Transcript Document
Ergonomic Issues Outline Ergonomics Ergonomics and OSHA Musculoskeletal disorders Risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders Personal risk factors Analysis of computer workstations Ergonomics What is your definition of ergonomics? Give an example of an “ergonomic solution.” Ergonomics The way we interact with our environment at work, play and rest. Fitting the way we work to the way our body is built is the key. Ergonomics is… Maximizing your health and comfort by using your body in efficient ways. Self-evaluation of the behaviors and postures you use at work and play. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with an action that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics and OSHA What is the OSHA standard for ergonomics? There is no standard, only guidelines exist. So can a company be cited for an ergonomic issue? – Yes! Under the General Duty Clause. Ergonomics and OSHA When OSHA uses the General Duty Clause to cite an employer, OSHA must demonstrate that: 1. the employer failed to keep the workplace free of a hazard to which employees were exposed, 2. the hazard was causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm, 3. the hazard was recognized, and 4. a feasible means of abatement for that hazard exists. Ergonomics and OSHA http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html Ergonomics and OSHA Enforcement – Focuses on industries and employers with known high injury and illness rates related to ergonomic hazards Who? Ergonomics and OSHA Guidelines – Voluntary industry standards (best practices) – Shipyard Industry under development – Poultry Processing in 2004 – Grocery Retailing in 2004 – Nursing Homes in 2003 – Meat Packing Plants in 1993 Ergonomics and OSHA Outreach – – – – – – and Assistance Etools (discussed later) Success stories Case studies Cooperative Programs Training and Education Industry Guidelines Ergonomics and OSHA National Advisory Committee – Makes recommendations to OSHA – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomi cs/recommendations.html Ergonomics What exactly are we trying to prevent with these ergonomic guidelines? Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Illness resulting from cumulative trauma to the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood vessels or spine discs. An injury caused by an acute incident e.g., a fall or auto accident, or symptoms of a degenerative disease are not considered a MSD and must be treated differently. Symptoms of a MSD Subjective indicators of potential concern Painful Joints Pain, tingling or numbness in hands or feet Shooting or stabbing pains in arms or legs Swelling or inflammation Pain in wrists, shoulders, forearms, knees Fingers or toes turning white Back and neck pain Stiffness or burning sensations MSD Signs Objective indicators identified by a physician to help diagnose specific problems. Decreased range of motion Deformity Decreased grip strength Loss of muscle function Inability to physically perform normal tasks Risk Factors associated with MSD Repetition Forceful Exertions Awkward Posture Contact Stress Vibration Repetition Same motions over and over again places stress on the muscles and tendons. Severity of risk depends on: – How often the action is repeated – Speed of the movement – Number of muscles involved and – Required force. Steady computer use for 4 hrs/day; a repeated cycle of motions 2 or more times per minute. Repetition Solutions Rotate between jobs. E.g., break up long typing sessions with some filing or copying Observe micro-breaks. E.g., take a stretch break every hour you spend in continuous typing, writing or telephone use Move around Use neutral postures to perform tasks Force Amount of physical effort required to perform a task or maintain control of equipment or tools. Force depends on: – – – – – Type of grip, Weight of the object, Body posture, Type of activity and Duration of task. Lifting 25 lbs below the knees or above shoulder height Pinching 2 lbs for 2 or more total hours per shift Force Solutions Mechanical assistance. Storing heavy items at a comfortable level for moving. Keeping frequently moved items in the most convenient area for moving. Staple removers Awkward Posture Repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions. Working with hands over head; kneeling or squatting for 2 hours/day; working with back, neck or wrist bent for 2 hours/day. Potential fixes: portable stools, turn or move the work, use frequent mini-breaks, integrate the work with other tasks to avoid prolonged use of the awkward posture. Awkward Posture Solutions Adjust the work station to remove the risk factor. E.g., raise or lower the work surface, turn the piece, etc. Use mechanical assistance. E.g., use a lift to move heavy parts, use a two wheeled truck to move multiple boxes or one heavy box. Hands-free telephone headsets. Get help. E.g., use a buddy to help in heavy lifting tasks. Contact Stress Pressing the body (or body part) against a hard or sharp edge can result in placing too much pressure on nerves, tendons and blood vessels. Example: typing while resting your arms or wrists on the hard desk edge. Contact Stress Solutions Wrist rest pads as long as they do not compromise neutral posture Towels / gel pads on the corners of sharp surfaces Vibration Operating vibrating tools such as sanders, grinders, chippers, routers, drills, saws and yard equipment on a regular basis can lead to nerve damage. Potential fixes: vibration dampening gloves, job rotation. Personal Risk Factors Age Gender Previous injury Personal health Physical condition Size and shape Life style Life stress Hobbies Rest and recovery time available Short-term changes in health Attitude towards making changes to improve long term health Comfortable does NOT mean healthful Neutral posture should be the guide for determining an appropriate fix. Comfort can be misleading… Crossed legs may seem comfortable but restrict blood flow A slouch is definitely not a healthful posture We often equate habit with comfort. Computer Workstation Workstation Modifications Listed at approximately $915 per worker Work stations may last up to 10 years ADJUSTIBLE, ADJUSTIBLE, ADJUSTIBLE!! Workstation Modifications OSHA eTool – Evaluation Checklist – Purchasing Checklist http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html Workstation Modifications Adjust chair to fit the user Adjust height and position of keyboard Adjust desk or table to fit employee Workstation Modifications Use footrest for dangling feet Use foot rail, foot stool, or “standing” stool for standing workers Adjust tilt and curvature of keyboard to match natural hand position Workstation Modifications Adjust height of work surface for standing workers Place most used task materials within nearest reach zone Prioritize materials according to reach zones Workstation Modifications Place mouse within easy reach Blow dust from mouse ball cavity and wash ball with mild soap and water Top of the VDT should be no higher than eye level – Bifocal wearers may wish to have monitor somewhat lower Workstation Modifications Use “soft-touch” when keyboarding Locate VDT to minimize glare Use screen hoods or glare guards to minimize glare STANDING STOOLS What are the hazards? Poultry video clips – http://www.oshainfo.gatech.edu/ergotraining/ergo-home.html Sources of Help OSHA etools: – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/compute rworkstations/index.html – Checklist and help Ergoweb – http://www.ergoweb.com/ Beware of sites with one solution or those just trying to sell the perfect ergonomic solution – everyone is different!