Blog Archives - Columbia River Occupational Health

Shoulder conditions are one of the most common causes of pain and disability among workers. Occupational factors related to shoulder pain in the workplace varies based on physical exposures related to the type of work, overall working conditions, repetitive activities, ergonomic resources, and their past medical history. Columbia River Occupational Health Clinic in Vancouver, WA can answer questions regarding work related injuries as a resource for employers as well as for workers.

In the states of Washington and Oregon, in order for a shoulder condition to be accepted as an occupational injury or disease, “the provider must document that the […]

Audiometric testing monitors an employee’s hearing over time. It also provides an opportunity for employers to educate employees about their hearing and the need to protect it.

The employer must establish and maintain an audiometric testing program including baseline audiograms, annual audiograms, training, and follow-up procedures. Employers must make audiometric testing available at no cost to all employees who are exposed to an action level of 85 dB or above, measured as an 8-hour TWA. A licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other physician must be responsible for the program. However, both professionals and trained technicians may […]

If you work at a computer desk all day, you may be overextending particular muscles or joints that can develop chronic pain. There are labor regulations that allow for a more ergonomic workplace to avoid injury from excessive strain on the body.  Ergonomics is derived from the Greek words, “ergos,” meaning work, and from “nomos,” meaning laws. The study of ergonomics began more than 120 years ago although effective methods were not put into practice until World War II. As industrial production increased, particularly war equipment such as ships, aircraft, and weapons, physical injuries required engineers to find solutions to […]