Transcript Ergonomics
Ergonomics
Part 1
Introduction to Ergonomics
What is Ergonomics?
2
The study of Work.
The science of designing the job to fit the
worker vs forcing the worker to fit the job.
Adapting tasks, work stations, tools and
equipment to the worker.
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Why is ergonomics important?
3
Dramatic increase of reported MSD’s.
Poor machine design.
Increased task requirements.
Increased work hours.
Increases in production.
Specialized work tasks.
Repetition of Work tasks.
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What are MSD’s?
Musculoskeletal disorders – injuries and
disorders of the soft tissues and nervous
system.
Muscles
Joints
Tendons
Ligaments
Cartilage
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MSD’s
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CTD – Cumulative Trauma Disorder
RSI – Repetitive Stress Injuries
Occupational Overexertion Syndrome
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What diseases are found ?
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Tendonitis or tenosynovitis
Sciatica
Herniated discs
Back pain
DeQuervain’s disease
Trigger finger
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APWU Safety & Health
Common causes of work-related MSD’s
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Excessive force during exertion
Excessive repetition
Awkward postures
Static postures
Quick motions
Compression or contact stress
Inadequate recovery times
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Common causes of work-related MSD’s
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Excessive vibration
Whole-body vibration
Working in cold temperatures
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Key body parts effected
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Shoulders
Back
Arms & Hands
Elbows
Wrists
Neck
legs
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High risk work tasks
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Manual Lifting
Manufacturing and production
Heavy Lifting
Twisting movements
Long hours
Awkward positions
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Signs and Symptoms of MSD’s
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Numbness in fingers
Numbness in thighs
Difficulty moving fingers
Stiff joints
Pain in joints and tendons
Back pain
Pain associated with specific movements
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Ergonomics
Part II
OSHA’s Ergonomics Standard
OSHA’s Ergonomic Standard
29 CFR 1910.900
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Subpart W – Program Standard
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OSHA Ergonomics Chronology
Click on the Picture
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Key Elements
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Basic Worker
Information
Injury Trigger
Job Hazard Analysis
and Control
Grandfather clause
Covers all General
Industry Workers
Quick Fix Option
Medical Management
and Work Protection
Provisions
Training Workers &
Supervisors
Program Evaluation
Recordkeeping
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Basic Worker Information
Employers are required to provide ALL
workers with basic information on MSD’s,
including:
Signs and Symptoms
Importance of early reporting
How to report MSD’s
Risk factors
Summary of the Ergonomic standard
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December 2000
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Action Triggers
Employers must take further action when
an MSD is reported or when signs or
symptoms are reported.
Determine if work-related
Do MSD job-risk-factors meet Action Trigger
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Exposure to risk factors (repetition, force, frequency)
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Required Actions
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Implement management leadership and
employee participation provisions
Provide MSD management to injured
workers
Analyze job to determine if MSD hazards
are present
Control MSD hazards
Provide training to workers
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Required Actions - Continued
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Employers must ensure they have no
policies or practices that discourage
workers form reporting MSD’s or their
signs or symptoms or from participating in
the ergonomics program.
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Job Hazard Analysis and Control
Must be conducted when an MSD
exposure to risk factors meet Action
Trigger.
If hazards/risks are identified - Hazards
must be controlled by:
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Includes problem job and similar jobs
Reducing the exposure
Reducing the hazard
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Job Hazard Analysis and Control
Controls
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Engineering
Work practices
Administrative measures
PPE (must be provided at no cost to the
employees)
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Grandfather Clause
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Employer must have an ongoing
ergonomics program that meets the
requirements set forth in the standard.
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Coverage
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General Industry
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Quick Fix Option
May be used in place of setting up a full
ergonomics program
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Only if no more than one incident/job or two
incidents/workplace within 18 months
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Medical Management
Provide prompt medical management
Work Restriction Protection WRP
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Access to health care
Work restrictions
Temporary removal from work
Temp. Restriction – 100% pay/90 days
Temp. Removal – 90% pay/90 days
2nd/3rd Opinions
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Training for Workers &
Supervisors
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Initial training
Follow-up –every 3 years
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Training cont.
Must cover
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Requirements of Standards
Employer’s Ergonomic Program
Worker’s Role in Program
MSD Signs and Symptoms
Risk Factors
MSD hazards in employee’s jobs
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Training cont.
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Control Measures
The plan
Timetables for addressing identified MSD
hazards
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Evaluation of Program
Effectiveness
Employer’s must evaluate at least
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Every three years
Effectiveness at identifying and reducing MSD
hazards
* Employees and their representatives
must be consulted in the evaluation
process
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Record Keeping
Employer’s must maintain records of:
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Reported MSD’s
MSD Signs and Symptoms and hazards
Response to such reports
Job Hazard evaluations
Hazard control measures
Program evaluations
Medical management records
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Record Keeping cont.
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Records must be provided to employees
and their representatives upon request.
Records must be maintained for 3 years or
until replaced by updated records.
Health care records must be maintained
for employment plus 3 years
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Compliance Dates
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Effective 60 days after publication
11month after publication – Information to
employees
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APWU Safety & Health
Compliance Dates – cont.
12 months after publication – Must
respond to reports of MSD incidents:
If the job meets Action Trigger
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7 days- Action Triggers
7 days – MSD Management
30 days- Management Leadership/Employee
Participation
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APWU Safety & Health
Compliance Dates – cont.
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45 days – Train on Program Setup
60 days – Job Hazard Analysis
90 days – Implement Initial Controls
90 days – Train current Employees
2 years – Implement Permanent Controls
(except that initial compliance – 4years plus
60 days)
3 years – Program Evaluation
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Ergonomics
Part III
Elements of Ergonomics
Programs
Ergonomic Programs
Key Elements
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Looking for signs of MSD’s
Developing Action Plans
Training – Building In-house Expertise
Data Collection & Evaluation
Developing Controls
Health Care Management
Program Evaluation
Developing a proactive program
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Looking for signs of MSD’s
Recognizing signs of a problem
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OSHA 200 Logs
Worker complaints (signs & symptoms)
Medical indications
Types of job tasks
Industry notices and job comparisons
Changes in production goals
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Determining a level of effort
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Full scale
Task specific
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Setting the stage for action
Ergonomic as part of S&H
Management Commitment
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Reactive vs Proactive
Cost Effectiveness
Must be a Company goal
Expect full cooperation
Assign lead roles
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Management Commitment –cont.
Give ergonomics equal priority with:
Cost reduction
Productivity
Quality assurance
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Work with and involve local unions
Resource commitment
Communication in both directions
Management evaluation of the program
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Union and Worker Involvement
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Promotes safety and health
Have a better understanding of the job
tasks
Adds problem solving capabilities
Ownership
Greater acceptance of changes
Improves job satisfaction
December 2000
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Training – Building In-house Expertise
Ergonomic Awareness Training
Recognizing risk factors
Signs and symptoms
Complete understanding of the program
Controls
Employee roles
Reporting
Task at risk
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December 2000
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Training in job analysis & controls
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Develop skill and expertise
Consultants
Labor and management
December 2000
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Data collection & evaluation
Health and medical indicators
Identify risk factors by job
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Worker reports
OSHA logs and other records
Symptoms surveys
Medical exams
Screen all jobs/tasks
Perform hazard analysis
Set priorities
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Awkward Posture
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Bending or twisting while lifting
Repeated or stained bending or twisting of
wrists, knees, hips, or shoulders
Frequent or prolonged work above the
shoulders
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Forceful exertions (lifting, pushing, pulling)
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Increased weight of loads
Bulkiness
Awkward posture
Speeding up movement
Vibration
Pinching grip
Undersized tools
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APWU Safety & Health
Job hazard analysis – risk factors
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Repetitive motion
Duration
Contact stress
Vibration
Cold temperatures
Insufficient recovery times
Machine pace
Unfamiliar work tasks
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Other related factors
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Performance monitoring
Incentive pay
Lack of employee control to determine injury
Safety incentive programs
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Methods of conducting a Job
hazard analysis
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Walkthrough observation survey
Worker and supervisor interviews
Records review
Scoring jobs using risk factors checklists
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Performing a job hazard analysis
Break the job into elements/actions/tasks
Detailed description
Measure & Quantify risk factors
Photograph/video tasks
Identify contributing conditions
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Environment
Noise
Etc.
December 2000
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Performing a job hazard analysis
Key evaluation factors
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Tools, equipment & materials used
Workstation/area layout
Task demands
Organization of work - climate
December 2000
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Developing controls
Types of controls
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Engineering
Administrative
Personal equipment (PPE)
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Performing a job hazard analysis
Implementing controls
Tests and trials of selected solutions
Modification to selected solutions
Full-scale implementation
Evaluating controls effectiveness
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Reduction in incidence rate
Reduction in severity
Increase in productivity
Reduction in complaints
Reduction in turnover & absenteeism
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Setting Priorities
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Cases of MSD’s
Signs & Symptoms
Significant risk factors
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Developing Controls
Types of Controls
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Engineering
Administrative
Personal Equipment
Implementing Controls
Evaluating Control Effectiveness
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Types of Controls
Engineering
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Preferred approach
Workstation layout
Selection and use of tools
Work methods
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Administrative controls
Work practices and policies
Changes in job rules and procedures
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Scheduling
More rest breaks
Rotating workers and adjusting work pace
Training workers to recognize risk factors
Training on techniques for reducing stresses
and strains
Usually considered as temporary
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Personal Equipment
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Wrist supports, back belts, vibration
attenuation gloves
NIOSH – insufficient evidence to
determine is helpful
Must be evaluated to insure they don’t
create a hazard
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Implementing Controls
Sources
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Trade Associations
Insurance companies
Consultants
Visits to other sites
Training courses
Input for workers
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Implementing Controls
Process
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Trials and tests of selected solutions
Modify or revise tested solutions
Full-scale implementation
Follow up and evaluation of effectiveness of
controls
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Evaluating Controls Effectiveness
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Use the same risk factors checklist
Re-do job hazard analysis
May include a symptoms survey
Short term - 1-2 weeks after
implementations of solutions
If hazards are not substantially reduced or
eliminate re-start problem solving process
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Evaluating Control Effectiveness
Long term evaluations are necessary
Indicators of and effective program include:
Reduction in the incidence rate of MSD’s
Reduction in the severity rate of MSD’s
Increase in productivity or quality
Reduction in job turnover or absenteeism
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December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Health Care Management
Employer responsibilities
Employee responsibilities
Health care providers responsibilities
Issues
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Job familiarity and job placement evaluation
Early reporting and access to health care
providers
Treatment
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Employer Responsibilities
Providing education and training
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Recognition of signs and symptoms
Reporting procedures
Encourage early reporting and prompt
evaluation
Give health care providers opportunity to
become familiar with jobs and tasks
Modifying job, accommodating employees
Employee privacy and confidentially of medical
records
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Employee Responsibilities
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Following applicable workplace safety &
health rules
Following work practices procedures
Reporting early signs of MSD’s
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Health care providers responsibilities
Acquire experience and training
Understand employees job
Maintain medical privacy
Evaluate symptoms
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Medical history
Describe work activities
Physical examination
Initial assessment
Offer an opinion of cause
Follow up
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Proactive Ergonomics
Proactive vs reactive
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Design phase
Avoid risk factors
Preplanning of tool and equipment selection
to fit job to worker
Workstation layout
Job design
Materials selection
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Essential considerations
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Identify and resolve ergonomic problems
in the planning process
Design strategies emphasizing fitting the
job to the worker
Re-evaluate the program regularly
Provide regular training
Continually fine tune the program
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Workstation Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Does the work space allow for full range of movement?
[ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are mechanical aids and equipment available?
[ ]yes [ ]no
3. Is the height of the work surface adjustable?
[ ]yes [ ]no
4. Can the work surface be tilted or angled?
[ ]yes [ ]no
5. Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate
bending or twisting at the wrist?
[ ]yes [ ]no
reaching above the shoulder?
[ ]yes [ ]no
static muscle loading?
[ ]yes [ ]no
full extension of the arms?
[ ]yes [ ]no
raised elbows?
[ ]yes [ ]no
6. Are the workers able to vary posture?
[ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are the hands and arms free from sharp edges on work surfaces?
[ ]yes [ ]no
8. Is an armrest provided where needed?
[ ]yes [ ]no
9. Is a footrest provided where needed?
[ ]yes [ ]no
10. Is the floor surface free of obstacles and flat?
[ ]yes [ ]no
11. Are cushioned floor mats provided for employees required to stand for long periods?
[ ]yes [ ]no
12. Are chairs or stools easily adjustable and suited to the task?
[ ]yes [ ]no
13. Are all task elements visible from comfortable positions?
[ ]yes [ ]no
14. Is there a preventive maintenance program for mechanical aids, tools, and other equipment?
[ ]yes [ ]no
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December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Task Analysis Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Does the design of the primary task reduce or eliminate
bending or twisting of the back or trunk?
[ ]yes [ ]no
crouching?
[ ]yes [ ]no
bending or twisting the wrist?
[ ]yes [ ]no
extending the arms?
[ ]yes [ ]no
raised elbows?
[ ]yes [ ]no
static muscle loading?
[ ]yes [ ]no
clothes wringing motions?
[ ]yes [ ]no
finger pinch grip?
[ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are mechanical devices used when necessary?
[ ]yes [ ]no
3. Can the task be done with either hand?
[ ]yes [ ]no
4. Can the task be done with two hands?
[ ]yes [ ]no
5. Are pushing or pulling forces kept minimal?
[ ]yes [ ]no
6. Are required forces judged acceptable by the workers?
[ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are the materials
able to be held without slipping?
[ ]yes [ ]no
easy to grasp?
[ ]yes [ ]no
free from sharp edges and corners?
[ ]yes [ ]no
8. Do containers have good handholds?
[ ]yes [ ]no
9. Are jigs, fixtures, and vises used where needed?
[ ]yes [ ]no
10. As needed, do gloves fit properly and are they made of the proper fabric?
[ ]yes [ ]no
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December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Task Analysis Checklist – cont.
11. Does the worker avoid contact with sharp edges when performing the task?
[ ]yes [ ]no
12. When needed, are push buttons designed properly?
[ ]yes [ ]no
13. Do the job tasks allow for ready use of personal equipment that may be required?
[ ]yes [ ]no
14. Are high rates of repetitive motion avoided by
Job rotation?
[ ]yes [ ]no
self-pacing?
[ ]yes [ ]no
sufficient pauses?
[ ]yes [ ]no
adjusting the job skill level of the worker?
[ ]yes [ ]no
15. Is the employee trained in
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proper work practices?
[ ]yes [ ]no
when and how to make adjustments?
[ ]yes [ ]no
recognizing signs and symptoms of potential problems?
[ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Handtool Analysis Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Are tools selected to limit or minimize
exposure to excessive vibration?
[ ]yes [ ]no
use of excessive force?
[ ]yes [ ]no
bending or twisting the wrist?
[ ]yes [ ]no
finger pinch grip?
[ ]yes [ ]no
problems associated with trigger finger?
[ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are tools powered where necessary and feasible?
[ ]yes [ ]no
3. Are tools evenly balanced?
[ ]yes [ ]no
4. Are heavy tools suspended or counterbalanced in ways to facilitate use?
[ ]yes [ ]no
5. Does the tool allow adequate visibility of the work?
[ ]yes [ ]no
6. Does the tool grip/handle prevent slipping during use?
[ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are tools equipped with handles of textured, non-conductive material?
[ ]yes [ ]no
8. Are different handle sizes available to fit a wide range of hand sizes?
[ ]yes [ ]no
9. Is the tool handle designed not to dig into the palm of the hand?
[ ]yes [ ]no
10. Can the tool be used safely with gloves?
[ ]yes [ ]no
11. Can the tool be used by either hand?
[ ]yes [ ]no
12. Is there a preventive maintenance program to keep tools operating as designed?
[ ]yes [ ]no
13. Have employees been trained
[ ]yes [ ]no
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in the proper use of tools?
[ ]yes [ ]no
when and how to report problems with tools?
[ ]yes [ ]no
in proper tool maintenance?
[ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Materials Handling Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Are the weights of loads to be lifted judged acceptable by the workforce?
[ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are materials moved over minimum distances?
[ ]yes [ ]no
3. Is the distance between the object load and the body minimized?
[ ]yes [ ]no
4. Are walking surfaces
level?
[ ]yes [ ]no
wide enough?
[ ]yes [ ]no
clean and dry?
[ ]yes [ ]no
easy to grasp?
[ ]yes [ ]no
stable?
[ ]yes [ ]no
able to be held without slipping?
[ ]yes [ ]no
5. Are objects
6. Are there handholds on these objects?
[ ]yes [ ]no
7. When required, do gloves fit properly?
[ ]yes [ ]no
8. Is the proper footwear worn?
[ ]yes [ ]no
9. Is there enough room to maneuver?
[ ]yes [ ]no
10. Are mechanical aids used whenever possible?
[ ]yes [ ]no
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December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Materials Handling Checklist – cont.
11. Are working surfaces adjustable to the best handling heights?
[ ]yes [ ]no
12. Does material handling avoid
[ ]yes [ ]no
movements below knuckle height and above shoulder height?
[ ]yes [ ]no
static muscle loading?
[ ]yes [ ]no
sudden movements during handling?
[ ]yes [ ]no
twisting at the waist?
[ ]yes [ ]no
extended reaching?
[ ]yes [ ]no
13. Is help available for heavy or awkward lifts?
[ ]yes [ ]no
14. Are high rates of repetition avoided by
job rotation?
[ ]yes [ ]no
self-pacing?
[ ]yes [ ]no
sufficient pauses?
[ ]yes [ ]no
15. Are pushing or pulling forces reduced or eliminated?
[ ]yes [ ]no
16. Does the employee have an unobstructed view of handling the task?
[ ]yes [ ]no
17. Is there a preventive maintenance program for equipment?
[ ]yes [ ]no
18. Are workers trained in correct handling and lifting procedures?
[ ]yes [ ]no
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December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Computer Workstation Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Does the workstation ensure proper worker posture, such as
horizontal thighs?
[ ]yes [ ]no
vertical lower legs?
[ ]yes [ ]no
feet flat on floor or footrest?
[ ]yes [ ]no
neutral wrists?
[ ]yes [ ]no
2. Does the chair
adjust easily?
[ ]yes [ ]no
have a padded seat with a rounded front?
[ ]yes [ ]no
have an adjustable backrest?
[ ]yes [ ]no
provide lumbar support?
[ ]yes [ ]no
have casters?
[ ]yes [ ]no
3. Are the height and tilt of the work surface on which the keyboard is located adjustable?
[ ]yes [ ]no
4. Is the keyboard detachable?
[ ]yes [ ]no
5. Do keying actions require minimal force?
[ ]yes [ ]no
6. Is there an adjustable document holder?
[ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are arm rests provided where needed?
[ ]yes [ ]no
8. Are glare and reflections avoided?
[ ]yes [ ]no
9. Does the monitor have brightness and contrast controls?
[ ]yes [ ]no
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December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Computer Workstation Checklist – cont.
10. Do the operators judge the distance between eyes and work to be satisfactory for their viewing needs?
[ ]yes [ ]no
11. Is there sufficient space for knees and feet?
[ ]yes [ ]no
12. Can the workstation be used for either right- or left-handed activity?
[ ]yes [ ]no
13. Are adequate rest breaks provided for task demands?
[ ]yes [ ]no
14. Are high stroke rates avoided by
job rotation?
[ ]yes [ ]no
self-pacing?
[ ]yes [ ]no
adjusting the job to the skill of the worker?
[ ]yes [ ]no
15. Are employees trained in
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proper postures?
[ ]yes [ ]no
proper work methods?
[ ]yes [ ]no
when and how to adjust their workstations?
[ ]yes [ ]no
how to seek assistance for their concerns?
[ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Exercise 1
Program Outline
Program Outline
The purpose of this exercise is to develop a
program outline for your facility.
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The outline should be bullet points.
Define areas that you feel are most important in any
Safety & Health Program.
Outline a time table of when specific events should
happen.
How will you resolve conflicts or disagreements of
what to include in the program.
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Exercise 2
Ergonomics Committee Duties
Ergonomics Committee Duties
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List the duties of the Ergonomics Committee.
How will conflicts be resolved?
What method and how often will follow up be
conducted?
When should the committee get involved in an
ergonomics program?
What authority and responsibilities should the
committee have?
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Exercise 3
Work area and job task
evaluations
Work area and task evalustion
82
As a group and using the methods
outlined in this presentation, and the forms
provided, evaluate a work area or job task
in your facility.
Develop a corrective actions plan.
Present your evaluation to the group
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health
Exercise 4
Review of evaluation and
corrective action plans
Group review
Each group presents their evaluation and
corrective action plan.
The other groups will act as the
ergonomics committee.
84
Evaluate the data and actions
Ask additional questions
Final action recommendation
December 2000
APWU Safety & Health