135. GTCTMH MAY 2009
John Miller conducted a Crookback Clinic for The Organisation in May 2009.
191 participants, 149 men and 42 women completed several profiles
■ Health, Fitness and Wellbeing
■ Musculo-skeletal risk
Being a small group the results can't be used to make organisation wide observations. However they will provide participants with an overview of the process of putting in place a firewall between the personally generated musculo-skeletal dysfunctions and the genuine work-related injuries, by
involving staff in a musculo-skeletal health awareness program
measuring the risk of musculo-skeletal dysfunction
auditing the risk
putting in train a regular 10 minute strength and flexibility program
in the workplace
establishing a prehab program for those at most risk
establishing a Formula 1 Rehab program for those who are already injured.
The results are presented in graphic format, with commentary.
Click here to read what the assessments are all about
HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING PROFILE
The Health, Fitness and Wellbeing profile provides people with a very good idea of how well the various systems of the body are functioning, particularly the
the mind
autonomic nervous system
immune system
digestive system
circulatory system
elimination system
musculo-skeletal system
...
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Symptom |
None |
Not much |
A fair bit |
A lot |
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1. |
Headaches including migraines |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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2. |
Lack of energy and vitality |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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3. |
Candida - jock itch, thrush, tinea ... |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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4. |
Poor sleep. If on tablets score 10 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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5. |
Snoring &/or sleep apnoea. Score 10 if using a mask |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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6. |
Crook back, stiff neck, sore shoulders, dicky knee RSI ... |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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7. |
Frequent colds, flu, sinus |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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|
8. |
Unsettled stomach, reflux (Score 10 if on medication) |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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9. |
Overweight - 1 point for every 2Kg |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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|
10. |
Irritable bowel, constipation |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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|
11. |
Asthma |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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12. |
Low level of aerobic fitness |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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13. |
Chest pain, palpitations |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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14. |
Rashes, itchiness, skin outbreaks, psoriasis ... |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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15. |
Mouth ulcers, cold sores |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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16. |
Elevated blood pressure. Score 0 on pills |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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17. |
Elevated blood cholesterol. Score o if on pills |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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18. |
Elevated blood glucose. Score 0 if on medication |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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19. |
Shakes, nervous ticks, mannerisms |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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20. |
Grinding teeth |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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21. |
Alcoholic drinks per day (2 pts/drink) |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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22. |
Smoking. (1 pt/cigarette/day) |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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23. |
Caffeine (1 pt/cup per day) |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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24. |
Anxious about life, insecure, apprehensive |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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25. |
Sad or depressed (On medication, score 0) |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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26. |
In wrong job for now |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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27. |
Under-appreciated at work |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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28. |
Have poor work/life balance |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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29. |
Unhappy with family life |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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30. |
Unhappy with financial status |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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Score |
The score of a normal, fit and healthy human being is less than 20
Higher scores are symptomatic of dysfunction of one or more body systems.
People with high levels of stress usually score well over 100.
For people with a score of more than 80, the background noise of their life is becoming louder and louder. It is hard to concentrate on your work when body systems are dysfunctional.
We know a fit and healthy group when we see the majority of scores below 40. This was not the case with this group. By and large higher scores are usually a reflection of
low levels of fitness
an inability to deal with what life and work are serving up to people.
Remember, it is not what happens, but how we deal with what happens that determines our level of stress.
Classification of average scores: Excellent - less than 40. Good - 41 - 50. Fair 51-60. Poor - over 60.
This profile is described as poor. The average score was 67. It's a surprising result for people who spend a lot of their time in outside. I suspect that a more detailed analysis of the results would show that those involved in constant manual work would have the lowest scores.
Anyone scoring more than 80 is putting up with a lot of 'background noise'.
HEALTH CLIMATE SURVEY
Based on scores received in the Health, Fitness and Wellbeing profile we've compiled a Health Climate Survey. Scores on each item have ranked - the higher the score the worse the problem. We added the scores for each item. The results appear in the table below.
We registered those scores of 5 and over as being a symptom, issue or concern, the most pressing of which have been highlighted.
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Symptoms/ issues / concerns |
% of people scoring over 5 |
Number out of 191 |
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Crook back, sore shoulders |
42 |
10 | ||
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Low level of fitness |
41 |
7 | ||
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Poor sleep |
40 |
8 | ||
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Overweight |
37 |
21 | ||
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Lack of Energy |
34 |
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Snoring, sleep apnoea |
32 |
9 | ||
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Smoking |
32 |
52 | ||
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Under appreciated at work |
31 |
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Financial status |
29 |
21 | ||
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Alcohol |
27 |
13 | ||
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Reflux, unsettled stomach |
23 |
9 | ||
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Work-life balance |
23 |
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Headaches |
22 |
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Anxious |
22 |
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Caffeine |
21 |
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Elevated blood pressure |
18 |
16 | ||
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Elevated cholesterol |
16 |
10 | ||
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Depressed |
16 |
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Frequent colds, flu, sinus |
15 |
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Grinding teeth |
14 |
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Irritable bowel, constipation etc |
13 |
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Itchy, rashes, psoriasis |
12 |
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Shortness of breath from asthma |
11 |
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Candida |
10 |
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Wrong job |
10 |
4 | ||
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Unhappy family life |
9 |
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Chest pain, palpitations |
8 |
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Elevated glucose |
5 |
1 | ||
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Shakes, nervous mannerisms |
5 |
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Mouth ulcers |
3 |
We registered those scores of 5 and over as being a symptom, issue or concern, the most pressing of which have been highlighted.
Perception
Based on people's perception (where they gave a particular symptom a score of 5 or more, and backed up by objective scores) the key issues are
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Musculo-skeletal dysfunction 42% of people said they had some sort of musculo-skeletal dysfunction. This is slightly below the community average but no comfort for an organisation that requires many of it's staff to lift, push, pull, dig ... Many of these people are under trained.
The good news is that well over 90% have indicated they will willingly take part in 10 minutes of strength and flexibility exercises at work each day - and those who are at serious risk - a further couple of longer sessions a week.
On the other hand staff have been shown some of the key exercises they need to do to get themselves back in to better shape and given every encouragement to spend some time each day doing them in their own time. For many people this will restore poor function to good.
Musculo-skeletal dysfunction goes with low levels of strength and flexibility. Those at greatest risk need encouragement to attend a strength and flexibility training program several times a week. |
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Poor sleep 40% of people said they didn't sleep well. Poor sleep comes with low levels of aerobic fitness, the grog and anxiety. |
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32% smoked. This is a poor result. I'd encourage the organisation to move heaven and earth to assist people to give up the habit. It will improve their health and their financial status and increase productivity. |
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Obesity 37% of people said they were more than 10Kg over weight. 21 people were closer to being 20Kg over weight.
Being overweight severely compromises musculo-skeletal function. The people who are overweight are placing acute stress on the organisation's workers compensation arrangements. |
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Snoring 32% of people said they snored loudly enough for it to be a problem.
The recipe for a good snore is to be male, be unfit and at least 20Kg over weight, to have high blood pressure, have a few drinks every night, be stressed out of their brain and sleep on their back. |
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Lack of energy 34% of people said they lacked energy.
Low levels of energy come from many sources, including: - - lack of a good aerobic fitness training program - a diet high in wheat flour and sugar - dullness - 'You only get tired when you're bored.' - ... |
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Fitness 41% said they were unfit. Many of these people were under trained for the work they do.
Bodies are becoming unhealthier, not because they are becoming older but because they don't train.
Fitness has a significant bearing on the scores for low levels of energy, poor sleep, snoring, depression and headaches. |
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Headaches 22% of people said they regularly get headaches. Headaches are caused by - a diet high in wheat flour and sugar - caffeine withdrawal - the grog - lack of oxygen getting to the head - a sluggish elimination system - a head out of alignment due to tight and weak muscles - beating your head against a brick wall - ... |
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Under-appreciation at work 31% of people said they were under-appreciated at work. There is some work to do here.
Managers need to take note and put in train a series of measures to improve this score in say, 3 months time. |
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Being in the wrong job Only 4 people out of 191 thought they were definitely in the wrong job. Compared with other groups we have surveyed this is a very low - and pleasing score. By far and away, most of these people are in the right job and enjoy their work.
There is usually a high and positive correlation between people being in the wrong job and people saying they are under-appreciated at work. This was not the case with this group. |
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Depression and anxiety There is an epidemic of depression in our community and we encourage all organisations to target depression. 16% (30 people) gave themselves a score of 5 or more on the depression question, indicating risk that needs to be dealt with.
4 people were on anti-depressant medication. This is lower than the community average.
There is a significant core of depression that relates to poor health generally.
All body systems are connected. The epidemic of depression will continue to escalate at the same rate as the epidemic of all other body system dysfunctions. People need to be given encouragement to exercise regularly and vigorous, eat less flour and sugar and imbibe less of the culturally chemicals - particularly nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.
Because of the relationship of depression to fitness and diet there is a chance that some people have been misdiagnosed.
Some aspects of depression relate to psychologically generated issues. It is important that these people be encouraged to have regular counselling - through the EAP or other counsellors -
The best book about depression I've read, and what you can do about it, and one that I recommend highly is by psychiatrist, David Servan-Schreiber, Healing Without Freud or Prozac. |
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Blood pressure 18% of people indicated their blood pressure was elevated. Of these 16 people were on blood pressure medication.
Blood pressure is a symptom of body system dysfunction relating directly to
- lack of aerobic fitness - being over weight - being stressed. |
MUSCULO-SKELETAL RISK FACTOR
Our musculo-skeletal risk factor profile looked at a range of parameters including mobility, strength and flexibility and whether people are training to keep themselves strong and flexible.
The musculo-skeletal risk factor profile is comprised of a mix of 7 objective and 3 subjective assessments.
Current musculo-skeletal condition
Closeness to idea weight
Leg strength
Abdominal strength test
Upper body strength test
Flexibility
Functional mobility the ability to sit down and stand up with ease.
Shoulder function
Strength training behaviour
Flexibility training behaviour
A score of 70% is attainable by those who have a regular and systematic training program.
Those scoring less than 70 are not doing sufficient in the way of strength and flexibility exercises. They are therefore exposing themselves to a high risk of musculo-skeletal dysfunction. (It would be bizarre for a workplace to offer to pay the rehabilitation costs of people who were not keeping themselves strong enough or flexible enough to do their job without succumbing to musculo-skeletal dysfunction, wouldn't it?)
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A patchy result. 50% of people scored less than 7/10. They are experiencing quite a bit of pain and discomfort. Those scoring less the 6 need to be required attend a prehab/rehab program, for their own benefit and that of the organisation. |
Almost half the staff were more than 10Kg overweight. 20 people was 20Kg over weight. Being overweight greatly compromises mobility. |
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A good result except for the 8 people who couldn't do one squat and those who scored less than 7/10. |
38% of people failed the abdominal strength test. 28 people couldn't do 1 situp which means they are not protecting their spinal column from dysfunction and misalignment. |
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This is a fair result. 38% people failed the test. 19 people couldn't do 1 pressup. They are leaving themselves open to upper back, shoulder and arm dysfunction. Staff should be able to do 40 pressups on the trot - men on their toes and women in their knees.
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This is a mediocre result. 59 people couldn't touch their toes at all. These people have tight muscles along the back side of their body - calves, hamstrings, buttock and back. It's caused by two things - sitting down and not having a flexibility program. There is a high risk of lower back, neck and shoulder dysfunction. |
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A good result. 24% of person failed the test. 8 people couldn't sit down on the floor and stand up again in 30 seconds. Mobility is severely compromised by dysfunctional knees, hips and backs, plus being over weight. |
Fair. 33% of people had dysfunctional shoulders. The good news is that's it's redeemable. |
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Too few people have a good strength and flexibility training program. It behooves all organisations to put in train a regular and systematic training program, on site, that includes
1. specialist prehab and rehab sessions for those at serious risk and those already dysfunctional.
2. daily 10 minute strength and flexibility sessions for all staff. |
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Average score: 60. As a group this is a mediocre result. The risk of musculo-skeletal dysfunction is high for those scoring less than 60 due to low levels of strength and flexibility. There is a strong case for the organisation to implement an obligatory strength and flexibility program for those who scored less than 60 in this profile. |
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Lack of strength and flexibility is something that the Organisation needs to take seriously and monitor carefully and put in place an organisation-wide strategy to improve musculo-skeletal function. By far and away a high proportion of people do not have a strength and flexibility program. As a result they are getting weaker and tighter by the week, thereby exposing themselves and the organisation to risk.
When push comes to shove and people become dysfunctional, it will be The Organisation that ends up paying the high cost of an avoidable musculo-skeletal complaint. Click here to read the article from injury to dysfunction. Click here to read about swifties and fallacies.
In our opinion musculo-skeletal dysfunction caused by the lack of a regular and systematic strength and flexibility program cannot be classified as an injury. Responsibility for musculo-skeletal dysfunction needs to be sheeted home to individual employees, though its unlikely to happen without the establishment of a culture within the organisation that supports, values and understands strength and flexibility.
We recommend a range of strength and flexibility classes that are readily available Australia-wide: -
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Posture and Flexibility |
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Yoga |
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CrookBack Clinic |
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Tai Chi |
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Pontius Pilates |
The Organisation would place itself in the forefront of OH&S practice if it took the musculo-skeletal risk seriously and moved heaven and earth to educate all staff about this risk and encourage them to take part in a regular strength and flexibility program. Maybe The Organisation and its worker's compensation insurer could invest in a pilot program to increase staff strength and flexibility!
The lack of strength and flexibility training coupled with poor abdominal strength, upper body strength, flexibility and shoulder function is a cause for concern and needs the attention of individual staff and managers.
Recommendation
We strongly recommend that the people who are in current poor musculo-skeletal condition, and who lack abdominal strength, upper body strength, flexibility, shoulder function and functional mobility, in particular those who scored less than 60 on the profile, be obligated to attend regular, in-house strength and flexibility classes.
The pressure on the organisation's workers' compensation costs is such that to do otherwise would, in our opinion be to abrogate a responsibility for the prudent management of the organisation's finances.
COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS ABOUT WHAT THE ORGANISATION COULD DO TO ADOPT THIS TECHNOLOGY
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Encourage pre-shift warmup with a view to implementing a full home-work program |
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Discuss program with my General Manager |
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Recommend presentation be made to Market Mills lead team. |
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For group - share learning |
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Lead team session for Market Mills |
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Endorse strongly program across out business |
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Gain leadership commitment |
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Promote with workgroups - educate - buy in from OHS - warm up stretches as part of toolbox meetings |
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Keep pushing management to recognise the 'H' in 'OH&S' |
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Promote healthy lifestyles - stretching and exercise |