WHY LINEWORKERS ARE JUST LIKE ATHLETES

Leaning over the bucket all day and constantly having to look up are some of the strenuous actions of an every day lineworker. Unfortunately, these consistent actions can cause injuries and chronic pain if not treated properly. Unlike the traditional athlete, lineworkers work more often with less downtime than the average athlete which can create prolonged injuries. Learning how to properly position the body and practicing daily stretches can prevent more injuries from occurring.

Here are some of the ways you can practice less injury-inducing position to create a safer work environment.

The first step is to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your arms at your side to alleviate stress on your spine. Next, alleviate stress off your shoulders and back by not allowing yourself to bend with your back or reaching too far above your head. When working with your hands, be sure not to use the pinching motion, this can eventually cause arthritis. Instead, grab the object with your whole hand and keep your wrist at a 45-degree angle to elbows. To help improve tense areas around the neck and back, it's recommended to do daily set of stretches while on the job. Sticking with this routine can reduce doctor visits and help improve and prevent injuries.

Source: Lineworkers Are Athletes, Too: Taking a Sports Medicine Approach to the Aches and Pains of the Job
https://www.cooperative.com/news/Pages/lineworkers-are-athletes-sports-medicine-approach-to-aches-and-pains-on-job.aspx