1. Press F5 to view slide show Ergonomics
By Brandon DiCaprio

2. Ergonomics: What is it?
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population.

3. Common Risk Factors
Some common risk factors are found in jobs that require:
Repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertion of the hands
Frequent or heavy lifting
Pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects
Prolonged awkward postures.
Vibrations, cold, and heat may add risk to these work conditions.

4. Disorders and Injuries in Ergonomics
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) – the weakening of a body part through repeat trauma that causes it to finally break down.
The trauma can be repetitive or acute (happening in an isolated event).
Sometimes called musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), repetitive trauma disorders (RTDs), or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

5. Body Mechanics
Refers to the way we move during our normal everyday activities.
Having good body mechanics can help prevent or correct problems with posture.
It will protect your body from pain and injury as well.

6. Workstations
It is important to understand neutral body positioning when working at a work station. This is a comfortable work posture in which joints are naturally aligned.
Working with the body in a neutral position will reduce stress and strains on your skeletal system, muscles, and tendons.
It will also help to reduce the risk of developing any musculoskeletal disorders.

7. Neutral Body Postures to Follow When at a Workstation
Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, and in line and roughly parallel to the floor.
Head is level, or bent slightly forward, facing forward, and balanced. Generally head is in line with the torso.

8. Neutral Body Postures to Follow When at a Work Station Cont.
Shoulders are relaxed, and your upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between o.

9. Neutral Body Postures to Follow When at a Workstation Cont.
Feet are fully supported by the floor or a foot rest.
Back is fully supported with lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
Thighs and hips supported by a well padded seat and are generally parallel to the floor.
Knees are about same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

10. Proper Lifting Techniques
Keep a wide base of support
Spread feet apart (shoulder width) to make yourself more stable. Get firm footing and point toes out. One foot may be placed ahead of the other. Distribute your weight evenly throughout soles in both feet. Lift with legs, keeping object close to your body’s center of gravity.

11. Proper Lifting Techniques Cont.
Keep the object close and tighten abdominal muscles
The farther the object is from you, the more pressure it will put on your lower back. The closer it is, the less force it exerts on your back.

12. Proper Lifting Techniques Cont.
Bend your knees
Never bend from your waist, this puts a tremendous amount of pressure on your vertebrae. When the knees are bent, any weight comes first into the thighs and hips instead of the spine.

13. Proper Lifting Techniques Cont.
Maintain your Lumbar Curve
Extend your back slightly to allow your butt to stick out.
This will keep your back muscles in a position where they can work with the most strength and maintain the normal curve in the low back to prevent disc injuries.
Keep your lumbar spine in its normal curve during the lift.

14. Proper Lifting Techniques Cont.
Do not twist or bend sideways when lifting
Set your spine in a normal position with your back slightly extended. Face the object you’re picking up, setting down, or working on. If you turn to change your direction, pivot with your feet.
Avoid twisting, it can overload your spine and lead to serious injury
Make sure your feet, knees, and torso are pointed in the same direction when lifting.

15. Other recommended techniques
Push don’t pull
Get help
Take your time
Use a step stool
Change stressful positions frequently
Any questions or problems, contact Work Health.
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