Back spasms lead to arm amputations?  A worker I recently met was being treated for a back impairment.  One day while operating heavy machinery he had a severe back spasm which caused him to lose his balance and become entangled in the machinery.  His arm had to be amputated as result of his injuries.  Jobsite safety is especially important for workers with physical impairments.  The absence of special considerations or accommodations for these workers can result in secondary injuries which result in even more complex limitations.  The best way to create a safe jobsite for people with disabilities is a joint effort of safety specialists and assistive technology professionals working together. 

In his article Addressing Safety Challenges for Disabled Workers, safety professional Brandon Emmick explains how ergonomics and accommodations are primary preventative efforts to keep work sites safe for people with disabilities.  Appropriate work station heights, lighting arrangements and seating are critical to prevent repetitive motion injuries.  In addition, ramps of adequate length and widened doorways allow safe access to buildings and facilities.  Assistive technology professionals can evaluate and recommend such accommodations for a worker with disabilities. 

Personal protective equipment is also essential to safe worksites.  Organizations such as Orr Safety, Inc. supply a broad range of safety equipment to prevent falls, cushion knees, filter air, etc.  These items are designed to improve the safety of all workers; however they provide added benefit to those with disabilities or who are returning to work after an injury.  For example, anti-vibration gloves serve the preventative purpose of reducing vibration impacts on a worker’s hands, and additionally reduce the pain felt by a worker with rheumatoid arthritis.  Cooling bandanas help prevent heat stress for workers, and additionally help workers with spinal cord injuries control their body temperature because they cannot sweat. 

Some personal protective equipment may need to be specially fitted for a person with a disability.  Welding helmets are an example.  If a welder does not have free movement of his neck muscles, the quick nod required to lower the face shield would be impossible.  Auto-darkening helmets can be lowered and left in place without obstructing the vision regardless of the welding arc.  An assistive technology professional is specially trained to communicate with and understand the needs of people with disabilities.  Consulting with such professionals can help the safety specialist protect the health of workers with disabilities on the job. 

In conclusion, Brandon Emmick lays out a great case for the need of careful consideration for workplace safety of people with disabilities.  This can be best accomplished by a partnership between a trained safety specialist and an assistive technology professional.  The combination of these skill sets will provide workers with appropriate accommodations and specialized personal protective equipment to ensure the safest work place possible.