Image: Contributed
Darrell Skinner
An Okanagan College professor hopes his research can improve working conditions in one of the province’s most important industries.
Darrell Skinner, an instructor in OC’s therapist assistant program, is leading research into special taping methods for tree planters’ hands and wrists, that could help combat tendonitis.
“There are thousands of tree planters in the province, and while we may think of repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or tennis elbow, imagine planting up to 2,500 trees each day for a number of months,” Skinner says.
Working with a team of students, as well as Mike McAlonan, the owner of Total Physiotherapy in Houston, B.C., Skinner is monitoring the impact of his taping method on repetitive stress injury.
If it proves effective, the method would mean preventing tendonitis from happening, rather than treating it after it occurs.
“More than 30 per cent of tree planters have tendonitis,” McAlonan explains. “It’s likely under-reported, as planters don’t wish to take days off and lose income. Tree planters are like athletes. They have a short season to work, so we manage them like athletes to keep them going until the season comes to an end.”
According to the B.C. Council of Forest Industries, in 2015-16, the forest industry in B.C. generated $833 million in direct public revenue, $12.9 billion in product exports, and trees planted in B.C. captured two billion tonnes of carbon.
“This is an important component to our economy and also supports the environment,” notes Skinner.
Ryan Zapisocki of Windfirm Resources, a company participating in the study, says Skinner’s methods are already having an impact on his workers.
“Our veterans are almost injury free now. Everyone loves it. It’s made a big difference, and it’ll be great for the province once word gets out,” he says.
Skinner’s project is funded by an Engage Grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Image: Contributed
One of the planters taking part in Skinner’s rasearch
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