Unlocking the potential Training for managers & 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

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

Muscular Skeletal Disorders  Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an injury or illness to soft body tissue such as: MusclesMuscles NervesNerves TendonsTendons LigamentsLigaments JointsJoints CartilageCartilage Spinal DiscsSpinal Discs

MSDs 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.  MSDs do not typically result from a single instantaneous event.

MSDs are caused by BendingBending ClimbingClimbing CrawlingCrawling ReachingReaching TwistingTwisting OverexertionOverexertion Repetitive ExposureRepetitive Exposure

Risk Factors  Risk Factors are the elements of workstation design or employee action that can result in Muscular-Skeletal Disorders Environmental FactorsEnvironmental Factors Activity FactorsActivity 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 degrees68 to 74 degrees Humidity 20 – 60%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: HeadachesHeadaches Muscle strainsMuscle strains FatigueFatigue Eye strainEye 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 WeightWeight BulkinessBulkiness SpeedSpeed

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 minuteNumber of cycles per minute Force requiredForce required PosturePosture

Gripping  Factors that increase gripping hazards Bent wristBent wrist Surface areaSurface area Surface frictionSurface friction VibrationVibration Type of gripType of grip

Lifting  Factors that increase lifting hazards WeightWeight SizeSize RepetitionRepetition TwistingTwisting BendingBending ReachingReaching MethodMethod

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

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

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

Program Forms  MSD Symptom Survey  MSD Survey Location  New Equipment Survey  Task Hazard Prevention Worksheet  Job Hazard Analysis  Job Task Steps  MSD Sign/Symptom Report  MSD Hazard Controls Log  Hazard Control Report

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