Transcript Ergonomics
Unlocking the potential
Training for managers & supervisors
What is Ergonomics
the science of fitting jobs to people. – Ergonomics uses knowledge of physical abilities, limitations & human characteristics that apply to job design.
Ergonomic Design
considers the tasks, equipment & environment to provide efficient use of worker capabilities while ensuring that job demands do not exceed those capabilities
Proper ergonomics can
Improve Efficiency
Increase Production Capability
Reduce Workplace Injuries
Lower Workers’ Comp Costs
Reduce Absenteeism
Muscular Skeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an injury or illness to soft body tissue such as:
• • • • • • •
Muscles Nerves Tendons Ligaments Joints Cartilage Spinal Discs
MSDs include
Strains & Sprains
Soreness or Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Connective tissue disorders
Muscular Skeletal Disorders
MSDs are medical conditions that develop gradually over a period of time
MSDs do not typically result from a single instantaneous event.
MSDs are caused by
• Bending • Climbing • Crawling • Reaching • Twisting • Overexertion • Repetitive Exposure
Risk Factors
Risk Factors are the elements of workstation design or employee action that can result in Muscular-Skeletal Disorders • Environmental Factors • Activity Factors
Environment Risk Factors
Heat or cold
Lighting
Vibration
Tool design
Noise
Activity Risk Factors
Static or awkward postures
Improper gripping
Improper lifting
Repetitive Motion
Heat & Cold
Heat effects blood circulation & causes cramps, burns/rashes and general discomfort.
Cold effects the body's blood circulation, causes hypothermia, loss of flexibility, distraction and poor dexterity.
Comfortable temperature range • 68 to 74 degrees • Humidity 20 – 60%
Vibration
Excessive vibration causes pain to muscles, joints and internal organs
Soft tissue trauma to the hands, arms, feet and legs.
Lighting
Under & over lighted areas causes: • Headaches • Muscle strains • Fatigue • Eye strain
Poorly lighted areas also contributes to trip & fall hazards & poor coordination
Tool design
Handle shape
Control type
Control location
Vibration
Impact
Pressure
Noise
Noise peaks above 100 decibels cause: • Headaches • Increased blood pressure • Muscle tension & fatigue • Irritability & distraction
Force & Exertion
Forceful exertions place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints
Factors • Weight • Bulkiness • Speed
Posture
Prolonged standing varicose veins, back stress, pooling of blood in legs
Sitting without back support - low back stress
Seat too high - decreased circulation, (legs dangling over end) bruises
Posture
Shoulders rounded - Upper/lower back stress, respiratory distress
Leaning forward - Lower back stress
Arms extended Stress to arm muscles, upper back stress or over-reaching -
Posture
Elbows "winged" - Joint stress at shoulder, poor use of bicep muscles Stepping backwards balance, displaced gravity, muscle stress - Loss of Locking knees - Stress to back of knee, poor blood circulation Bent Wrist gripping – excessive force when
Repetition
Frequent & prolonged repetition of the same movements cause muscle fatigue and stress
Factors that increase repetition hazards • Number of cycles per minute • Force required • Posture
Gripping
Factors that increase gripping hazards • Bent wrist • Surface area • Surface friction • Vibration • Type of grip
Lifting
Factors that increase lifting hazards • Weight • Size • Repetition • Twisting • Bending • Reaching • Method
Hazard Controls
Engineering Controls
Administrative Controls
Work Practice Controls
Engineering Controls
Re-design of work station
Re-design of tools
Lighting modification
Vibration control
Noise Control
Automation
Mechanical Lifting
Material Flow
Administrative Controls
Employee rotation
Job task enlargement
Adjustment of work pace
Redesign of work methods
Alternative tasks
Rest breaks
Work Practice Controls
Work techniques & procedures
Conditioning period
Training Lifting techniques
Personal Protective Equipment
Checklists
Basic Screening Tool
General Risk Analysis
Computer Work Stations
Hand Tool Analysis
Hazard Identification
Task Analysis
Workstation Evaluation
Program Elements
Management Leadership
Employee Participation
Hazard Identification
Hazard Information
Medical Management
Program Evaluation
Recordkeeping
Management Leadership
Assign responsibilities
Provide authority, resources & information
Examine existing policies
Take action to correct problems
Communicate regularly with employees
Hazard Identification
Reports of signs, symptoms & hazards
Recommendations from employees & supervisors
Records review of existing safety & health records
Routine facility safety & health inspections
Information & Training
Signs & symptoms
Importance of early reporting
Specific hazards & controls
Reporting MSDs & hazards
How to recommend control methods
Protective Measures
Ergonomics program & their role
OSHA standard requirements
Employee Involvement
Report of signs, symptoms & hazards
Hazard control recommendations
Access to information
MSD Management
Prompt response
Work restrictions or other measures
Prompt access to a health care professional
Written Medical Opinion
Medical Follow-up
Program Evaluation
MSD records
Engineering Controls
Administrative Controls
Work Practice Controls
Opinions
Recordkeeping
Reports of MSD or hazards
Responses to employee reports
Job hazard analysis
Hazard control records
Ergonomics program evaluation
MSD management records
Program Forms
MSD Symptom Survey
MSD Survey Location
New Equipment Survey
Task Hazard Prevention Worksheet
Job Hazard Analysis
Job Task Steps
MSD Sign/Symptom Report
MSD Hazard Controls Log
Hazard Control Report
Thank you for your attendance!