Transcript Ergonomics

Ergonomics
Toby Sainsbury
Zettl Group Safety Talk
9-15-06
Summary
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Ergonomics in the work place
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OSHA
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UCB
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LBNL
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Zettl Group
Ergonomics General
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Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to people.
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The discipline encompasses a body of knowledge about physical abilities and
limitations as well as other human characteristics that are relevant to job design.
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Essentially, ergonomics is the relationship between the worker and the job and
focuses on the design of work areas to enhance job performance.
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Ergonomics can help prevent injuries and limit secondary injuries as well as
accommodate individuals with various disabilities, including those with
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
OSHA
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Cal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) = Cal DOSH (Department of Occupational Health and
Safety)
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http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/
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Protects workers and the public from safety hazards through its Cal/OSHA, elevator, amusement ride, aerial
tramway, ski lift and pressure vessel programs, and provides consultative assistance to employers.
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Ergonomics@Work
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Ergonomics@Work is the campus ergonomic program for faculty and staff. The website provides information
about the program, classes and workshops; and links to educational materials.
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http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/facstaff/ergonomics/index.shtml
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Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to people. It focuses on designing workstations, tools, and job tasks for
safety and efficiency. Effective ergonomic design coupled with good posture can reduce employee injuries and
increase job satisfaction and productivity.
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Requirements:
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Ergonomics training for employees
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Identifying, treating, and tracking work-related repetitive motion injuries
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Providing worksite evaluations of jobs that have caused repetitive motion injuries
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Modifying worksites that have caused repetitive motion injuries
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What are common ergonomic risk factors?
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Repetition
Awkward Body Postures
Force
Contact Stress
Vibration
Heat
Common Symptoms
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pain
numbness and tingling
stiffness or cramping
inability to hold objects or loss of grip strength
What are individuals responsibilities?
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Supervisors
Learn about ergonomic risk factors and how
to prevent them.
Provide ergonomics training and encourage
input in ergonomic problem-solving.
Support your department's computer
workstation evaluator.
Contact the campus Ergonomics Specialist
for a worksite assessment of non-computer
jobs involving ergonomic risk factors.
Provide ergonomic workstation furniture and
tools.
Promote frequent, short rest breaks and
alternative work activities for staff performing
highly repetitive tasks.
Encourage staff to report symptoms early.
Send injured employees for medical
treatment, report injuries promptly, and
implement work restrictions and workplace
modifications.
Seek assistance on ergonomic issues from
campus resources when necessary.
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Faculty and Staff
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Participate in ergonomics training and
problem-solving.
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Implement ergonomic recommendations.
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Choose tools, furniture, and equipment that
fit your job tasks and your body.
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Listen to your body and adjust your
workstation furniture and accessories to
support comfortable postures.
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Think before you lift, get help if necessary,
and follow safe lifting guidelines.
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Vary your job tasks throughout the day, take
frequent short stretch breaks when
performing highly repetitive tasks, and
perform simple stretches.
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Exercise, including walking and climbing
stairs, to build stamina and muscle tone.
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Report work-related injuries to your
supervisor promptly.
What does UC Berkeley's Ergonomic Program provide?
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Ergonomics Training Programs
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Treatment for Repetitive Motion Injuries
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Call the campus Workers' Compensation Program at 643-9316.
Ergonomic Worksite Evaluations
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Occupational Health Clinic at University Health Services, Tang Center, by calling 642-6891
Tracking Repetitive Motion Injuries
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Contact Ergonomics@Work at 642-8410 for a current workshop schedule
Ask your supervisor or Department Safety Coordinator for the name of the computer workstation evaluator for your department.
Making Ergonomic Modifications
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Call UC Furniture at 1-877-722-9090 toll free to schedule a visit to the on-campus showroom to try out adjustable chairs,
tables,and keyboard trays prior to purchase. Call the campus Ergonomics Program at 642-8410 to find out more about the financial
loan program for the purchase of ergonomic furniture and accessories.
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For more information: Call 642-8410 or email [email protected]
Ergonomics at LBNL
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Ergonomics is the science of designing the job,
equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.
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Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent
repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time
and can lead to long-term disability.
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The four main contributing causes of these injuries
are quick, repetitive actions, awkward position, use of
force, and lack of rest.
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Minimization of repetitive tasks and awkward body
positions can help to prevent such injuries from
occurring.
Ergonomics Policy at LBNL
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Identification of Ergonomic Issues
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Benefit of Ergonomic Hazard Identification
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Repetitiveness of a task
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Improved safety and health in the workplace
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Posture and movement of the limbs and whole
body as a task is performed
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Improved employee morale and job satisfaction
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Improved productivity
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Improved quality of work
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Improved competitiveness in the marketplace
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Reduced probability of accidents and errors
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Reduced absenteeism and employee turnover
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Reduced medical and workers' compensation
costs associated with cumulative trauma
disorders
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Physical strength required for a task
Design and use of tools
Design and layout of the work area or
equipment
http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH17.html
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
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Risk Factors
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Common Disorders
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Repetition
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Excessive Force
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DeQuervain's Disease
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Awkward Posture or Position
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Lateral Epicondylitis
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Prolonged Activities
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Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
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Localized Pressure (Mechanical Stress)
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Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
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Vibration
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Tendonitis
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Temperature (Cold)
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Tenosynovitis
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Trigger Finger
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White Finger
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
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Prevention
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Good body posture
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Engineering controls
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Administrative Controls
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Job enlargement
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Job rotation
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Work breaks
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Training.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
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LBNL Resources:
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Ergonomic Display Center is located in Building 75B, Room 110B.
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Ergonomic furniture and accessories: Procurement, ext. 4216.
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Lighting and space renovation: Facilities Department Work Request Center, ext. 6274.
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Health Concerns or Computer Glasses: Health Services, ext. 6266.
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Work Place Evaluations: https://isswprod.lbl.gov/Ergo/Login.asp
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You may also work through your supervisor or contact either your Division Safety Coordinator or your EH&S
Division Liaison. To find out who your EH&S Division Liaison is, go to "Who to Call" from the EH&S Division home
page.
Zettl Group
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Ergonomic Considerations
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Lighting
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Seating (Office)
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Seating (Laboratory)
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Temperature
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Vibration
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Repetition
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Equipment Layout and Orientation
Zettl Group
Zettl Group
Conclusions:
Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards within the Zettl Group
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Identify
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Treat
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Change situation through engineering and administrative means
Correct Posture
Environment
Safety Equipment
Prevent
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Training, UCB-EHS, LBL-EHS etc
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http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/ergo/
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http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/facstaff/ergonomics/index.shtml