Ergonomics

Introduction From construction sites, to manufacturing locations, to offices, Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs, make up a large number of workplace injury claims. The cost including financial, physical and emotional, associated with MSDs, is much greater than the cost would be to prevent the injury. Musculoskeletal Disorders Refer to injury or damage of skeletal muscle, tendons, bones, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue including strain, sprain and inflammation. Most common cause is by strenuous physical overload or by repetitive use of a joint or a particular muscle group.

Purpose The purpose of this program is to provide you with information about the various MSDs from which you might suffer and to explain ergonomics and how it can help minimize your risks and injuries. The benefits of an Ergonomics Safety Program include a decrease in risk of injury, increased efficiency and productivity, improved morale and fewer lost work days. This video will cover: Definition of ergonomics Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders Health effects Identifying problems Ways to control or reduce hazards Risk factors and controls And Training

Defining Ergonomics Ergonomics is the process of designing work areas to be user friendly, using tools and equipment to reduce strain and/or repetitive motions and teaching employees proper work methods, correct posture and safe lifting techniques.

Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders Different jobs and tasks can produce a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear suddenly from a single incident or gradually over a period of time. Failing to recognize early warning signs could allow small problems to develop into serious injuries. These symptoms may not necessarily lead to a musculoskeletal injury. However, if experienced, the employee should report them to their supervisor immediately. An evaluation of the work area and working positions can then be assessed and necessary changes made. Some possible symptoms include: Pain or aches in the hands, wrist, arms, neck, shoulders, back, legs or feet Numbness, cramping, fatigue, strain, burning sensation, weakness, swelling, stiffness, redness, or tingling in the affected area

Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders Reduced grip strength in hand(s) Reduced range of motion Tension stress headaches Dry, itchy or sore eyes Double or blurred vision

Health Effects MSDs can affect the ability to perform work duties, physical task around the home and many recreation activities. Symptoms can progress into conditions which require time off of work, physical therapy and in many cases surgery. These conditions include: Muscle strains to the neck, back, shoulders and legs Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ‐ Caused by pressure placed on the median nerve in the wrist in the area where the nerve enters the hand. The area is known as the Carpal Tunnel hence the name Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This nerve provides feeling and movement to many parts of the hand and any pressure on the nerve results in pain, numbness, tingling and other discomforts.

Health Effects Tendinitis ‐ Inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. Bursitis ‐ Inflammation of the fluid‐filled sac (known as bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone commonly caused by chronic overuse, trauma or infection. Causes joint pain and tenderness, stiffness and achiness, swelling or redness over the joint.

Identifying Problems To determine if conditions in the workplace contribute to employee’s developing MSDs, certain steps should be utilized. Review and analyze injury and illness records to determine whether there is a pattern of ergonomic‐related injuries in certain jobs or work tasks. Review: a. OSHA 300 Logs and supporting 301 forms b. Workers' Compensation claims c. Employee reports of problems d. Absenteeism Records A hazard assessment should be conducted for all work areas, job tasks performed and equipment and tools used to identify potential ergonomic problems before employee injuries occur. Determine if job tasks present ergonomic risks that may contribute to MSDs.

Identifying Problems Employee input about possible ergonomic issues related to certain jobs or work tasks should be obtained. Management should talk with employees, conduct symptom surveys and use employee questionnaires. Other possible indicators of conditions which might lead to MSDs include: A decline in job performance Quality control problems Employees shaking arms and hands or rolling shoulders due to discomfort. Employees voluntarily modifying workstations and equipment to increase comfort, and Employees bringing in ergonomic products to the worksite (such as wrist braces).

Ways to Control or Reduce Hazards Knowing the symptoms, risk factors and being able to identify the problems is only part of the solution. Creating a safer and more ergonomically correct work area is the final piece to the puzzle. A three‐level hierarchy of controls is generally accepted as the best strategy for controlling workplace hazards, including ergonomic hazards. The three levels are: Engineering Controls ‐ Generally considered the best approach to preventing and controlling MSDs. Involves designing the job, including the workstation layout, selection and use of tools and work methods, to take account of the capabilities and limitations of the workforce.

Ways to Control or Reduce Hazards Administrative Controls ‐ Workplace practices and policies designed to reduce or prevent exposures to ergonomic risk factors. It is important to note they do not eliminate job hazards like engineering controls do. Involves such things as schedule changes to provide more rest breaks and/or job rotation, employee training to recognize risk factors and teaching correct work techniques to reduce strain and stress when performing job tasks. Personal Protective Equipment ‐ Items like vibrations attenuation gloves, knee pads and various braces provide certain protection for employees from ergonomic risk factors. Provided the use of such items does not create additional hazards, they are acceptable for your company to utilize. Follow your company’s rules and regulations concerning such equipment.

Risk Factors and Controls Different MSDs can occur depending upon the type of work and workplace. Whether certain work activities put an employee at risk of injury often depends on how long (the duration), how often (the frequency), and how intense (the magnitude) the employee's exposure to the risk factors in the activity. Jobs or working conditions presenting multiple risk factors will have a higher probability of causing a musculoskeletal problem. It is important to review the job site and activities of employees to identify ergonomics‐related risk factors. Most risk factors are categorized as force, repetition, awkward and static postures, and contact. Additionally, vibration and environmental risk factors are possible and often combine with other risk factors to increase the potential for MSDs to develop. While many risks and controls are discussed, the list is not all inclusive. You should discuss all potential risks, hazards and controls with your supervisor.

Risk Factors and Controls Force The amount of physical effort required to perform a task or to maintain control of equipment or tools. Risk Factors Lifting, carrying or lowering an object. Pushing or pulling objects. Gripping objects‐ Additional grip force is needed when the object is small, oddly‐shaped, slippery, or vibrates. Controls Whenever possible it is best to utilize equipment made for lifting, carrying, lowering, pushing, pulling or gripping objects. Reduce size of load. Arrange work spaces to keep materials in front of you, between shoulder and waist height. Maintain work height at or about elbow high.

Risk Factors and Controls Keep supply and disposal areas positioned to eliminate the need to twist when reaching. Use proper lifting techniques. - Plan ahead - Bend at knees and keep back straight - Keep feet shoulder length apart - Tighten the abdominal muscles - Lift the object close to the body - Lift with the legs Use electric tools. Keep tools clean, maintained and in good operational condition.

Risk Factors and Controls Repetition Performing the same motion or series of motions continually or frequently for an extended period of time using the same muscles. Risk Factors Job tasks with little variety. New employee not accustomed to the job tasks. Controls Job rotation ‐ Cross training of employees allows for rotating through different jobs with different physical demands. Reduces stress. Take frequent breaks to allow recovery and rest. Job enlargement ‐ Broadening or varying the job content to include a wider variety of tasks to reduce the frequency and duration of repetitive motions. Adjust the work pace.

Risk Factors and Controls Awkward and Static Postures Assuming unnatural, unhealthy or uncomfortable positions place stress on the body. Static postures indicate a posture being held for an extended period of time. Risk Factors Repeated or prolonged reaching above shoulder height. Extended reaches across wide work areas. Kneeling, squatting, and leaning over another object. Bending or twisting the torso while lifting. Bending to work at a lower level. Looking down to work. Holding or using tools in a non‐neutral or fixed position. Maintaining fixed positions, such as sitting or standing, for extended periods. Typing or performing other work with bent wrist.

Risk Factors and Controls Use proper lifting techniques Change workstation layout. Use height‐adjustable tables, chairs, desks, etc. Use seats with backrest, lumbar support and arm rest. Limit vertical and horizontal reaches to areas where the elbows remain close to the torso. Keep torso within 20‐30 degrees from vertical when bending forward.

Risk Factors and Controls Contact Stress Results when part of your body rubs or makes contact with a hard or sharp component of your desk, workstation, area or tool. The contact may be occasional, repeated or continuous. Is generally worse when contact is made repeatedly or for long periods at a time. Risk Factors Edges of desks or work tables press into arms, legs and other body parts. Striking objects with your hand, foot, knee or other body part. Controls Use electric or powered tools and equipment. Place cushioning material on edges. Wear cushioned shoes. Wear gloves and/or knee pads.

Risk Factors and Controls Vibration Vibrating machinery, surfaces, vehicles and tools may result in fatigue, pain, numbness, increased sensitivity to cold, and decreased sensitivity to touch in fingers, hands, and arms. Although using powered hand tools can help reduce exposure to other ergonomic risk factors, they can expose workers to vibration risk. Risk Factors Bad tool design. Poor tool maintenance. Old tools. Controls Use low vibration tools. Inspect and maintain power tools regularly. Use gloves to minimize vibration.

Risk Factors and Controls Environmental Various elements in the environment can affect employee’s ability to perform their work tasks. Risk Factors Cold temps Hot temps Noise level Lighting Controls Maintain constant temperatures. Use personal protective equipment such as; gloves, earplugs and glasses. Replace light bulbs as necessary. Use of anti‐glare screens

Training Employees need to be trained to understand the causes of MSDs, symptoms and ways to control the risks involved. The ergonomics safety program should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure control measures used are working. Effective employee training needs to contain at least the following: How to recognize the risks and symptoms of MSDs. Company procedures for reporting risks and symptoms. Proper use of all equipment and tools. How to properly adjust equipment according to manufacturer’s guidelines, to best fit the individual employee and their job tasks.