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WORKPLACE

ERGONOMICS

FID 26002

Occupational Health

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The benefits of an ergonomic program3

Decreased injuries, illnesses, and workers

compensation costs.

Increased efficiency at work.

Increased physical well being.

Decreased absenteeism and turnover.

Increase in employee morale.

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Ergonomic related injuries4

May be called:CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders)

RSIs (repetitive stress injuries)RMIs (repetitive motion injuries)

Which are all considered:MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders)

MSDs can affect muscles, tendons, nerves, jointsand spinal disks.

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Common types of MSDs5

Tendonitis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tennis Elbow

Neck and Back injuries Strains/Sprains Bursitis Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Trigger finger

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Risk factors and causes of MSDs6

Repetition Force Awkward Posture Static Posture Contact Stress Temperature Extremes

Vibration Psycho Social

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Identifying Risk Factors7

Conditions or circumstances that increase thechances of developing a MSD.

The likelihood of developing an injury is

dependent on the frequency and duration ofexposure to risk factors.

Both occupational and personal risk factors

can affect an individuals well being at home orwork.

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Repetition8

Occurs when the same or similar movementsare performed frequently.

Repetition can also occur when different tasks

are performed if those tasks have the samemovements.

Injury may result from repetition when the

tissues do not have adequate time to recover.

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Force9

Force is the amount of physical effort requiredby a person to do a task or maintain control oftools or equipment.

A pinch grip produces 3-5 times more force onthe tendons in the wrist than a grip with thewhole hand.

With excessive force the muscles arecontracting much harder than normal, this canlead to stress on the muscles, tendons and

joints.

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Awkward Posture1

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Is a deviation from the neutral bodyposition.

A neutral body position is safest and most

efficient position in which to work.

Awkward posture puts stress on muscles,tendons and joints.

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Static Posture1

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Static posture occurs when one position isheld for a prolonged period of time.

The muscles will become fatigued from a lack

of blood flow during a static posture.

This fatigue can lead to discomfort and eveninjury.

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Contact Stress1

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Contact stress is caused by any sharp or hardobject putting localized pressure on a part ofthe body.

Contact stress will irritate local tissues andinterfere with circulation and nerve function.

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Temperature Extremes1

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Environmental conditions suchas extreme heat or cold can

place stress on tissues. Extreme cold constricts blood

vessels and reduces sensitivityand coordination of body parts.

Excessive heat can result inincreased fatigue and heatstress.

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Vibration1

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Exposure to vibration can occurwhile using power tools or while

driving equipment. Vibration from power tools can

place stress on the tissues of thefingers, hand and arms.

Whole body vibration from drivingputs stress on the spinal tissues.

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Psycho-social Issues1

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Stress, boredom, job dissatisfaction andanxiety can contribute to the possibility ofdeveloping a MSD.

Psycho-social issues can create increasedmuscle tension and reduce a persons

awareness of work technique.

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Office Ergonomics1

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By applying ergonomic principles to the officesetting, risk factors are minimized, productivity isincreased, and overall workplace quality is

improved. The workstation must be adjusted to promote a

neutral position while a person works.

When adjusting a workstation, keep in mind that allof the equipment interacts. Making one adjustmentmay alter another.

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Adjusting the Workstation1

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Adjust the Chair.

Adjust reach requirements.

Adjust focal requirements.

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Correct the Environment1

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Check lighting, noise and temperature.

Check work pace and stress levels.

Check work processes.

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Improve Posture and Habits1

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Modify wrist/hand motions

Improve neck and back postures

Consider personal preferences

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Industrial Ergonomics2

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By applying ergonomic principles in industrialsettings, a safer, healthier and more productivework environment can be developed

Employees and employers need to know how tominimize risk factors by choosing the best toolsand work techniques for a given task.

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Arrange the work area2

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Consider the base of support.

Place equipment and materials where

appropriate.

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Choose the appropriate tools2

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Check the fit.

Make sure the tools match the task.

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Correct the environment2

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Adjust lighting, noise and temperature whenpossible.

Check work pace.

Check work processes.

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Improve work techniques and habits2

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Improve postures.

Check work techniques.

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Control Strategies2

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The next step is to develop and implementcontrol strategies to increase quality andproductivity.

Once the risk factors and their causes areidentified, control strategies can be

implemented based on needs.

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Engineering Controls2

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Appropriate initial design of the work station orwork area.

Improving the design of the existing work area

or equipment. Providing necessary equipment and

accessories.

Adjusting the work station layout andequipment.

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Administrative Controls2

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Training workers in work methods.

Varying or rotating work tasks.

Limiting extended work hours.

Providing mini-breaks.

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Personal Protective Equipment2

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PPE acts as a barrier between a person and ahazard.

PPE is only appropriate in situations whenengineering or administrative controls cannot

be implemented. Back belts and other braces are not

considered PPE. These devices should not beused in place of incorrect work techniques.

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What you can do to prevent injury.2

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Develop an Ergonomics program.

Take proper breaks.

Health and Fitness.

Be aware of your hobbies away from work.

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THANK YOU

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