Ergonomics
Lesson objectives:
1. Identify common work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
2. Recognize risk factors associated with work-related MSDs.
3. Identify ergonomic control methods for eliminating/reducing work-related MSDs.
Definition of Ergonomics
➢ the science of designing the job to fit the worker instead of forcing the worker to fit the job
➢ Ergonomics is a way of working smarter by designing tools, equipment, work stations and
tasks that allow a job to fit the worker
➢ Ergonomics is NOT working harder and NOT by fitting the worker to the job
Ergonomics means
Ergo = Work
Nomos = Law
fitting the job to the worker, including:
• Work stations
• Tools
• Equipment
Why is ergonomics important?
Overexertion leading cause of injuries
– Most costly
– Recurring/Persistent pain may develop in future
Bodily reaction is another leading cause of injuries in workplace
Repetitive motion also within top 10 most common workplace injuries
Common Work-Related MSDs
Affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons
Symptoms
Discomfort
Pain
Numbness
Loss of motion/flexibility
Spasticity
Stiff joints
Burning
Swelling
Tingling
Inflammation
Throbbing
Paralysis
The risk of MSD injury depends on work positions and postures, how often the task is
performed, the level of required effort and how long the task lasts
Risk factors at work;
lifting heavy items
bending
reaching overhead
pushing and pulling heavy loads
working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively.
Exposure to these known risk factors for MSDs increases a worker's risk of injury
Ergonomics--preventable
Work-related MSDs can be prevented.
Ergonomics is fitting a job to a person
helps lessen muscle fatigue
increases productivity and reduces the number and severity of work-related MSDs
Work-related MSD
Daily stress to anatomical structures that may occur when a person is exposed to certain
high risk activities
If the accumulating stress exceeds the body’s normal recuperative ability;
➢ inflammation of the tissue can follow
➢ Chronic inflammation may lead to the development of WMSDs May require weeks,
months or years for development
Common Work-Related MSDs
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tennis Elbow
Bursitis
Ischemia
De Quervain’s
Sciatica
Herniated Discs
Neck strain/disability
Tendinitis
Rotator Cuff
Neuritis
Reynaud’s Syndrome
Trigger Finger
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Epicondylitis
Back strain/disability
Most commonly affected areas
➢ Back
➢ Arms
➢ Elbows
➢ Shoulders
➢ Neck
➢ Hands
➢ Wrists
➢ Fingers
➢ Knees
➢ Ankles
➢ Feet
Work-related MSD Dependent upon;
➢ Work positions and postures
➢ How often task is performed
➢ Level of required effort and duration of task
Ovoid overhead tasks
Risk Factors Associated with MSDs
Cold temperatures
(in combination with other risk factors)
Vibration
• Whole body
• Hand-arm
Combined exposure to
several risk factors
Ergonomic Control Methods
Methods of protecting against MSDs:
Establish ergonomics program
– Training
– Feedback from all levels
Conduct job hazard analysis (JHAs)
Early recognition and reporting of potential MSDs
Training
Training is an important element in the ergonomic process.
Training should be conducted in a language and vocabulary that all workers understand.
Training is best provided by individuals who have experience with ergonomic issues.
When training is effective workers will:
• Learn the principles of ergonomics and their applications.
• Learn about the proper use of equipment, tools and machine controls.
• Use good work practices, including proper lifting techniques.
• Become more aware of work tasks that may lead to pain or injury.
• Recognize early symptoms of MSDs.
Ergonomic Control Methods
Examples of engineering controls
– Work station design and setup
– Ergonomically designed tools
– Ergonomically designed equipment
– Load weight reduction
Ergonomic Control Methods
Examples of proper work practices:
Proper lifting techniques
Team lift heavy/bulky/awkward loads
Stretch
Work rotation
Task variety
Increase rest breaks
Ergonomic Control Methods
• Awkward body postures - hazards
– Working with the neck or back bent forward more than 30° for more
than 2 hours per day
Ergonomic Control Methods
• Lifting - solutions
– Use proper lifting techniques
Lean the sack onto Slide the sack up Slide the sack onto As you stand up, keep the sack
your kneeling leg. onto your the other leg while close to your body.
kneeling leg. keeping the sack
close to your body.
Knowledge Check
Which of the following is an example of an ergonomic risk factor?
a. Neutral postures
b. Rest
c. Repetition
d. Personal protective equipment
Answer: c. Repetition
Office stretches
Scanning lifting patient
What to do ??
PREVENT, PREVENT, PREVENT !!!
a) Warm up & stretch before activities that are repetitive, static or prolonged
b) Take frequent breaks from ANY sustained posture every 20-30 minutes
c) Respect pain- positions or stop painful activity
d) Recognize early signs of inflammatory process, & treatment early
Maintain Neutral Posture
a) Maintain erect position of back
& neck w/ shoulders relaxed
b) Position equipment & work directly in front of and close to your major tasks
c) Keep upper arms close to the body, elbows 90-100 degrees
d) Keep feet flat on floor, upper body weight resting on “sits bones”
e) Wrists as neutral as possible; safe zone for wrist movement is 15 degrees in all
directions
f) Avoid bending neck forward for prolonged periods of time (*remember
quadruple the force); use a copy holder
g) Avoid static positions for prolonged time; muscles fatigue---MOVE to
circulation!
Take home
Ergonomic chair features
Ergonomic check list sample
