1. 1 Ergonomics for Fire and EMS Departments Developing & Implementing Ergonomic Solutions University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center This material has been made possible by a grant from the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services

2. 2 Today’s Workshop Will: Review injury risk factors Discuss solutions hierarchy Review hazard analysis Explore potential solutions Examine barriers to solutions

3. 3 Musculoskeletal Risk Factors Temperature Extremes Direct pressure Prolonged postures Awkward postures Repetition Excessive force/weight (pulling, lifting) Poor work organization

4. 4 Review of Ergonomics The goal of ergonomics is to design the job to fit the worker, NOT fit the worker to the job. EnvironmentTask/job Worker

5. 5 Room for Improvement? Environment: accommodate good postures in ›fire stations ›vehicles ›ER Task/job:  time in awkward  posture  force  repetition  proper equipment Worker: Specific capabilities

6. 6 Ergonomic Solutions Hierarchy Effectiveness Personal control Bodymechanics Personal protective equipment Job organization Equipment or Engineering

7. 7 Injury

8. 8 Injury fitness & wellness

9. 9 Injury fitness & wellness proper body mechanics

10. 10 Injury fitness & wellness proper body mechanics personal protective equipment

11. 11 fitness & wellness proper body mechanics personal protective equipment job organization Injury

12. 12 fitness & wellness proper body mechanics personal protective equipment job organization Engineering controls & equipment improvements

13. 13 Risk of musculoskeletal injury fitness & wellness proper body mechanics personal protective equipment job organization Engineering controls/ Equipment improvement activities outside work

14. 14 Getting to Solutions Hazards Tasks Job Solution Ergonomics team Equipment committee Shift crew Training crew Line personnel Solution

15. 15 Ergonomics Program Elements Assessment of musculoskeletal hazards Prevention and control of musculoskeletal hazards Training A medical management system Procedures for reporting injuries A plan for the implementation of the program Methods for evaluating the program

16. 16 Job Hazard Assessment 1Identify and prioritize jobs/tasks 2 Break down each job into discrete tasks 3 Study and assess each task - Determine the specific risk factors for each task What and Why Analysis

17. 17 Solutions…

18. 18 What and Why Analysis Tasks or steps involved Body parts affected Risk factors Frequency/duration of task Why is it done this way? Potential solutions Cost of solutions Barriers Assess the task Prevent & control

19. 19 Prevention and Control AKA: Solutions Set short term and long term goals May address a single major problem May address several smaller/simpler problems Think outside the box

20. 20 Solutions Come up with many solutions Dream big and small Decide what is optimal Barriers Cost/benefit Best way to implement Worker buy in Department buy in Have a process

21. 21 Lateral Transfer Aids One “job” is the lateral patient transfer Use of a device reduces the stress to the low back by reducing the friction. It eliminates the need for the 3 rd person on the bed Drawsheet only Drawsheet with lateral transfer device

22. 22 No-Lift System ramp with special gurney Bariatric Unit, AMR Portland motorized winch & cable

23. 23 Ergonomic Communication FF/EMS Nursing homes Patient/ pt family Assisted Living ER/ hospitals Other health care facilities Home care worker

24. 24 Ergonomic Communication Understanding the “bigger” picture can help all the workers involved Establish appropriate communication with stakeholders –Patient handling –Patient logistics –Patient care Develop policies

25. 25 Solution for a job? Job: Single person handling a ladder.

26. 26 What and Why Job Hazard Analysis Getting Ladder Lift from engine Carry to site Place against wall Low back, shoulder, neck Low back, shoulder Low back shoulder, legs Heavy weight, awk postures Heavy weight, awk postures Heavy weight, awk postures Infrequent, short duration Lift off truck Need to walk Need to get tip up FirefighterJoe

27. 27 Solutions Now think about: –The tasks: lifting, carrying, placing –Potential solutions for each –Cost –Benefit –Barriers –Implementation

28. 28 Solution Analysis TaskPotential Solutions CostBenefitBarriersImplementation Lifting ladder off truck Alternative lightweight ladder Carrying the ladder Placing the ladder

29. 29 Questions and Evaluation Thank you for your attention ? ? ? ?