Photo: Tulalip Bay by Diane L.

Wilson-Simon

BASIC ERGONOMICS
Instructor: David Ellsworth Edmonds Community College
This course is being supported under grant number SH16637SH7 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. With Thanks to & Cooperation of the Tulalip Occupational Safety & Health Administration (TOSHA)

INTRODUCTION

ERGONOMICS
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?? Ergos = work Nomos = laws
the laws of work

Ergonomics =

ERGONOMICS
What Does Ergonomics Mean?
Designing jobs, equipment, and work tasks to fit human physical characteristics and energy limitations It considers body dimensions, mobility, and the bodys stress behavior Make the work fit the person, not the person fit the work

ERGONOMICS
Benefits of Ergonomics Include:
safer jobs with fewer injuries increased efficiency and productivity improved quality and fewer errors improved morale

ERGONOMICS
Ergonomic Goals:
Finding ways to make strenuous, often repetitive work, less likely to cause muscle and joint injuries -- and still get the job done. Keeping young bodies from wearing out prematurely, and mature bodies from giving out early.

ERGONOMICS
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) accounted for an average total of $410.3 million of workers compensation claims in the years 1995-1997

ERGONOMICS
This type of injury affects nearly 50,000 Washington workers each year

Enough People to Fill Safeco Field!!

It is estimated that the actual cost including lost taxes, wages, fringe benefits, administrative costs, etc. is close to $1.5 billion per year.

ERGONOMICS
State Fund Claims - Statewide 1990-98*
Number of Claims
WMSDs

Cost of Claims
All WMSDs other 40% claims

All 26% other claims

74%

60%

* Note: This data does not include lower extremity WMSDs.

Source: SHARP Report No. 40-4a-2000

ERGONOMICS Nationally, almost 60% of all work-related illnesses are MSDs

The Problem is Widespread

The Top 12 Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC)

SIC
805 421 541 152 174 836 242 175 078 451 176 177

Industry

WMSDs per year

2,177 1,591 1,486 1,361 703 445 432 429 420 411 388 287

Nursing, Personal Care Facilities Trucking and Courier Services (non-air) Grocery Stores General Bldg Contractors, Residential Masonry, Tile, Plaster Residential Care Sawmills, Planing Mills Carpentry, Floor Work Landscape, Horticultural Air Transportation, Air Courier Roofing, Siding, Sheet Metal Concrete Work

Total 10,130 These 12 SICs alone account for 20% of WMSDs

Source: SHARP Report No. 40-4a-2000

The Cost-Benefit Ratio Is Substantial

Statewide estimated annual costs to comply with the rule: Statewide estimated annual costs saved by ergonomics prevention

$80 Million

$340 Million

The Estimated Savings to Business Is $4 for Every $1 Invested

REGULATIONS

ERGONOMICS
Current Federal Law
OSHA: The federal law (OSHA Ergonomics Standard) was issued on November 14, 2000 and was scheduled to be effective on January 16, 2001

REGULATIONS
Congress utilized the little known Congressional Review Act (CRA) to pass a joint resolution of disapproval of the new OSHA Ergonomics Standard with the Senate voting 56 to 44 on March 7 and the House voting 223 to 203 on March 8, 2001

President Bush signed the joint resolution on March 20, 2001

REGULATIONS
The effect is that the OSHA Ergonomics Standard is REPEALED There is no Federal Law!!
NOTE: OSHA still has some regulatory bite in this area by virtue of the infamous General Duty Clause (OSHA Sec. 5(a)(1))

REGULATIONS
OSHA General Duty Clause
Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees

REGULATIONS
Whats Next ?
Several interested parties including Labor Unions, Business and associations such as ASSE have been meeting with Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao to formulate a new standard that will be acceptable to all stake-holders The federal ergonomics regulations are being proposed on an industry by industry basis

WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

ERGONOMICS
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are occupational disorders that involve soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, blood vessels and nerves

ERGONOMICS
WMSDs are:
Daily stress to anatomical structures that may occur when a person is exposed to certain high risk activities If the accumulating stress exceeds the bodys normal recuperative ability, inflammation of the tissue can follow Chronic inflammation may lead to the development of WMSDs May require weeks, months or years for development and for recovery

ERGONOMICS
What is The Musculoskeletal System?
The Musculoskeletal System includes the following:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Bones The load-bearing structure of the body Muscles- Tissue that contract to create movement Tendons Tissues that connect muscles to bones Ligaments Tissues that connect bones to bones Cartilage Tissue that provides cushioning and reduces friction between bones Nerves Communication system that links muscles, tendons and other tissue with the brain Blood Vessels Tubes that circulate nutrients throughout the body

ERGONOMICS
What Are Examples of WMSDs?
1. Sprain Overstretching or overexertion of a ligament that results in a tear or rupture of the ligament Strain Overstretching or overexertion of a muscle or tendon Tendonitis Inflammation of the tendon inside the sheath Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the sheath around the tendon Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the heel of the hand

2.

3.
4.

5.

ERGONOMICS
What are Examples of WMSDs?
Tennis elbow or Golfers elbow Medical term is Epicondylitis inflammation of the tendons at the elbow. 7. Trigger Finger Common term for tendonitis or tenosynovitis that causes painful locking of the finger(s) while flexing 8. Pitchers Shoulder Rotator cuff tendonitis inflammation of one or more tendons at the shoulder 9. White Finger Medical term is Reynauds Phenomenon constriction of the blood vessels in the hands and fingers 10. Digital Neuritis Compression of the nerves along the sides of the fingers or thumbs 6.

Injury in the making...

Ditto...

Anatomy of a Tendon

Tendonitis
Tendon function:
Transmit force from muscle to bone

Micro tears of tendon occur daily Typically repair themselves With repeated loading repair is not adequate Pain / Inflammation

Anatomy of DeQuervains Tendonitis

What Causes DeQuervains?

Wringing washcloths, clothes Typing on the computer keyboard Cutting with scissors Sewing or pinching Stirring food for a long period of time Opening jars

Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel
Best known MSD Compression of the median nerve at the wrist Tunnel made up of nine flexor tendons and one peripheral nerve Numbness and tingling on the thumb side of the hand

Surgical Release of Tunnel

Tennis Elbow Syndrome

Micro-tearing at the Elbow

Overhead Lifting

Anatomy of the Shoulder

Reynauds Phenomenon or White Finger

Caused by operating vibrating machinery especially in cold, damp weather

ERGONOMICS
WMSDs are sometimes referred to using other unfamiliar terms such as :
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cumulative Trauma Disorders CTD Repetitive Trauma Disorders RTD Repetitive Strain Injuries RSI Repeated Motion Disorders RMD Overuse Syndromes

ERGONOMICS
Signs or Symptoms of WMSDs
Painful joints Pain in wrists, shoulders, forearms, knees, etc. Pain, tingling or numbness in hands or feet Fingers or toes turning white Shooting or stabbing pains in arms or legs Back or neck pain Swelling or inflammation Stiffness Burning sensations Weakness or clumsiness in hands; dropping things

INCREASED RISK FACTORS

Caution Zone

What is a

Caution Zone job?

Look for These Indicators:

Caution Zone

Awkward Postures High Hand Force Highly Repetitive Motion Repeated Impact Heavy, Frequent or Awkward Lifting Moderate to High Hand-Arm Vibration

Awkward Postures
Being in these work positions for more than 2 hours total per day
Hands above head Elbows above shoulder Back bent forward more than 30 degrees Neck bent more than 30 degrees Squatting Kneeling

Working with the Hands Above Head

For more than 2 hours per day

Working with the Elbows Above Shoulders

For more than 2 hours per day

Neck or Back Bent Forward More than 30

For more than 2 hours per day

Neck or Back Bent Forward More than 30

For more than 2 hours per day

Neck or Back Bent Forward More than 30

For more than 2 hours per day

Squatting
For more than 2 hours per day

Kneeling
For more than 2 hours per day

High Hand Force

More than 2 hours per day of:
Pinching 2 or more pounds weight or 4 or more pounds force

High Hand Force

More than 2 hours per day of:
Gripping 10 or more pounds weight or force

Highly Repetitive Motion

Workers repeat same motion every few seconds for more than 2 hours per day with:
neck shoulders elbows wrists hands

Highly Repetitive Motion

Intensive keying for more than 4 hours per day

Repeated Impact
Using hands or knees as a hammer more than 10 times per hour more than 2 hours per day

Repeated Impact
Using hands or knees as a hammer more than 10 times per hour more than 2 hours per day

Heavy, Frequent, or Awkward Lifting

Lifting objects more than: 75 lbs. once/day 55 lbs. more than ten times/day 10 lbs. more than twice/minute for more than 2 hours per day 25 lbs. above shoulders, below knees, or at arms length for more than 25 times/day

Heavy, Frequent, or Awkward Lifting

Heavy, Frequent, or Awkward Lifting

Moderate to High Hand-Arm Vibration

Moderate Level more than 2 hours/day

Moderate to High Hand-Arm Vibration

High Level More than 30 Min/day

If the Employer Has Caution Zone Jobs, They Should:

Begin an employee awareness education program Analyze the workplace for hazards Reduce any hazards they find

Ergonomics Awareness Education Should:

Show the types, symptoms and impacts of WMSDs Show the importance of early reporting of symptoms Provide information on all caution zone risk factors Identify the hazards and measures to reduce them

Analyzing Caution Zone Jobs for Hazards

Use a systematic method to look at:
-physical demands -layout of work area -size, shape, and weight of objects handled

The results will help to determine controls

Hazard Zone
Risk factors become hazardous when:
-there is a longer duration of exposure -there is greater intensity -there is a combination of risk factors

The ERGONOMIC TRIANGLE

FORCE
POSTURE

FREQUENCY
THE GOAL IS TO ELIMINATE AT LEAST ONE FROM EVERY TASK

Awkward Postures
Shoulders: Hands above Head
Elbows above shoulders

For More Than 4 hrs/day

Awkward Postures
Shoulders
Repetitive : raising >once/minute

For More Than 4 hrs/day

Awkward Positions
Neck
Bent >45 without support or ability to vary posture

More than 4 hrs/day

Awkward Positions
Back
Bent forward >30 Without support or ability to vary posture

More than 4 hrs/day

Bent forward >45 Without support or ability to vary posture More than 2 hrs/day

Awkward Positions
Knees - Squatting
More than 4 hrs/day

Awkward Positions
Knees -kneeling
More than 4 hrs/day

High Hand Force

Arms, Wrists, Hands
Pinching unsupported object 2 or more pounds/hand Or Pinching with force of 4 or more pounds/hand (1/2 ream of paper)

+
Highly repetitive motion More than 3 hrs/day

High Hand Force

Arms, Wrists, Hands
Pinching unsupported object 2 or more pounds/hand Or

Pinching with force of 4 or more pounds/hand (1/2 ream of paper)

+
Wrists bent in flexion 30 or more, or in extension 45 or more, or in ulnar deviation 30 or more More than 3 hrs/day

High Hand Force

Arms, Wrists, Hands
Pinching unsupported object 2 or more pounds/hand Or

Pinching with force of 4 or more pounds/hand (1/2 ream of paper)

+
No other risk factors More than 4 hrs/day

Arms, Wrists, Hands

High Hand Force

Gripping an unsupported object 10 lbs or > per hand Or Gripping with force of 10 lbs or > per hand (clamping light duty jumper cables onto battery)

+
Highly repetitive motion

More than 3 hrs/day

High Hand Force

Arms, Wrists, Hands

Gripping an unsupported object 10 lbs or > per hand

Or
Gripping with force of 10 lbs or > per hand (clamping light duty jumper cables onto battery)

+
Wrists bent in flexion 30 or more, or in extension 45 or more, or in ulnar deviation 30 or more

More than 3 hrs/day

High Hand Force

Arms, Wrists, Hands

Gripping an unsupported object 10 lbs or > per hand Or

Gripping with force of 10 lbs or > per hand (clamping light duty jumper cables onto battery)

+
No other Risk Factors

More than 4 hrs/day

Wrists Bent
Extension

Ulnar Deviation

Flexion

Tendonitis Risk Factors

Repetition Forceful exertion Awkward / sustained postures Mechanical Stress

Awkward / Sustained Postures

Neutral posture is the goal Built-up handles Avoid wrist deviation
flexion / extension radial/ulnar deviation

Mechanical Stress

Highly Repetitive Motion

Neck, Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists, Hands
Same motion every few seconds with little variation (Except Keying)

+
-No Other Risk Factors More than 6 hrs/day

Highly Repetitive Motion

Neck, Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists, Hands
Same motion every few seconds with little variation (Except Keying)

+
-Wrists bent in flexion 30 or more, or in extension 45 or more, or in ulnar deviation 30 or more AND

High, forceful exertions with the hands

More than 2 hrs/day

Highly Repetitive Motion

Intensive Keying
Awkward posture, including wrists bent in flexion 30 or more, or in extenson 45 or more, or in ulnar deviation 30 or more
More than 4 hrs/day

Highly Repetitive Motion

Intensive Keying
No Other Factors
More than 7 hrs/day

Repeated Impact
Hands
Using Hand (heel/base of palm) as a Hammer more than once per minute

More than 2 hrs /day

Repeated Impact
Knees
Using Knee as Hammer more than once per minute

More than 2 hrs /day

Heavy, Frequent, Awkward

Lifting

Heavy, Frequent or Awkward Lifting

How many lifts per minute?
1 lift every 2-5 mins. 1 lift every min.

For how many hours per day?

1 hr. or less 1.0 0.95 1 hr. to 2 hrs. 0.95 0.9 2 hrs. or more 0.85 0.75

2-3 lifts every min.

4-5 lifts every min. 6-7 lifts every min.

0.9
0.85 0.75

0.85
0.7 0.5

0.65
0.45 0.25

8-9 lifts every min.

10+ lifts every min.

0.6
0.3

0.35
0.2

0.15
0.0

Manual Handling
Manual handling is transporting or supporting a load by hands or bodily force - This includes: Lifting Carrying Putting down Pushing Pulling Moving Supporting

Hand-Arm Vibration

Hand-Arm Vibration
Step 1: Find the vibration value for the tool. (manufacturer or web site: http://umetech.niwl.se/vibration/HAVHome .html or measure it yourself. The vibration value will be in units of meters per second squared (m/s) - Using a hand-arm vibration graph find the point on the left side that is equal to the vibration value

Hand-Arm Vibration
Step 2: Find out how many total hours per day the employee is using the tool and find that point on the bottom of the graph
Step 3: Trace a line in from each of these two points until they cross

Hand-Arm Vibration
50
Vibration value (in m/s2)

40 30 20 10 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Example: An impact wrench with a vibration value of 12 m/s2 is used for 2 hours total per day.

Time (in hours)

Note: The caution limit curve (bottom) is based on an 8-hour vibration value of 2.5 m/s. The hazard limit curve (top) is based on an 8-hour vibration value of 5 m/s

Hand-Arm Vibration
Step 4: If that point lies in the crosshatched Hazard area above the upper curve, then the vibration hazard should be reduced below the hazard level or to the degree technologically and economically feasible

If the point lies between the two curves in the Caution area, then the job remains a Caution Job
If it falls in the OK area below the bottom curve, then no further steps are necessary

Reducing Identified Hazards

Employers should reduce hazards to below hazard level, or to a degree technologically and economically feasible through:
Engineering and administrative controls (preferred) and/or Individual work practices and PPE

Employers might also consider reducing employee hours performing a particular task to lower the hazard of the job

General

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS

Illustrations from Ergonomic Checkpoints by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Practical Ergonomics by the UAW-GM Ergonomics Task Force

ERGONOMICS
Ergonomic hazards are prevented primarily by the effective design of a job or job-site and the tools or equipment used in that job

Based on information gathered in the work-site analysis, procedures can be established to correct or control ergonomic hazards using either engineering controls or work practice controls

ERGONOMICS
Thoughtful arrangements reduce stress and eliminate many potential injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, with bad posture, and with repetitive motion Some jobs expose workers to excessive vibration and noise, eyestrain, repetitive motion, and heavy lifting Machines, tools, and the work environment may be poorly designed, placing stress on workers' tendons, muscles, and nerves and in addition, workplace temperature extremes may aggravate or increase stress

ERGONOMICS
Engineering Controls
Work stations should be ergonomically designed to accommodate the full range of required movements of a worker Sufficient space should be provided for the knees and feet Machine controls should be reachable and equally accessible by both right and left-handed operators Other factors to look at include hard or sharp edges, contact with thermally conducting work surfaces, proper seating, work piece orientation, and lay-out of the workstation

ERGONOMICS
Engineering Controls
Attention must be given to the selection and designs of the tools used in the workplace to prevent the tools from having a negative effect Workers should be permitted to test tools in the actual work environment before purchasing new tools A variety of tool sizes should be available with consideration to handle sizes, right and left-handed workers, weight, center of gravity, and adequacy for gloved hands Engineering adaptations may be made to tools and tool handles

ERGONOMICS
Work Practice Controls
Key elements of a good work practice program include instruction in proper work techniques, employee training and conditioning, regular monitoring, feedback, adjustments, modification, and maintenance After workers are trained in a particular work activity, such as proper lifting, they should be monitored to ensure that they continue to use the proper techniques Improper practices should be corrected to prevent injury

STAY FIT FOR THE JOB...

Cmon! Keep those stomachs over the handle! Let the fat do the work! Thats it!

Stretching
Prepares muscles to do work Flexible muscles not easily injured Tight muscles easily injured
Morning/After Lunch Stress Previous strain/sprain

Stretching

Stretching

90-degree" posture:
Sit upright with your elbows, hips and knees bent at right angles and your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest This position is biomechanically correct, but it can fatigue your back muscles over time Fatigue can lead to slouching, even on a chair with lumbar support

Forward tilt posture:

Raise the height of your chair's seat a few inches and tilt the front of it downward about 8o This will open up your hip angle and allow you to support some of your weight using your legs rather than having it all rest on your hips and the backs of your thighs You may not find this posture comfortable if you have knee or foot problems, or if you feel like you are sliding off the front of the seat - A contoured chair seat can help to hold you in place

Reclining posture:
Lean back 10o - 20o into the chair's backrest and put your feet out in front of you to open up the angle at your hips and knees This helps relax your back muscles and promotes blood circulation Leaning back too far however, can result in an awkward neck posture when trying to keep your head upright

Standing posture:
Standing provides the biggest change in posture, and is a good alternative to prolonged sitting, which can aggravate low back injuries It can be fatiguing, however, so have a counter-height chair available at standing workstations, or use a height adjustable sit/stand workstation

Also, prop one foot up on a low footrest occasionally to help shift your weight

ERGONOMIC 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

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: POSTURE

NEUTRAL & COMFORTABLE: Wrists straight Shoulders relaxed with elbows close to body Head / shoulders & back in vertical alignment Frequent breaks when bent postures cant be avoided

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: REPETITION

Use automatic tools for repetitive tasks (screw and bolt tightening) Eliminate unnecessary tasks / movements by redesigning maintenance procedures and workstations Take short, frequent breaks Alternate tasks and processes to use different muscle groups

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: HIGH REPETITION

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: HIGH REPETITION

Job Enlargement Reduce Speeds Mechanical Assists / Positioning Jigs/vices to hold parts Move work to worker Voice-recognition software Macros Mini-Breaks

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: PROPER ALIGNMENT

Tools: Orientation to Work Surface

Tools: Orientation to Work Surface

JOB ANALYSIS

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: HIGH HAND FORCE

Use clamps and fasteners Reduce weight of tool or object Redesign tool/user interface Look at Material Handling Alternatives Use Two Hands /Alternate Hands Sharp, well-maintained tools Alternate Positions/Tasks

Tool Handle Design

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS
Shoulder harness for landscaping tool to reduce hand forces

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: REPEATED IMPACT

Use rubber mallets & padded tools Use levers Mechanical devices

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: HEAVY, FREQUENT, AWKWARD LIFTING

Reduce or Increase load weight, capacity Handholds, rigid containers Store objects 30 or more above floor Slides, gravity chutes Hoists, lifts, forklifts, Conveyors Reduce horizontal distance Handle items once Mobile racks, storage Arrange to avoid twist

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS
Wallboard lifting system for installing drywall

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS
Lift assist device to eliminate heavy, awkward lifts in nursing homes and home health care

Repetitive Awkward Motion Lifting

Back Angle

Gripping

Smarter, Not Harder: Bend & Brace

JOB ANALYSIS

Manual Handling - Work Smarter Not Harder

Choose the Right Tools

Harder, Not Smarter! Wrong Tool

Choose the Right Tools

Choose the Right Tools

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS
Using a carpet stretcher to eliminate knee impacts

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS
Redesign hand-tool
Reduce weight of tool

Rotate jobs
Use clamps or vises

ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS: HAND TOOLS

The design of grips for hand tools can be crucial: Grip shape and size appropriate to the task and user Isolate cold temperature Keep wrist and elbow in a "neutral" position Eliminate sharp edges or pressure points Use two-handed grips (where possible) Attenuate vibration

Redesign the Work Station

Courtesy of UCDavis

Bring the load down or lift yourself

Awkward Postures

Awkward Postures

Awkward Postures

Awkward Postures - Improvements

Awkward postures Improvements

HAND-ARM VIBRATIONS (HAVS)

A disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves and muscles of the hand, wrist and forearm Can be severely disabling Is better known as Vibration White Finger

HAND-ARM VIBRATIONS
Regular Maintenance Balancers, isolators, damping material Tool Selection
low-vibration tools Battery rather than pneumatic operated tools High power to weight ratio Low torque w/cutoff rather than slip-clutch Non-slip surface Contoured handles

Why talk about HAVS?

1 Million workers are exposed to high levels of vibration, of those 460,000 are estimated to be working in construction 242,000 cases of HAVS are reported every year

What are the Symptoms?

Tingling and numbness in the fingers In the cold and wet, fingers go blue then red and are painful You cant feel things with your fingers Pain or tingling in your forearms at night which stop you from sleeping Loss of strength in your arms and hands

What are the Symptoms?

Who is at Risk?
Users of breakers and pokers, sanders and angle grinders Users of scabblers (to clean concrete) and needle guns Users of drills and jigsaws

Who is at Risk?
Those with a disease that reduces blood flow Workers in cold and damp conditions

Who is at Risk?
Workers using vibrating tools

Workers in contact with cold tools

How Can I Prevent it?

Ask for low vibration tools Try a different approach to your job Use the right tool for the job Keep blades and cutting edges sharp

How can I Prevent it?

Check to ensure that the tool has been properly maintained Reduce the amount of time you use the tool Keep the handles warm

How can I Prevent it?

Improve your blood circulation by:
Keeping warm, wearing gloves etc. Giving up smoking - Smoking drastically impairs blood flow through the body Massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks

Prevention
Low vibration tools Use the right tool for the job Tool maintenance Reduce amount of time using the tool Keep hands & handles warm New approach to your job Anti-vibration gloves

What Else Can I Do?

Learn to Recognize the signs of HAVS Stop work and report any symptoms to your supervisor immediately Use any control measures provided, i.e. gloves etc., that your employer has provided Ask for advice from your safety department or safety rep

Remember
Once you have had an attack of HAVS, you will always be at risk (it is a chronic condition)
Tell your supervisor as soon as you suspect any symptoms

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Occurs with repetitive motion of hands & wrists--especially with high force levels Incidence up to 15% in certain industries A natural keyboard and good wrist support can help most PC users avoid problems GOOD NEWS: Have dropped about 30% since 1990--which most attribute to strong workplace ergonomics programs

Computer Ergonomics
Routine PC user defined as spending 20 hours or more per week working at a computer Studies of PC users have not shown a risk of eye damage...although fatigue very possible NIOSH studies have not indicated a radiation hazard nor pregnancy risk from PC usage Workers using bi/tri-focal glasses before beginning PC use may need special purpose glasses for computer work

NATURAL KEYBOARDS
Three types: 1. Fixed split 2. Adjustable split 3. Sculptured Awkward wrist postures minimized with 15 to 25 horizontal degree key split AND 8 to 66 degree vertical incline

NATURAL KEYBOARDS

NATURAL KEYBOARDS

NATURAL KEYBOARDS
Key Layout Design Changes Have: - increased comfort (81% of users) improved postures reduced muscle activity lowered carpal tunnel pressure in lab settings Obtained primarily to alleviate an injury

WRIST RESTS
No medical evidence that they reduce Repetitive Strain Injuries...As they work for some, but not for others Usage Guidelines:
Buy a rest that is even with top of keyboard Material should be medium-soft (foam--gel mix) so foam doesnt break down - AVOID hard plastic types DONT leave wrists on rest...which compresses carpal tunnel Palm rest instead Changing typing habits more critical than wrist support MOST APPROPRIATELY USED TO REST HANDS DURING PAUSE IN TYPING

LEARN TO TYPE CORRECTLY WITH FLOATING WRISTS FIRST!!!

Ergonomic chairs
Adjustable back height Adjustable arm rest **Chair on left NOT ergonomically designed

Alternative Pointing Devices

Track-balls Scrolling Mouse

Other Ergonomic PC Accessories

Height-adjustable articulating keyboard tray

Standard Layout

Wrist and Hand Issues

Posture: Orientation to Work

Elbows at 90 to 105 Whenever possible, unload your upper extremity

From the Top

Position keyboard relative to major functions Minimize wrist deviation

Compression
Avoid reaching up and over Consider the wristrest as a transitional landing pad; not as the bus stop for your wrists

Wrist Positioning for Mousing

Mouse What it Does

In order to operate the mouse while typing, the operator is frequently forced to reach forward or sideways, or even both at the same time

Mouse Common Complaints

Mouse Platform

Mouse Platform
Notice that reaching forwards and sideways is substantially reduced.

Keyboard with a Touch Pad

A keyboard with a touch pad for those applications that dont require frequent and precise placement of the cursor

Short Keyboard
A narrower keyboard (14) allows one to operate the mouse without side movements

Where Else Can You Keep the Mouse?

Placing the mouse between the operator and the keyboard requires using cordless mouse

Proof-Reading

Targeting the Work

Targeting of large objects can be performed at a distance > 15 inches
Targeting of small objects need to be performed at 6-10 inches, ie., needle and thread

Targeting Your Computer

Targeting Your Computer

Glare

Lighting Options

Proper Seating

Upper Extremity Unloading

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

JOB ANALYSIS

MODEL COMPUTER WORKSTATION

Keyboard trays WITH wrist support Split "Natural" keyboards to facilitate neutral wrist angle Fully adjustable ergonomic chair Document holder to minimize head / eye & neck movements

MODEL COMPUTER WORKSTATION

Corner desk units to position monitor directly in front of employee Foot rest where requested Re-organization of working materials within employee arm reach Alternative pointing devices (e.g., scrolling mouse or trackball devices

BACK SAFETY & LIFTING

Lifting Safely
Back Injuries are the Nations

#1
Workplace Safety Problem

Normal Curves of the Spine

Columns of Support
Posterior column of support
made up of the facet column very stable reflects an upright posture

Anterior column of support

made up of body of vertebra and the disc less stable reflects a flexed posture

The Disc & Nerve Root

The disc is the shock absorber of the spine 85% water at the age of 15 25% water at the age of 75

A Close-up Look

Forward Bending
Too much spinal flexion
loads the anterior column of support places the posterior wall of the disc at risk has the potential for nerve root compromise

Balance the Curves

Cervical Spine Anatomy

The Process of Degeneration

Weight of the Head = 10-12 lbs.

Muscular support of the Neck

Up-right Neutral Posture

Forward Head Postures

Consider Elevation of Product

A back injury costs an average of $11,645 in medical claims and lost time wages.
National Safety Council

Most back injuries can be

prevented

The Forces Involved

The amount of force you place on your back in lifting may surprise you!

Think of your back as a lever - with the fulcrum in the center, it only takes ten pounds of pressure to lift a ten pound object.

The Forces Involved

If you shift the fulcrum to one side, it takes much more force to lift the same object. Your waist acts like the fulcrum in a lever system, on a 10:1 ratio Lifting a ten pound object puts 100 pounds of pressure on your lower back

The Forces Involved

When you add in the 105 pounds of the average human upper torso, you see that lifting a ten pound object actually puts 1,150 pounds of pressure on the lower back!

The Forces Involved

If you were 25 pounds overweight, it would add an additional 250 pounds of pressure on your back every time you bend over!

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think:

DANGER! My back is at risk!

Try to avoid heavy lifting . . Especially repetitive lifting over a long period of time

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Twisting at the waist while lifting or holding a heavy load . . . this frequently happens when using a shovel.

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Reaching and lifting . . . over your head, across a table, or out the back of a truck . . . .

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes . . . .

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Working in awkward, uncomfortable positions . . .

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Sitting or standing too long in one position . . . sitting can be very hard on the lower back . . . .

Common Causes of Back Injuries

It is also possible to injure your back slipping on a wet floor or ice . . .

Prevent Back Injuries

Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can Place objects up off the floor Raise/lower shelves. Use carts and dollies Use cranes, hoists, lift tables, and other liftassist devices whenever you can Test the weight of an object before lifting by picking up a corner Get help if its too heavy for you to lift it alone

Prevent Back Injuries

Use proper lift procedures Follow these steps when lifting . . .

STEP ONE
Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width, with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance

STEP TWO

Squat down bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible

STEP THREE
Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift

STEP FOUR
Begin slowly lifting with your LEGS by straightening them Never twist your body during this step.

STEP FIVE
Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. As the load's center of gravity moves away from the body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the lumbar region of the back

For those Awkward Moments...

If you must lift or lower from a high place: 1. Stand on a platform instead of a ladder

2. Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible

3. Push the load to see how heavy and stable it is

4. Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before lifting up or down

5. Get help when needed to avoid an injury

From hard-to-get-at places...

Get as close to the load as possible Keep back straight, stomach muscles tight Push buttocks out behind you Bend your knees Use leg, stomach, and buttock muscles to lift -- not your back

Team lifting
All participants should be of similar height, build and gender One person should take control of the lift, command attention, inform others and co-ordinate the lift Double the people DOES NOT MEAN double the capacity

If one person can lift 100 pounds:

How much can two people lift? Only 70 % or 140 pounds How much can three people lift? Only 50 % or 150 pounds

Q. Will wearing a back support belt increase my maximum lifting potential?

A. No. Manufacturers of back support belts do not claim they increase maximum lifting potential.

Job Analysis

Things You Can Do

Minimize problems with your back by exercises that tone the muscles in your back, hips and thighs Before beginning any exercise program, you should check with your doctor

Exercise!
Exercise regularly, every other day
Warm up slowly . . . A brisk walk is a good way to warm up Inhale deeply before each repetition of an exercise and exhale when performing each repetition

Exercises To Help Your Back

Wall slides to strengthen your muscles . . . . Stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch with knees bent to 90 degrees Count to 5 and slide back up the wall - Repeat 5 times

Exercises To Help Your Back

Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles . . .
Lie on your stomach Tighten muscles in one leg and raise leg from floor Hold for count of 10, and return leg to floor Do the same with your other leg Repeat five times with each leg

Exercises To Help Your Back

Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles . . .
Lie on back, arms at your sides Lift one leg off the floor and hold for count of ten Do the same with the other leg Repeat 5 times with each leg If this is too difficult keep one knee bent and the foot flat on the floor while raising the other leg

Exercises To Help Your Back

Leg raises while seated ...
Sit upright, legs straight and extended at an angle to floor Lift one leg waist high Slowly return to floor Do the same with the other leg Repeat 5 times with each leg

Exercises To Help Your Back

Partial sit-up to strengthen stomach muscles . .
Lie on back, knees bent and feet flat on floor Slowly raise head and shoulders off floor and reach both hands toward your knees Count to 10 Repeat 5 times

Exercises To Help Your Back

Back leg swing to strengthen hip and back muscles . . . .
Stand behind chair, hands on chair Lift one leg back and up, keeping the knee straight Return slowly Raise other leg and return Repeat 5 times with each leg

Exercises To Decrease the Strain on Your Back

Lie on back, knees bent, feet flat on floor Raise knees toward chest Place hands under knees & pull knees to chest Do not raise head Do not straighten legs as you lower them Start with 5 repetitions, several times a day

Exercises To Decrease the Strain on Your Back

Lie on stomach, hands under shoulders, elbows bent and push up Raise top half of body as high as possible Keep hips and legs on floor Hold for one or two seconds Repeat 10 times, several times a day

Exercises To Decrease the Strain on Your Back

Stand with feet apart Place hands in small of back Keep knees straight Bend backwards at waist as far as possible and hold for one or two seconds Repeat as needed

A FEW SOLUTIONS...
Reduce manual material handling
Pre-Plan material drops Utilize material handling equipment Keep materials in neutral zone

Equipment
Use the right tool for the job Evaluate new tools for ergonomics Keep sharp & in good repair Use vibration dampening tools / gloves

Reduce Duration
Mini-breaks Multi-task Employee rotation/job share

PRODUCTS
SCISSORS LIFT TABLE 550 LB

Ergonomics at Work

Risk of injury - Heavy lifting Cart reduces risk of injury

Ergonomics at Work

Safe Lifting
Up-right neutral posture Posterior column of support Stable -- less risk of injury

Avoid Twisting

Awkward Positions
Adjustability Raise Worker or Raise Work Extending or Articulating Tools Tilt Tables Magnifiers Mirrors/Video for difficult access viewing Chest, Head, Arm supports Locate Objects w/in arms reach Alternate Positions/Tasks

It Costs Less to Be Safe

Average Cost of Common WMSDs: 1. Low back: $6,000 Average Cost of Common Controls:
1. Hydraulic lift: $600 2. Adjustable height workstation: $800 3. Powered screwdriver: $100 4. Assembly work positioner: $75

2. Shoulder: $7,000
3. Elbow: $4,000 4. Wrist: $5,500

CREATING A COMPANY ERGONOMICS PROGRAM

WE ARE HERE TO SHARE IDEAS!

Okay! Ill talk! Ill talk. Take two sticks of approximately equal size and weight -- rub them together at opposing angles using short, brisk strokes

START WITH A STEERING COMMITTEE

Designated Safety Coordinators Field Supervision Who must be involved-- to make a positive impact in your company?

STEP ONE: THE CAUTION ZONE INVENTORY

Awkward Work Postures High Hand Force Highly Repetitive Motion Repeated Impact Heavy, Frequent or Awkward lifting Moderate to High Vibration

STEP TWO: EMPLOYEE AWARENESS

Education for affected employees Causes of musculoskeletal disorders Caution Zone Jobs of concern How to identify and prevent WMSDs Non-work related physical activities Promote physical fitness...

STEP THREE: ANALYSIS OF CAUTION ZONE JOBS

By the steering committee? By all field employees? By selected crafts or professions? Checklists or Pocket Cards? General or Specific Performance?

STEP FOUR: SET REASONABLE OBJECTIVES

If we pull this off, well eat like kings!

STEP FIVE: GET EMPLOYEE INPUT & IDEAS

Changes in tools or equipment Use of ergonomic PPE Reducing the size & weight of loads Ideas for task variety or job rotation Remember the impact of peer pressure

Primitive Peer Pressure

STEP SIX: PRIORITIZE HAZARD REDUCTION

Senior management support is needed Consider cost/benefits of changes Assign trial teams and a trial schedule Reduce exposures below hazardous levels, or to the extent technologically and economically feasible

STEP SEVEN: COMPANY-WIDE APPLICATION

Discuss experiments at safety meetings Assign new equipment or procedures Encourage continuing suggestions Keep ergonomic awareness high at safety meetings, and during new employee orientation

WHAT ARE OTHER COMPANIES DOING?

TOOLS & RESOURCES

WorkSafe Institute of Washington OSHA Website Dept. of Labor & Industries The Internet general information search Ergonomic Equipment Suppliers Training Materials & Consultants Other?

Discrimination & Retaliation are Illegal !

Employees have a legal right to report injuries and raise safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation or discrimination If an employee becomes disabled, an employer must still comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) For ADA information, contact the federal Department Of Labor at 1-800-949-4232 or the Northwest Disability Business Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-HELP-ADA