A Trick Up Their Sleeves: How Compression Wear is Changing Workplace Safety with Charles “Chuck” Letchworth & Robert Lisson, On Site Therapy LLC
Episode 8: Show Notes
What if the key to reducing workplace injuries and fatigue was as simple as wearing a compression sleeve? In this episode, host Dr. Matt Jeffs sits down with Charles “Chuck” Letchworth and Robert Lisson of On Site Therapy LLC to discuss how compression wear is transforming workplace safety. While compression gear is often associated with athletes, Chuck and Robert are pioneering its use in industrial settings to help workers combat fatigue, reduce strain, and improve overall performance.
They offer important insights into the power of compression wear and break down the science behind improved circulation, swelling reduction, and enhanced muscle function. Chuck explains how his background in the U.S. Marine Corps gave him a unique perspective on teamwork and injury prevention and Robert shares how his experience in post-offer employment testing provides a deeper understanding of workplace ergonomics. Together, they unpack how compression wear works, common misconceptions about compression wear, and the value of lymphedema management to companies. Tune in for expert insights, real-world applications of innovative ergonomics technology, and even a few surprising war stories from the field of workplace safety!
Key Points From This Episode:
[01:04] The 'aha' moment that led to using compression wear for workplace safety.
Chuck explains how his background in therapy and lymphedema management helped him realize the potential of compression sleeves beyond athletics and the benefits of reduced swelling and enhanced circulation for physically demanding jobs.
[02:33] The adoption of fatigue and muscle management solutions by companies.
Explore how companies in the U.S. and Canada are shifting their focus to fatigue management. Robert explains the growing need for solutions that help employees maintain endurance and productivity while reducing the long-term risk of injuries.
[04:00] How Chuck’s military experience shaped his approach to workplace safety.
Chuck breaks down the similarities between the structured teamwork of the Marine Corps and effective injury prevention in the workplace. He also discusses the importance of a cohesive approach where every effort contributes to reducing strain and fatigue.
[05:44] Examples of the most surprising post-offer employment test results.
Robert shares stories from his experience designing and conducting employment tests, including unexpected encounters with professional athletes and extreme cases of job applicants struggling with endurance and fitness.
[08:15] The science behind lymphatic drainage and its role in ergonomics.
Chuck explains why compression wear, fitted adequately for workers, enhances circulation, improves movement efficiency, and prevents fatigue.
[10:08] Key benefits of lymphatic management that employers find most attractive.
Robert explains how small changes can lead to a healthier and more productive workforce. Find out about the benefits of shift rotations and movement-based interventions.
[11:51] Insight into the fundamentals of movement science.
Unpack the origins of movement science and motion analysis, how it has changed over time, and how its contemporary form is an advantage to the field of ergonomics.
[14:37] The science behind compression wear and how it reduces fatigue.
Find out the difference between standard compression and gradient compression and how properly fitted sleeves enhance circulation and reduce muscle strain, particularly for aging workers.
[17:07] Stories from being an expert witness for injury investigations.
A memorable moment from Robert’s time as an expert witness on a multi-million dollar lawsuit, and he explains how working as an expert witness adds to his expertise.
[20:25] What people get wrong about compression wear.
Chuck busts some common myths and talks about the misconceptions surrounding the applications of compression wear in the workplace.
[22:43] Future outlook for innovative compression technologies in the workplace.
Uncover the potential for integrating compression wear with sensor technology to track real-time fatigue levels and provide data-driven insights for improved workplace safety.
[24:45] How people can learn more and connect with Chuck and Robert
Chuck and Robert share their contact details and encourage listeners to reach out through On Site Therapy’s website to learn more about their workplace injury prevention solutions.
Quotes:
“Work is going to go through another evolution where our focus is on how to maximize the workforce that we have.” — Robert Lisson [0:02:45]
“The more symbiotic everybody can work, the better outcome we are going to have. That is what I learned [as a tanker in the Marine Corps]. It’s got to be a team approach in order to have a solution.” — Charles "Chuck" Letchworth [0:04:29]
“In our pursuit of being more efficient, sometimes we forget the benefit of movement.” — Robert Lisson [0:10:21]
Longer Quotes:
“We come from a field of being able to handle, [work with], and touch individuals. Sometimes when you go into a facility, you may have an individual that says, ‘One size fits all.’ That is certainly not the case. The performance of the product is similar to the performance of an engine. The more you can have it dialed in with the proper type of pistons, carburetion, and air-fuel mixture is the same way the body is going to respond.” — Charles "Chuck" Letchworth [0:20:27]
Links & Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Charles “Chuck” Letchworth on LinkedIn