Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/104912
says. ���It���s important to go take a look at the processes, the work flows, to make sure that they are being done ergonomically correct so that there is the least amount of stress on their bodies as possible.��� ���So many companies that we���re working with are dealing with an aging workforce,��� says Chris Resch, a chiropractor with Schubbe-Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of Appleton and Neenah. One company Resch works with has an average employee age of 54. So issues such as weight management and diabetes come into play as well, he says. Schubbe-Resch has presented more than 1,000 prevention talks during the last 20 years, reaching more than 30,000 people in the Fox Valley. The clinic also works on site at 14 area companies weekly to meet with employees experiencing aches and pains and offers diagnosis and solutions such as exercise, stretching, heat and ice. ���What we���re really trying to do is to prevent the problem from becoming a bigger problem,��� Resch says. While the kinds of injuries that Blankenheim sees in the workplace varies, ���mostly, I think what industry right now struggles with is upper extremity and primarily shoulder, because shoulders in an aging workforce can be problematic,��� Samuels says. Shoulder injuries also can be expensive injuries, so it pays to focus on mitigating risk for those kinds of problems. Companies also are starting to realize that treating outside injuries such as sports-related strains helps prevent workplace injuries. ���It���s a great benefit to employees, and it also helps productivity and morale,��� Resch says. Graphics Packaging, which works with Blankenheim, also offers that service to its employees. ���We have employees who maybe have a sore shoulder from starting out softball again, or a sore knee,��� Ziebell says. ���During the time period that Blankenheim is here the therapist will give them stretches and ���You don���t want a six-foot person standing next to a four-foot person. Obviously, there���s going to be some ergonomic accommodations that are going to need to be made.��� ��� Suzanne Laurent, division manager for WorkPlace Solutions suggestions of things to do.��� The program helps Graphics Packaging because the employees are healthier at work, not suffering from personal injury issues, and resolving outside issues can help prevent workplace injuries. ���It affects their production, and it affects their time here if they���re not feeling right,��� Ziebell says. CC10-1212 Nail the Money_Half Pg Jr_Insight_Final.indd 1 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m 1/2/13 8:18 AM January 2013 ��� Insight on Manufacturing | 13