SAFETY PLAY OF THE WEEK Ergonomics in the Work Place

Ergonomics Ergonomics can be defined as the study of work. This training package covers “Industrial Ergonomics” or the matching of work demands with worker strengths and limitations through proper design of jobs, products, workplaces, and equipment. Ergonomics helps adapt the job to fit the person, not force the person to fit the job.

Ergonomic Injuries Poorly designed procedures, improper equipment and tools can lead to worker injuries. Some of the injuries associated with ergonomic issues are called musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are an injury or illness of the soft tissues of the upper extremity (fingers through upper arm), shoulders and neck, low back, and lower extremity (hips through toes) that is primarily caused or exacerbated by workplace risk factors, such as sustained and repeated exertions or awkward positions and manipulations.

MSD Risk Factors Awkward positions Gripping factors Pressure Force and Exertion Lighting

Awkward Postures Two types - Static (non moving) - Dynamic (body in motion) Stress increases if any weight is added by tools or other objects. Factors include – time, repetition, body condition & health and range of motion. Avoid the following: Twisting while bent over, twisting at the waist standing upright, and working with rolled shoulders, leaning forward, over reaching, or locking knees.

Gripping Factors Weight, Slipperiness, Vibration, Grip type, Surface area & grip area shape Grips to use: Power grip – all fingers and entire palm Cushioned grip tool handles Friction gloves for slippery or smooth surfaces Anti-vibration gloves for vibrating tools

Pressure Hazards – damage to nerves & blood vessels External Compression – sharp edges concentrate forces on a small area of the anatomy, resulting in high, localized pressure. Internal Compression – nerves, vessels, and other soft tissues may be internally compressed. Tools and Work Practice Hazards to Avoid: Tools with short handles, leaning the side of the elbow on a hard surface, carrying heavy loads on shoulder, and long periods of kneeling.

Lighting Hazards of too much or not enough light: Awkward posture, muscle fatigue, eye strain, mental fatigue. Recommended lighting in foot –candles: General assembly 55 to 150 Inspections 100 to 150 Warehouse 50 to 100 Storage 10 to 50 Offices 100 to 200

Force & Exertion Forceful exertions place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints Lifting: stage heavier materials above the knees and below shoulder height. Use team lifting, mechanical devices such as tool supports, platform lifts, barrel lifts, air lifts, and hoists. Moving: lower required force by using carts, trolleys, pallet jacks, conveyors and tracked lifts. Reduce force and exertion by reducing: weight of the object, weight of the container, load in the container, or quantity per container.

Most Prevalent Ergonomic Issue in the Office Workstation Setup

Workstation Hazards Computer Workstations lack work activity variety, and do not promote adequate rest. Workstation Health Risks: Repetitive Motion Disease Stiff Neck Eyestrain

Necessary Features of a Workstation Surfaces should be adjustable. Adjustable Keyboard. Wrist Pad. Non-tip adjustable Chairs. Adjustable glare free Video Display.

Safe Practices Feet should be flat on the floor. Adjust height and angle of the keyboard to a comfortable level. Adjust the display screen to reduce glare. Sit up strait, keep a good posture.

Safe Practices Avoid long periods of typing without rest. Give your wrist, hands fingers, eyes and neck a brief rest about every 15 minutes. Vary your activities as much as possible.

Remember The preceding information does not address all issues related to ergonomics in the workplace. It does however give you good information for analyzing your current equipment, tools, and working procedures to determine if we are working ergonomically smart in the office and in the field. SAFETY FIRST, LAST and ALWAYS