Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs): An Overview
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) are strains that result from long-term repetitive motion or from continually working in an awkward position. Strains commonly occur in the wrists, arms, shoulders or back, which affects the body’s joints and surrounding muscles and tendons. CTDs one of fastest growing occupational problems today. Not only are they the cause of great discomfort, but they can also affect a person’s lifestyle and type of work they can do.
CTD Prevention
Some methods to avoiding CTDs include:
- Rotate work tasks to change how your muscles are used during a shift;
- Avoid awkward body positions while completing a task;
- Take periodic breaks to alleviate fatigue; and,
- Always use proper lifting techniques.
All muscle discomfort and fatigue is not a CTD; everyone experiences occasional aches and pains from work and play. However, awkward, repetitive work positions can result in log-term physical problems. So, it’s up to you to prevent CTDs, when possible, by including the methods above in your hazard analysis for any task.
