To Warm-Up, or Not to Warm-Up?
A group warm-up programme not only helps prevent injuries but can foster team culture and unity. Check out this video showcasing one of our warm-up exercises, the Rugby Line Out. This [...]
Consider a scenario where many individuals are engaged in identical tasks within a working environment. Injuries may occur in some, while others remain unscathed.
For instance, in an abattoir, some workers may complain of discomfort in their forearm and elbow region as a consequence of knife usage, yet others don’t have a problem. Similarly, in a distribution centre, while some individuals may suffer from back pain following pallet stacking, others are unaffected.
It is intriguing to note that some individuals may perform their duties for complete shifts, without experiencing any discomfort whatsoever.
Why is this?
Close observation identifies unique characteristics among those who remain uninjured. I like to refer to these individuals as being ‘Physically Intelligent.’
Their distinctive characteristics include :
✅ The ability to detect early signs of physical distress in their body and make necessary adjustments to avoid discomfort.
✅ Possession of effective movement habits that enable them to utilize their body optimally, combining strength and efficiency, without straining or fatiguing themselves.
These people are our ‘experts’ in performing physical tasks effectively and they have been my ‘learning platform’ for the past twenty years.
If you observe a group of people in action, you will undoubtedly notice subtle, yet significant variations in their technique.
For instance, an individual employed in a meat processing plant will typically grip a knife leading their grip with their little finger, while a person in discomfort tends to grip evenly with their whole hand.
Similarly, a pain-free worker stacking pallets in a distribution centre tends to move their feet to prevent awkward twisting and maintain balance, whereas a person who bends off balance, without moving their feet, will inevitably develop discomfort.
Not-with-standing the significance of enhancements to workplace setups, utilisation of mechanical aids and efficient workflow; among other critical elements in preventing injuries, the GOLD in preventing manual handling-related injuries is to teach individuals the safe movement habits of ‘Physically Intelligent’ individuals.