Ergonomics ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

What is Ergonomics?

• “Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks that match the physiological, anatomical, and psychological characteristics and capabilities of the worker.”

Vern Putz-Anderson

• “The Goal of ergonomics is to ‘fit the job to the person,’ rather than making the person fit the job.”

Ergotech

• “If it hurts when you are doing something, don’t do it.”

Bill Black

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Evolution of Ergonomics • Dates back to Ramazzini 1700’s • Gained significance during WWII for airplane cockpit layout • Progressed slowly until the 80’s and 90’s with the advent of the computer and more efficient workplace design • Now, guidelines are in place and greater use of technology ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Why do we care about Ergonomics?

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs) Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries MSDs Contact with Objects Workplace Violence Transportation Related All Other Falls Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Survey, 1996 ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

MSDs Cost Twice the Average Workers’ Compensation Claim

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 MSDs of the Back Upper Extremity MSDs Average Claim

Average Costs per Claim ($) Source: Workers’ Compensation data from Insurance Companies 1993 ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Types of Injuries • Muscle pain • Repetitive motion injury • Joint pain • Swelling • Cumulative trauma disorder • Numbness • Restricted motion • Musculoskeletal disorder • Repetitive stress injury ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Target Regions • Back • Upper extremities • Lower extremities ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Multidisciplinary Nature of Ergonomics • Anatomy and Physiology • Engineering Psychology • Engineering • Medicine • Anthropology • Biomechanics ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Types of Problems or Mismatches • Physical Size • Endurance • Strength • Manipulative • Environmental • Cognitive

From David Alexander, 1986

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Physical Size • Clearance • Reach • Equipment Size • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Endurance (Capacity for Work) ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Environmental • Noise • Lighting • Thermal • Chemical ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Cognitive • Machine Pacing • Shift Work • Morale • Psychosocial ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Strength • Force Requirements • Male/Female • Manual Materials Handling ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Benefits of Ergonomics • Decreased injury risk • Increased productivity • Decreased mistakes/rework • Increased efficiency • Decreased lost work days • Decreased turnover • Improved morale ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Goals of Intervention • Tolerable • Acceptable • Optimal ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Ergonomic Controls • Engineering • Administrative • Work Practices ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Other Issues • Aging workforce • Universal design ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Sanitation Tools and Process Exercise • Describe tools • Awkward Postures During Sanitation – Accessibility – Maintainability • What are some of the most difficult tasks • Job Safety Analysis ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

What does the worker need to know from this presentation?

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM