1. This website is dedicated to engineering students, and serves as a resource for anyone interested in Occupational Biomechanics. Biomechanics of Work Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems Upper Extremity CTD A resource for engineering students Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003

2. Biomechanics of Work Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems A resource for engineering students About Occupational Biomechanics This field deals with the mechanical forces exerted by a worker while performing a task, and is the basis for ergonomic analysis of physical work. Occupational biomechanics is an interdisciplinary science that integrates physical, biological, and engineering fields. The purpose of this field is to provide an understanding of the physics of manual activities in industry. The need for Occupational Biomechanics: Each year, billions of dollars are spent on compensation to workers because of work-related injuries. The study of occupational biomechanics can help workers in the workplace by providing the knowledge necessary to design safe, ergonomic working environments. Also, the need for adequate training or education about occupational biomechanics can reduce work-related injuries drastically by providing workers with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves. Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003 Upper Extremity CTD

3. The Musculoskeletal System This system is composed of the bones, muscles, and connective tissues. The primary functions of the musculoskeletal system are to support and protect the body and its parts, to produce movement, and to maintain body temperature. Bones and Connective Tissues: Bones provide the structure that supports and protects the body. The structure is made up of 206 bones. The four types of connective tissues are ligaments, tendons, fascia, and cartilage, and each has its own function. Tendons attach muscles to bone, ligaments connect bone to bone, cartilage is found on articular bony surfaces, and fascia covers and separates body structures. Muscles: There are about 400 muscles in the human body, and they account for 40 to 50% of body weight. Muscles help maintain body posture and produce body motion. Muscles are bundles of muscle fibers, connective tissues, and nerves. Muscle fibers are long cylindrical cells (myofibrils) that contract. Muscle strength is measured by the amount of force of torque that a muscle group can produce. Biomechanics of Work A resource for engineering students Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003 Upper Extremity CTD

4. Biomechanics of Work Low-back Problems Low-back pain is the common work-related disorder in industry. Motions that involve lifting, bending, and twisting or the torso are a major cause of work- related low-back pain and disorders. This ailment can also occur in working environments that require sitting for a long period of time. This problem is due to loss of lordotic curvature in the spine, which results in increased disk pressure. Suggestions for Manual Materials Handing: –Loads should be kept close to the body –Loads should be presented at thigh or waist height. –Twisting should be minimized. –Frequency of lifting should be minimized. Suggestions for Seated Work: –Curvature of spine should be kept –Back support (lumbar) should be given to support the body and help keep the curvature of the spine. A resource for engineering students Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003 Upper Extremity CTD

5. Upper-Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) These disorders are of the soft tissues in the upper extremities (fingers, hand, wrist, upper arms, lower arms, elbow, and shoulders). The term CTD implies that the disorders are mainly due to cumulative effects of repetitive, prolonged physical strain and stress. Some other causes of the disorders are excessive force application, unnatural posture, fast movement, vibration, cold environment, and pressure on soft tissues. Common forms of CTD: Tendon-related CTD is caused by loss of blood supply to the tendons and increased tension in the tendons. Neuritis is damage to the nerves that can be caused by awkward posture and repeated use. Ischemia is the sensation of tingling and numbness, and is caused by obstruction of blood flow to tissue. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa sac, which contains viscous fluid and is located near joints. Prevention: The work environment, procedures, tools, and habits of workers should be designed and improved upon to avoid the risk of upper-extremity cumulative trauma disorders. Biomechanics of Work A resource for engineering students Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003 Upper Extremity CTD

6. Links For more information on human factors in engineering: www.eas.asu.edu/~humanfac To find an article in the library: www.ingenta.com Organization for students and professionals in the human factors discipline: http://hfes.org The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html Biomechanics of Work A resource for engineering students Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003 Upper Extremity CTD

7. About this Site Contact Information For questions and comments, send email to: Site Map Occupational Biomechanics Musculoskeletal System Low-Back Problems Upper Extremity CTD Links Biomechanics of Work A resource for engineering students Home Links About this site Musculoskeletal System Low-back Problems Occupational Biomechanics Last update: 12/08/2003 Upper Extremity CTD