Presented By: Frank Gonzales, CEES, CEAS LIBRARY ERGONOMICS Presented By: Frank Gonzales, CEES, CEAS

SO….WHY AM I HERE? IDENTIFY potentially harmful activities on the job. MODIFY work practices to reduce injury. ASSIST with ergonomic problems you face @ work. ANSWER questions SUPPLY you with ergo tools you can use indefinitely!

Ergonomics at Work - Reducing awkward lifting Mini-pallet for hand truck This is a simple and effective idea from a library to help with moving tote boxes full of books. Rather than having to lift boxes to stack them on the hand truck, they built these “mini-pallets” out of ½” plywood and 1x1 risers. This allows the hand truck nose plate to slide easily under the stack of totes.

Ergonomics at Work - Reducing low work Raise and tilt the work This is one example of a simple way to raise and tilt lightweight boxes for easy loading and unloading. It’s a box stand made out of PVC pipe. For $20 worth of pipe and glue, and a little time measuring and cutting with a hacksaw, some workers were able to make their jobs a little easier.

Risk Factors for MSD’s Repetitive Motion (without adequate rest periods) Force (sustained beyond minimum effort) Awkward Postures (prolonged and/or static) Contact Stress (compromised circulation) Environmental (noise, temperature, vibration) Vibration (neurovascular shutdown) Physical and Emotional Stress

Work Zones The location of frequently-used devices (keyboard, phone, and mouse) should remain within the repetitive access (primary work zone) Figure 3. Recommended zones for workplace components

Scanning/Bar-coding Avoid bending over Use an appropriate chair Pull boxes out slightly to decrease reach Set boxes on thighs Use technique that is comfortable for you but does not expose you to injury risks

Bending/Kneeling Contact Stress - Concrete floor

Use a Stool

Back Injuries Washington State Lifting Equation (Lift of 44 lb tray is a Hazard) Lift from standing on ground to above shoulder holding 44 lbs (1 tray/box weight = 44lbs) To reduce risk: Decrease load weight Decrease size/capacity of container Slides, gravity chutes, fork lifts Reduce horizontal distance Reduce vertical distance (stool) Eliminate twisting (proper lifting) Lifting Limit    = 34  Weight Lifted   = 44

Back Injuries With changes Risk is reduced Lift is NOT hazardous Get closer to shelf Use of stool Raise yourself Eliminate twist Risk is reduced Lift is NOT hazardous Lifting Limit    = 50 Weight Lifted   = 44

Shelving Books – Hand Injuries Grip is too wide Pressure on hand/wrist/forearm increased Power grip……..but fingers stretched too far Increased injury risk

Keep Palm Up & Neutral Supination versus Pronation Better Bad Best

Environmental Health Services Any Questions? Environmental Health Services 491-6745 main line 491-2724 my office Frank.Gonzales@colostate.edu www.ehs.colostate.edu/