactly are soft-tissue injuries so serious? Ultimately, these body parts support and provide mobility, a required ability for most professions. Furthermore, they can only heal through weeks of rest therapy or invasive surgical operations, negatively impacting the individual’s career and employer’s business. Finally, the pain associated with soft tissue complications is quite intense and debilitating, putting stress on both the individual’s physical and mental health. Put simply, a soft-tissue injury can put valuable workers out of work for extended periods and potentially cause chronic health problems for the impacted individuals.
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, preventing workplace accidents is a priority. But how can you stop soft-tissue injuries, notoriously underdiagnosed ailments? First, it’s beneficial for businesses to invest heavily in workplace ergonomics to prevent common injuries like tendonitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, and various musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics is important in medical facilities and other industries where employees are up and active for most of their shifts. Another excellent method for preventing soft-tissue injuries in the workplace is to frequently educate the entire staff on the dangers of these ailments. Finally, ensure you maintain a healthy, balanced, and active lifestyle to help strengthen your soft tissue.
Understanding why soft-tissue injuries are so serious and how to prevent them is a massive element of proper workplace safety. Follow this guide to ensure you or your employees have a safe and productive working environment.
