Body, chemistry and machinery — the work environment at a bandage factory
How to take care of yourself while working with plastics, grinding dust, adhesives, and heavy lifting
An orthopaedic workshop is an exciting mix of craftsmanship materials technology and fine mechanics. But it is also a place where you must be alert to your own safety. You work with heat-formed plastic grinding machines adhesives and laminating materials and you lift and hold bodies and items for many hours. Good working environment is not something that comes by itself - it is something you learn and stick with.
§Dust and grinding
When you sand gypsum plastic or composite fine dust is released you shouldn't breathe into your lungs. So extraction at the workplace and respiratory protection are absolutely central. Get into the habit from day one of turning on extraction before turning on the machine — not the other way around.
§Chemistry: glue, resin and solvents
Lamination and gluing involve chemicals that can irritate skin and airways, and some can cause allergies over time. You must know the safety datasheets of products, use gloves and respiratory protection as prescribed and ensure good ventilation. It's worth taking seriously: allergies to, for example, hardeners can in the worst case make it impossible for you to work in the field anymore.
§Heat and machines
Thermoplastic must be heated before it can be formed and hot surfaces cause burns if you are careless. Grinding, drilling, and milling machines have rotating parts that are unforgiving of loose hair, jewellery, or frayed sleeves. Learn the machines' safety features, use protective equipment for eyes and hands, and never take shortcuts to save a few seconds.
§Ergonomics: take care of your back, neck and hands.
Much of the work takes place with hands in precise, repeated movements and often in bent-forward postures at the bench. This strains the neck, shoulders, back and wrist. You prevent this by setting the working height correctly, varying your working postures, taking micro-breaks and using aids for heavy lifting instead of pulling items and patients with pure muscle power.
- 01Set the bench and chair so you work with a straight back and relaxed shoulders.
- 02Switch between sitting and standing work, when you can.
- 03Use lifting aids and ask for help with heavy items.
- 04Keep short breaks in repetitive, precise tasks - it prevents mouse damage and tendonitis.
§When humans are part of the work
Part of the job is helping patients in and out of aids and taking measurements and impressions close to the body. It requires good work techniques so you do not twist your back and a caring, calm approach to people who may have pain or feel insecure. Good ergonomics and good patient contact go hand in hand.
“You must be able to sustain the trade for 40 years. It's determined by the habits you develop in the first 40 days.”