Ergonomics Introduction

Definition

Ergonomics define as the study of fitting the task to the human.

Goal

Prevent musculoskeletal disorders by surveying the workplace, take preventive steps, relying on employee input and addressing problems early.

Topics of Ergonomics:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

• Computer Ergonomics.

• Safe Lifting Principles.

Musculoskeletal Disorders,
Why Worry ?

• Musculoskeletal Ergonomic Injuries are the fastest-growing category (accounting for 1.8 million annual Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Up 600% over last 11 years (MSDs).

• $9 billion total injury cost / year & $29 K / case compensation claim cost.

• More lost workdays for MSDs (ave. = 30 days for a Carpal Tunnelinjury)

Common Causes Of MSDs

Caused by overuse or repetition involving: muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joint, spinal Disks, and cartilage.

• Lifting: continuously lifting and moving.

• Repetitive motion (factors: angle, alignment, force, length of time without break)-keying and using the mouse.

• Contact stress – hammering.

• Extreme force – tightening objects.

• Vibration – drilling.

• Awkward postures – pulling carts.

MSD Symptoms & Signs

• Symptoms: Muscle Fatigue, Aching, Burning, Numbness, Stiffness, and Tingling.

• Signs: Decreased range of motion, Decreased grip strength, Loss of function, Loss of balance, Deformity, Swelling, Cramping, Redness, and color loss.

Symptoms and signs should reportes immediatly.

Adjusting the way you work removes stress. If injured you could develop a MSD.

MSD Injury Data

600,000 MSDs require time off from work.

Women suffer more ergonomic injuries due:

• to having jobs requiring more heavy lifting, repetitive tasks and awkward postures.

• 70% of Carpal Tunnel.

• 62% of Tendonitis.

CTD Injury Factors

Lesions to tendons of the neck, back, shoulders, arms, wrists or hands.

Primary causes:

• Repetitive movements over long periods of time.

• Awkward postures.

• Use of excessive forces.

MSD Risk Control

MSD Risk Control: Posture

NEUTRAL & COMFORTABLE:

• Wrists straight.

• Shoulders relaxed with elbows close to body.

• head / shoulders & back in vertical alignment.

• Frequent breaks when bent postures can’t be avoided.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Occurs with repetitive motion of hands & wrists–especially with high force levels, compression of nerves and tendons.

MSD Risk Control: Repetition

• Eliminate unnecessary tasks / movements by redesigning procedures and workstations.

• Take short, frequent breaks.

• Alternate tasks and processes to use different muscle groups.