ENV 211

Occupational health hazards and safety

practices

LECTURE 7

ERGONOMICS
By
1 J, Fares
WP- Hazards

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Important questions (lecture contents)

• What is ergonomics?
• What are ergonomic Hazards/Stressors/Risk
Factors?
• Health effects due to ergonomic stressors
• What are MSDs?
• What are signs and symptoms of MSD?
• How can I evaluate my workplace?
• What are some ergonomic solutions?
• Why Ergonomics (Importance of E- Program)

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Definition
• From two Greek words:
 Ergon: meaning WORK
Nomos: meaning LAWS

Ergonomics = the laws of work

• Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the

worker, by matching the physical requirements of the
job with the physical capacity of the worker.

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Generally, ERGONOMICS means

 Designing jobs, equipment, and work tasks to fit

human physical characteristics and energy
limitations

 It considers body dimensions, mobility, and the

body’s stress behavior

“Make the work fit the person, not the person fit the
work”

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Fitting the job to the worker

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ERGONOMICS EMPHASIS

The Tool The

/Operator
Worker
The
Task

The Work
Station and
Environment

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Ergonomic PRINCIPLES
 Maintain Neutral Posture

 Work in the Power / Comfort Zone

 Allow for Movement and Stretching

 Reduce Excessive Force

 Reduce Excessive Motions

 Minimize Contact Stress

 Reduce Excessive Vibration

 Provide Adequate Lighting

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Maintain Neutral Posture
• Aligned and balanced the BODY while either sitting or standing
• Placing minimal stress on the body and keeping joints aligned.
 Advantage:
 minimize the stress applied to muscles, tendons, nerves and
bones
 Allows for maximum control and force production.
• The opposite of a neutral posture is an “awkward posture.”
• Awkward postures move away from the neutral posture toward
the extremes in range of motion.
• Putting more stress on the worker’s musculoskeletal system, is a
contributing risk factor for Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs),
and should be avoided.

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Power / Comfort Zone
• This principle is very similar to maintaining a neutral
posture, but is worth expounding upon here.
• The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between
mi-thigh and mid-chest height.
• This zone is where the arms and back can lift the most with
the least amount of effort.
• This can also be called the “hand shake zone” or “comfort
zone.”
• The principle here is that if you can “shake hands with your
work”, you are minimizing excessive reach and
maintaining a neutral posture.

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Allow for Movement and
Stretching
• The musculoskeletal system is often referred to as the human
body’s movement system, and it is designed to move.
• Working for long periods of time in a static position will
cause your body to fatigue. This is what is known as static
load.

 For example:
• Raise your hands over your head for the next 30 minutes
• Remain standing in the same position for the next 8 hours
• Write with a pencil for 60 minutes straight

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Reduce Excessive Force
• Excessive force is one of the primary ergonomic risk factors.
• Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body.
• Muscle effort increases in response to high force requirements
which increases fatigue and risk of an MSD.
• There are numerous conditions that affect force, but the idea is
to recognize when a job or task requires excessive force and
then find ways to reduce that force.
• Eliminating excessive force requirements will reduce worker
fatigue and the risk of MSD formation in most workers.
• Using mechanical assists, counter balance systems, adjustable
height lift tables and workstations, powered equipment and
ergonomic tools will reduce work effort and muscle exertions.
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Reduce Excessive Motions
• Repetitive motion is another one of the primary ergonomic risk
factors.
• Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature, and are
frequently controlled by hourly or daily production targets and
work processes.
• High task repetition, when combined with other risks factors
such high force and/or awkward postures, can contribute to the
formation of MSD.
• Excessive or unnecessary motions should be reduced if at all
possible. In situations where this is not possible, it is important
to eliminate excessive force requirements and awkward
postures.
• Other control methods to consider are Job enlargement, job
rotation and counteractive stretch breaks.
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6. Minimize Contact Stress
• Contact stress results from continuous contact or rubbing
between hard or sharp objects/surfaces and sensitive body
tissue, such as soft tissue of the fingers, palms, thighs and
feet.
• This contact creates localized pressure for a small area of
the body, which can inhibit blood, nerve function, or
movement of tendons and muscles.
• Examples of contact stress include resting wrists on the
sharp edge of a desk or workstation while performing
tasks, pressing of tool handles into the palms, especially
when they cannot be put down, tasks that require hand
hammering, and sitting without adequate space for the
knees.

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Reduce Excessive Vibration
• Multiple studies have shown that regular and frequent
exposure to vibration can lead to permanent adverse health
effects, which are most likely to occur when contact with a
vibrating tool or work process is a regular and significant part
of a person’s job.
• Hand-arm vibration can cause a range of conditions
collectively known as hand-arm vibration syndrome
(HAVS), as well as specific diseases such as white finger or
Raynaud’s syndrome, carpel tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.
• Vibration syndrome has adverse circulatory and neural
effects in the fingers. The signs and symptoms include
numbness, pain, and blanching (turning pale and ashen).

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Provide Adequate Lighting
• Poor lighting is a common problem in the workplace that
can affect a worker’s comfort level and performance.
• Too much or too little light makes work difficult – just
imagine trying to do your job without sight!
• Dimly lit work areas and glare can cause eye fatigue and
headaches and improperly lit areas put workers at greater
risk for all types of injuries.
• Providing workers with adjustable task lighting is often a
simple solution to lighting problems.
• At a computer workstation, take steps to control screen
glare, and make sure that the monitor is not placed in front
of a window or a bright background.

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IMPORTANT ESPECTS FOR IMPLEMENTING E-
PRINCIPLES
• Human capacity for work:-

- Individuals differ in their capacity to perform

tasks.

- The workload imposed by a given task differs

from person to person.

- Avoid any condition in which more is demanded

from the operator than he or she can give.

- Otherwise, if there is an overload, an operator is

likely to suffer physically or psychologically.
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Aspects…..
• Anthropometric data:-
- Consists of heights, lengths, and breadths.

- These are used to establish the minimum

clearances, and spatial accommodations, functional
arm, leg, and body movements that are made by the
worker during the performance of the task.

- Example:
 Use of pillows to increase height of Japanese vehicles
used in some parts of Africa is an example of differing
anthropometric data.

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Aspects…..
• Workplace design:-
- Matching the physical characteristics and capabilities of
the worker to the design of equipment and to the layout of
the workplace is among the key ergonomic concept.

- To achieve this, several different types of

information are needed INCLUDING
- job description,
- kind of equipment to be used,
- kind of people.

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Aspects…..

• Design of displays:

- Display is important to safety and productivity of a worker

- Is the most common types of operator input (information

source); other inputs include direct sensing and verbal or
visual commands.

- Displays tell the operator what the machine is doing and

how is performing.

- Displays are usually visual, although they can be auditory

(e.g. warning siren rather than warning light or both).

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Aspects…..
• Design of controls:

- Important for efficiency and effectiveness which in turn

increases safety (avoidance of accidents and errors)
- Requires incorporation of the biomechanical information in
the design
(Biomechanics = The science of measuring the amount of force
put on the muscles and joints of people when working in
different positions)

- Controls should be designed so that rapid, accurate settings

can be made without undue fatigue, thereby avoiding
accidents and errors.

- In general, the mechanical design of equipment must be

compatible with biological and psychological characteristics
of the operator so as to achieve efficiency and safety.

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The ERGONOMIC hazard TRIANGLE
(Why all these principles (above) taken in consideration)

FORCE FREQUENCY

POSTURE
The goal is to eliminate at least one from every task
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Ergonomic Risk Factors
Definition:
 Condition or practice that can act as an obstacle to
productivity, a challenge to consistent quality, or a
threat to worker comfort, safety & long term well-being

NOTE;
• Epidemiological data concludes habits more significant
than personal factors

(lifestyle rather than constitutional make-up, what we do,

not what we are)

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…
….

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Ergonomic Risk Factors cont…
• Individual (personal) Risk Factors
– Anthropometry (tall, muscularly weak, obese)
– Age and Gender
– Previous injury
– Physically unsuited to carry out task
– Unsuitable clothing and/or footwear or other
personal effects
– Inadequate or inappropriate knowledge or training

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Environmental RF

• Examples;
Illumination
Ventilation
Noise
Area size/office/room size
etc

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RESULTING INJURIES ARE
CALLED:
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

 WMSDs are sometimes referred to using other

unfamiliar terms such as :

1. Cumulative Trauma Disorders – CTD

2. Repetitive Trauma Disorders – RTD
3. Repetitive Strain Injuries – RSI
4. Repeated Motion Disorders – RMD
5. Overuse Syndromes

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What are MusculoSkeletal Disorders?

MSDs are injuries and illnesses that

affect muscles, nerves, tendons,
ligaments, joints or spinal discs.

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration

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Common Body Parts Prone To
Workplace MSDs

• Back - Lower
• Neck and Upper Back
• Upper Extremities - Arms and Hands
• Lower Extremities - Legs and Feet

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Examples of MSDs

• Carpal tunnel
• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Lateral epicondylitis
- tennis elbow
• Low back pain

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Common Back Disorders

• General joint stiffness

• Acute strains and sprains
• Degenerative disk disease
• Bulging disc
• Herniated disc
• Osteoarthritis

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Leading Causes of Back Problems

• Poor Body Mechanics

• Stressful Living & Working
• Loss of Flexibility
• Loss of Strength

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MSDs- Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries
MSDs

Contact with Objects

Workplace Violence

All Other
Transportation Related

Falls

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

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NOTE
• MSD do not include injuries caused by
slips, trips, falls, or other similar accidents.

• They can differ in severity from mild

periodic symptoms to severe chronic and
debilitating conditions.

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COMMON CAUSES OF MSDs:
• Repetitive and/or prolonged activities
• Awkward postures/positions for an
extended time
• High/low Temperatures for an extended
time
• Static postures
• Vibration
• Forceful exertions

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SIGNS OF MSD

 Decreased range of  Decreased grip

motion strength
 Loss of function  Loss of balance
 Deformity  Swelling
 Cramping  Redness
 Loss of color

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Common Symptoms of MSDs
Painful joints include:
Pain, tingling, numbness in; hands wrists,
forearms, shoulders, knees and feet
Shooting or stubbing pains
Swelling or inflammation
Fingers or toes turning white
Back or neck pain
Stiffness
 etc

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EXAMPLES OF MSD
• TENDONITIS- An inflammation of the tendon.
– Typically occurs in the shoulder, wrist, hands, or elbow.

• CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:-

 Irritation of the median nerve,
which runs through a bony
channel in the wrist called
the carpal tunnel.
 Usually results from excessive
flexing or twisting of the wrist.
• TRIGGER FINGER SYNDROME- Tendons in the fingers
become inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and a loss of
dexterity.
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Posture check
Increased stress, decreased circulation…

Higher risk Lower risk

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Common MSD……..
• EYE STRAIN
 The eyes become strained as a result of poor lighting,
glare or viewing from awkward positions.

• HAND/ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME:-

 Tingling, numbness, blanching, loss of dexterity in the
hand/arm

• MUSCLE STRAIN
 Pain in muscles

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Prevention of Injuries due to E- hazards
• Selection:
 identify those individuals particularly at risk – transfer to
other tasks

• Training:
 attempt to change workers’ behavior by teaching ways of
doing work that are considered to be safer.

• Work Design (Ergonomics):

 Identify aspects of jobs that are particularly hazardous
and redesign to make safer

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NOTE
All 3 preventive approaches (above) base
on the assumption that there is a
MISMATCH between the demands of the
task and the capacities of the worker.

Selection and training are aimed at solving

the problem by fitting the person to the job
(FPJ), while work design is aimed at fitting
the job to the person (FJP)

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WHAT CAN WE DO TO CONTROL E-
HAZARDS?

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 Include changing, modifying or redesigning of:-
– Workstations
 The objective is to:
o Fit the workstation to the employee
o Reduce awkward positions
– Tools/equipment
 Use of Force e.g. Longer/shorter and thicker/thinner handles
 Repetitive tasks e.g. Power tools like electric knife
 Awkward positions e.g. Bent or curved handles, Headphones, Step
stool
 Forceful exertions e.g. Soft-touch keyboards/buttons, Lifting
devices
– Facilities
 That can regulate Noise, temperature
– Materials
– Processes

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Eng. Control…..
Characteristics:-
• Preferred method for controlling hazards.
• Make physical changes to tasks.
• Act on the source of the hazard.
• Control employee exposure.
• Do not require “self-protective” action.

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– Altering the work organization/the way work is
performed
– Procedures and methods
– Less expensive, less dependable
• Examples
Employee rotation/job task expansion
Physical adjustments to the work pace
Alternative tasks
Breaks
Work conditioning
Preventative maintenance programs for tools
Housekeeping program
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• Behavior based controls that change the manner in which
a job is performed.
• Redesign of work methods/ work techniques
• Physical conditioning period
• Training

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HABITS/LIFE STYLE VS WP-MSDs
 Exercise  Smoking  Medication
• Restricts blood vessels • Lowers or raises
• Improved health normal blood pressure
• Carbon monoxide in blood
• Stronger body • Changes sense of
• Longer recovery from balance
• Improved endurance • Masks pain
injury
• Reduced stress • Increased injuries from • Relaxes muscles
• Better range of vibration • Affects blood
circulation
motion • Increased injuries from • Affects eyesight
cold
• Poor general health

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Remember- a point about life styles

• Epidemiological data concludes habits more

significant than personal factors

(lifestyle rather than constitutional make-up, what

we do, not what we are)

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WP ERGONOMICS PROGRAM
• EP at WP has the following basic elements:
– Management Leadership and employee
participation
– Hazard information and reporting
– Job Hazard Analysis and Control
– Training
– MSD Management
– Programs evaluation

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Why Ergonomics EP? (Aims!)

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Ergonomic Solutions Checklist (e.g.)
• Can the layout of the work area be changed?

• Can the load be redesigned?

• Can a mechanical lifting aid be provided?

• Can more workers be allocated to the job, reducing the

overall load on each worker?

• Can/have the workers been trained in safer working

practices?

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