USDA TARGET Center PresentsUSDA TARGET Center PresentsErgo U!Ergo U!

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

The science of fitting the job to the worker.

The study of designing equipment to reduce fatigue, discomfort and injury.

Allows the worker to feel comfortable, healthy and more productive at work.

What You Will LearnWhat You Will Learn

Ergonomic techniques that will reduce your risk for repetitive stress injury.

How to properly set up your work space.

Exercises you can do at the workplace.

How to obtain reasonable accommodations.

Ergonomic Program BenefitsErgonomic Program Benefits

Reduce Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs).

Decrease worker’s compensation costs and absenteeism.

Increase worker productivity and morale.

Basic Ergonomic PrinciplesBasic Ergonomic Principles

Adjustable workplaces to accommodate to the needs of the individual.

Maintaining good posture and neutral positions.

Incorporating mini-breaks and task variety into your workday.

Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.

The Workplace: The Workplace: Yesterday and TodayYesterday and Today

Incidence of Workplace InjuriesIncidence of Workplace Injuries

An estimated $15 billion is spent yearly on ergonomically related injuries.

The USDA spent $3,187,566 on CTS in 1996 alone.

Increased Incidence of RSIs Increased Incidence of RSIs correlates with Increased PC usecorrelates with Increased PC use

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) and work musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD)

Defined by excessive wear and tear on the body caused by continuous use over time without adequate rest.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

RSI causes damage to tendons, nerves, muscles, and connective tissue primarily in the arms, hands, neck, and back.

You can help prevent RSIs with knowledge and practicing healthy work habits.

Risk Factors for Risk Factors for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Performing one task for more than 4 hours a day.

Maintaining a static, awkward position or performing forceful, repetitive tasks.

Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, & obesity.

Job dissatisfaction, stress, and depression.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) CausesCauses

Awkward Postures

Vibrations

Force

Repetitive Tasks

Inadequate rest or infrequent breaks.

Awkward PosturesAwkward Postures

Overhead reaching

Bending at the back

Twisting

Outstretching arms or legs

Turning neck

Gripping

Crouching shoulders

Slouching

Keeping wrists bent

Physical Symptoms of Physical Symptoms of Repetitive Strain InjuriesRepetitive Strain Injuries

Pain

Tingling

Numbing

Cold hands or feet

Unexplained fatigue

Muscle weakness

Loss of function

Nocturnal wakening due to pain

Aching

Anatomy of Anatomy of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Anatomy ofAnatomy ofCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Typical Symptoms ofTypical Symptoms ofCarpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness in fingers and forearm.

Tingling in hand, especially thumb.

Aching and burning sensation.

Hand falling asleep frequently.

Frequently dropping items.

Shoulder or forearm pain.

Avoiding Avoiding Carpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome

Keep hands and wrists relaxed and in a neutral position by adjusting keyboardheight and angle.

Align wrists with the forearm and keep arms at 90 degrees.

Keep keyboard low. Consider anadjustable keyboard tray.

Avoiding Avoiding Carpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome

Place mouse next to keyboard to avoid stretching arm to reach.

Rest hands on lap when not typing or using mouse.

Consider Voice Recognition Software and other adaptive strategies.

Avoiding Avoiding Carpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome

Avoiding Back, Neck and Avoiding Back, Neck and Shoulder PainShoulder Pain

Adjust chair to support lower back curve.

Sit with buttocks in back of chair rather than the edge to maximize back support.

Shorten seat pan or move forward the backrest so there is no pressure behind the knees.

Avoiding Back, Neck and Avoiding Back, Neck and Shoulder PainShoulder Pain

Get up and stretch every half hour.

Vary your chair adjustments throughout the day.

Roll shoulders and neck during the day.

Keep arms at 90 degree angle when typing.

Avoiding Back, Neck and Avoiding Back, Neck and Shoulder PainShoulder Pain

Avoid twisting, bending, and heavy lifting.

Move entire body rather than just neck. Remember your eyes move independently from your neck.

Don’t rest phone on neck.

Do not bend at the waist, use your quads.

Avoiding Back and Leg PainAvoiding Back and Leg Pain

Lower chair or use footrest to avoid feet from dangling.

Don’t keep legs propped up in a straight position under your desk.

Minimize slouching and excessive arching.

Stretch legs and stand up every 30 minutes.

Avoiding Back and Neck PainAvoiding Back and Neck Pain

Avoiding back and leg painAvoiding back and leg pain

Causes of Eye StrainCauses of Eye Strain

Viewing computer screen for extended periods of time without a break.

Dusty screen or anti glare filter.

Computer screen more than an arm’s length away from user.

Bright, fluorescent lighting, or poor natural light.

Preventing Eye StrainPreventing Eye Strain

Blink hard periodically and move eyes side to side to keep eyes moist.

Vary tasks so you take breaks from looking at computer.

Close blinds if there is a glare on computer screen.

Place document holder in comfortable position to prevent shifting focus.

Consider an anti-glare filter.

Keep computer screen clean and an arm’s distance away.

Preventing Eye StrainPreventing Eye Strain

What’s wrong w/ this Picture?What’s wrong w/ this Picture?rightright

Stress and RSIsStress and RSIs

Controlling StressControlling Stress

See tech delays as opportunities to catch up, not as hassles.

When waiting for a download, take a deep breath and close eyes.

Maintain a balanced perspective.

TAKE LUNCH!

Controlling StressControlling Stress

Provide input at work. Be assertive, not aggressive or submissive.

Keep a log of daily events and stress level.

Find where your body carries stress.

Exercise!

Train To Be an Office Athlete!Train To Be an Office Athlete!

Ergonomic Products AvailableErgonomic Products Available

Ergonomic Products AvailableErgonomic Products Available

General Advice to Avoid InjuryGeneral Advice to Avoid Injury

Listen to your body! If it hurts, don’t do it.

Use larger muscles for repetitive tasks.

Maintain an active life outside of work.

Exercise and keep a good weight.

Get regular check-ups and eye exams.

Give yourself time to change work habits.

General Advice to Avoid InjuryGeneral Advice to Avoid Injury

Maintain a healthy perspective and positive attitude.

Keep visual reminders to self on ergonomic principles and techniques.

Recognize symptoms early and act!

See a doctor, don’t treat yourself

Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable Accommodations

“An employer is required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified, disabled employees unless doing so would cause undue hardship.”

This includes: job restructuring, acquiring or modifying equipment, and reassignment.

Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable Accommodations

An employer does not have to eliminate an essential function of the job.

An employer does not have to purchase equipment requested if an equally effective alternative found.

Only employees with a documented disability are covered by the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.

Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable AccommodationsUSDA policy:

“When in doubt, accommodate!”

Early accommodations can prevent disability and increase productivity.

59.6% of accommodations cost $100 or less. Only 6% cost over $1,000.*

Accommodations can be made at no cost.

Steps for Determining Steps for Determining Reasonable AccommodationReasonable Accommodation

Consult with person requesting help.

Identify possibilities for accommodating.

Obtain technical assistance, if needed.

Determine job needs and alternatives.

Implement most effective accommodation.

Periodically review effectiveness.

Central FundingCentral Funding

There is help available to purchase RA.

Each mission area is required to establish a central fund to purchase reasonable accommodations for people w/ disabilities.

Contact your DEPM or TARGET Center to find out more on central funding.

TARGET CenterTARGET Centerwww.usda.gov/oo/target.htmwww.usda.gov/oo/target.htm

Provides education & demonstrations of assistive technology and ergonomics.

Ergonomic ResourcesErgonomic Resources

www.ergoweb.com

www.ergometrics.com

www.osha-slc.gov/sltc/ergonomics

www.sechrest.com

General ResourcesGeneral Resources

USDA TARGET Center (202)720-2600 or www.usdagov/oo/target.htm

Job Accommodations Network 1-800-232-9675 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu.

Disability and Federal Government

www.disability.gov