Transcript Ergonomics – overview

Ergonomics
An Overview
Paul Schlumper, CSP, P.E.
Georgia Tech Research Institute
We Will Discuss
Ergonomics Overview
Ergonomic Hazards or Risk Factors
Control Techniques
OSHA’s Strategy
What is Ergonomics?
The study of work; OR
The discipline that matches the job to
the worker
Multi-Disciplinary Nature of
Ergonomics
Anatomy and Physiology
Engineering Psychology
Engineering
Medicine
Anthropology
Biomechanics
Benefits of Ergonomics
Decreased risk of injury
Increased productivity
Increased quality and efficiency
Decrease lost work days
Decrease turnover
Improve morale
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Work-related MusculoSkeletal Disorders
- WMSD
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Repetitive Strain Injuries - RSI
Repetitive Motion Injuries - RMI
Cumulative Trauma Disorders - CTD
Occupational Overuse Syndrome - OOS
WRULD
Low Back Pain
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU
HAVE A PROBLEM?
Workplace Indicators
Performance deterioration
Quality problems
Absenteeism/turnover
OSHA Logs and WC Reports
Complaints of fatigue and discomfort
Ergonomic Hazards (Risk Factors)
Awkward working postures
Static postures
Forceful exertions
Repetitive movements
Pace of work
Point pressures
Temperature extremes
Vibration
Ergonomic Risk Factors
To contribute to MSDs, risk factors
must be present for sufficient duration,
frequency, or magnitude
UPPER EXTREMITY RISK
FACTORS
Organizational Influences
Wage system
Quality Control
Management-Labor Relations
Machine-paced vs. self-paced work
Overtime
Shift work
Rest breaks
Non-Work-Related Factors
Physical conditioning
Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes,
arthritis)
Pregnancy
Hobbies (hand-intensive or manual
handling)
Ergonomics
Control Techniques
Engineering Controls
Work Practices
Administrative Controls
Personal Protective Equipment
Ergonomics
Control Techniques
Engineering
Controls
Work station design
Work methods
Tool design
Reducing or
spreading force
Obtaining better
mechanical
advantage
Workstation Design Guidelines
Reduce static component and allow worker to use
optimal posture (midpoint of limbs range of motion)
Avoid forward reaches in excess of 16”
Elbows down close to the body flexor angle around
90 degrees
Sit-Stand preferred but rarely seen
Use gravity do not work against it
Avoid the need for excessive head movement
Avoid compression against hard/non-rounded edges
Ergonomics
Control Techniques
Work Practices
Task
Enlargement
Work
techniques
Conditioning
Ergonomics
Control Techniques
Administrative
Controls
Job rotation
Maintenance of
equipment &
environment
Rest breaks
Increase number of
employees
Physical conditioning
Relief personnel
Medical management
Ergonomics
Medical Management
Accurate injury & illness recording.
Early recognition & reporting.
Conservative treatment.
Medical treatment & rehabilitation for
disabling injuries.
Baseline health and workplace assessments.
Medical participation in workplace design.
Ergonomics
Control Techniques
Personal
Protective
Equipment
CAREFUL!
Wrist supports
Gloves
Braces
Splints
Abdominal
belts
Ideal Computer Workstation
Posture
EMPLOYEE CONTROLS
UPPER/LOWER BACK
Ergonomics
Back Disorders
Approximately 20% of all workrelated injuries.
Approximately 25% of annual
workers’ compensation payments.
Most frequently injured body part
according to the NSC.
Ergonomics
Back Disorders
Manual Lifting Risk Factors
Weight
Location (center of gravity)
Frequency, Duration, Pace
Stability
Hand holds (techniques)
Workplace Layout (obstacles)
Posture (Torso flex, twisting, arms extended)
Environmental Factors (lighting, friction, temperature,
humidity, vibration, PPE, personal risk factors)
Job Design - Lower Back
Minimize reach, lift, and
carry distances
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Keep off floor (Lift from
knuckle height)
Work station design
Limit travel distance to
less than 10 feet
Frequency
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Relax time standard
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Rotation
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Work-Rest allowances
Minimize Weight
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Mechanical aids
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Carton capacity
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Balance contents
Minimize Twisting
Provide Good Handles
Convert:
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Carry to push/pull
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Push over pull
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Use large wheels
WORKPLACE USE OF BACK BELTS
NIOSH 94-122
Insufficient Data that belts significantly
reduce trunk loading
Insufficient data that wearing reduces risk of
injury based on IAP and EMG
May strain cardiovascular system
Insufficient data that discontinuation of use
increases risk among healthy workers
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* NIOSH does not recommend as prevention tool
Ergonomics
Program Elements
Management commitment & employee
participation
Hazard information and reporting
Job hazard analysis
Hazard prevention & control
Medical management
Training
Program evaluation
Information Sources
1. Elements of Ergonomic Programs
NIOSH 97-117 www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors
NIOSH 97-141
3. Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting
NIOSH 81-122
4. Cumulative Trauma Disorders: A Manual for MSDs of the
Upper Limbs, Putz-Anderson
5. Fitting the Task to the Man, Grandjean
Taylor and Francis
1-800-821-8312
6. Ergonomics: The Study of Work, OSHA, www.OSHA.gov
REFERENCES
Applications guide for the revised NIOSH lifting equation
NTIS PB94-176930 (703) 487-4650
NTIS PB91-226274 Scientific Documentation
Elements of Ergonomic Programs
NIOSH 97-117
1-800-35-NIOSH
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors
NIOSH 97-141
Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting
NIOSH 81-122
$12.00
REFERENCES (continued)
Cumulative Trauma Disorders: A Manual for MSDs of the Upper
Limbs, Putz-Anderson
Fitting the Task to the Man, Grandjean
Taylor and Francis
1-800-821-8312
Methodological Limitations in the Study of VDT use and UEMDs
Gerr, Marcus, Ortiz, American J. Ind. Med. 29:649-656 (1996)
www.OSHA.gov
Dan Ortiz, Georgia Tech
www.oshainfo.gatech.edu
(404) 894-8276
Ergonomics –
A Comprehensive
Plan
April 5, 2002
7/17/2015
“Our goal is to help workers by reducing
ergonomic injures in the shortest possible
time frame. This plan is a major
improvement over the rejected rule
because it will prevent ergonomics injuries
before they occur and reach a much larger
number of at-risk workers.”
Elaine L. Chao
Secretary of Labor
April 5, 2002
Comprehensive Plan on Ergonomics
– A 21st Century Response:
Industry and Task - Specific Guidelines
Enforcement
Outreach and Assistance
Advancing Research
7/17/2015
Industry and Task-Specific
Guidelines:
 Work with stakeholders to develop industry
and task-specific guidelines for industries and
particular hazards
 We will begin releasing guidelines this year
Enforcement:
 Crack down on bad actors by coordinating
inspections with a legal strategy designed for
successful prosecution
 For the first time, OSHA will have an
enforcement plan designed to target prosecutable
ergonomic violations
 For the first time, OSHA will have special
ergonomics inspection teams that work closely
with DOL attorneys and experts to successfully
bring 5(a)(1) prosecutions
Outreach and Assistance:
 Provide tools to help workplaces reduce and
prevent ergonomic injuries:
o Provide expertise to assist businesses and workers
o Support programs through training grants,
curriculum development and other means
o Design compliance assistance tools, new
partnerships and recognition programs
o Encourage others to develop best practices
Research:
 Establish a national advisory committee and
work with NIOSH to address research needs
 Identify gaps in research related to the
application of ergonomic principles in the
workplace
 Work with NIOSH and through the NORA
process to encourage research in needed areas
Strategy for Success:
Goals:
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Decrease ergonomic hazards
Reduce injuries and illnesses
Ensure flexibility and encourage innovation
Help employers prevent MSDs
This is the best approach to achieve results quickly.