Training for Mangers and Supervisors ergonomics Training for Mangers and Supervisors

What is Ergonomics The science of fitting jobs to people. Ergonomics uses knowledge of physical abilities, limitations & human characteristics that apply to job design.

Ergonomic Design Considers the tasks, equipment & environment to provide efficient use of worker capabilities while ensuring that job demands do not exceed those capabilities

Why ergonomics?

Proper ergonomics can Improve Efficiency Increase Production Capability Reduce Workplace Injuries Lower Workers’ Comp Costs Reduce Absenteeism

Muscular skeletal disorders

Muscular Skeletal Disorders Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an injury or illness to soft body tissue such as: Muscles Nerves Tendons Ligaments Joints Cartilage Spinal Discs

Muscular Skeletal Disorders include Strains & Sprains Soreness or Pain Carpal tunnel syndrome Connective tissue disorders

Muscular Skeletal Disorders MSDs are medical conditions that develop gradually over a period of time. MSDs do not typically result from a single instantaneous event.  

Causes of Muscular Skeletal Disorders Bending Climbing Crawling Reaching Twisting Overexertion Repetitive Exposure Standing

Risk factors

Risk Factors Risk Factors are the elements of workstation design or employee action that can result in Muscular-Skeletal Disorders. Environmental Factors Activity Factors

Environment Risk Factors Heat or cold Lighting Vibration Tool design Noise

Activity Risk Factors Static or awkward postures Improper gripping Improper lifting Repetitive Motion

Heat & Cold Heat effects: Blood circulation Causes cramps, burns, rashes and general discomfort. Cold effects: The body's blood circulation Causes hypothermia, loss of flexibility, distraction and poor dexterity. Comfortable temperature range: 68 to 74 degrees Humidity 20 – 60%

Vibration Excessive vibration causes pain to muscles, joints and internal organs. Soft tissue trauma to the hands, arms, feet and legs.

Lighting Under & over lighted areas causes: Headaches Muscle strains Fatigue Eye strain Poorly lighted areas also contributes to trip & fall hazards & poor coordination.

Tool design Handle shape Control type Control location Vibration Impact Pressure

Noise Noise peaks above 100 decibels cause: Headaches Increased blood pressure Muscle tension & fatigue Irritability & distraction

Force & Exertion Forceful exertions place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Factors: Weight Bulkiness Speed

Posture Prolonged standing - varicose veins, back stress, pooling of blood in legs. Sitting without back support - low back stress. Seat too high - decreased circulation, (legs dangling over end) bruises.

Posture Shoulders rounded - Upper/lower back stress, respiratory distress. Leaning forward - Lower back stress. Arms extended or over-reaching  - Stress to arm muscles, upper back stress.

Posture Elbows "winged" - Joint stress at shoulder, poor use of bicep muscles. Stepping backwards - Loss of balance, displaced gravity, muscle stress. Locking knees - Stress to back of knee, poor blood circulation Bent Wrist – excessive force when gripping.

Repetition Frequent & prolonged repetition of the same movements cause muscle fatigue and stress. Factors that increase repetition hazards: Number of cycles per minute. Force required. Posture

Gripping Factors that increase gripping hazards: Bent wrist Surface area Surface friction Vibration Type of grip

Lifting Factors that increase lifting hazards: Weight Size Repetition Twisting Bending Reaching Method

Control measurers

Hazard Controls Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Work Practice Controls

Engineering Controls Re-design of work station Re-design of tools Lighting modification Vibration control Noise Control Automation Mechanical Lifting Material Flow

Administrative Controls Employee rotation. Job task enlargement. Adjustment of work pace. Redesign of work methods. Alternative tasks. Rest breaks.

Work Practice Controls Work techniques & procedures. Conditioning period. Training Lifting techniques. Personal Protective Equipment.

Analysis tools

Checklists Basic Screening Tool General Risk Analysis Computer Work Stations Hand Tool Analysis Hazard Identification Task Analysis Workstation Evaluation

Program elements

Program Elements Management Leadership Employee Participation Hazard Identification Hazard Information Medical Management Program Evaluation Recordkeeping

Management Leadership Assign responsibilities. Provide authority, resources & information. Examine existing policies. Take action to correct problems. Communicate regularly with employees.

Hazard Identification Reports of signs, symptoms & hazards. Recommendations from employees & supervisors. Records review of existing safety & health records. Routine facility safety & health inspections.

Information & Training Signs & symptoms. Importance of early reporting. Specific hazards & controls. Reporting MSDs & hazards. How to recommend control methods. Protective Measures. Ergonomics program & their role. OSHA standard requirements.

Employee Involvement Report of signs, symptoms & hazards. Hazard control recommendations. Access to information.

MSD Management Prompt response. Work restrictions or other measures. Prompt access to a health care professional. Written Medical Opinion. Medical Follow-up.

Program Evaluation MSD records Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Work Practice Controls Opinions

Recordkeeping Reports of MSD or hazards. Responses to employee reports. Job hazard analysis. Hazard control records. Ergonomics program evaluation. MSD management records.