ergonomics at wsu lezlie couch eh&s- wsu-tc completion of this unit fulfills required wsu safety...
Post on 30-Mar-2015
216 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
ERGONOMICS at WSU
Lezlie Couch
EH&S- WSU-TC
Completion of this unit fulfills required WSU safety training for:
Ergonomics
Lifting
Slips, trips and falls
What is “Ergonomics”?
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work.
Ergonomic principals adapt work to a specific person by designing tasks & tools or equipment to fit the individual to prevent injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
What are the benefits of ergonomics?
•Reduction of work-related injuries
•Increased worker productivity
•Increased work quality
•Reduced absenteeism
•Increased morale
Ergonomics provides a win-win situation…..on and off the job
YOU JUST FEEL
BETTER!
An “MSD” is an illness or injury that affects one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system
Bones Muscles Tendons Ligaments Cartilage Nerves Blood vessels
Other common terms for “MSDs”are: Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD’s) Repetitive strain injures (RSI’s) Repetitive motion injuries (RMI’s)
When not diagnosed and treated these can cause inconvenience permanent pain and disability.
What are the risks of ignoring ergonomic principles?
MSDMusculoSkeletal Disorders
SYMPTOMS of MSDs
PainLoss of strength
Discomfort
Tingling
Stiffness
Numbness
Swelling
Fatigue
Aching
Reduced range of motion
What are MSD’S?
MSD’s are injuries caused by sustained exposure to stressors or repetitive motion.
They may affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, circulation, or nerves.
Some well-known MSD’s are:Carpel tunnel syndromeGuyner’s syndromeTrigger fingerTennis elbow CONTINUE
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROMEOne of the best known MSDs
The median nerve does not work properly due to pressure on the nerve as it runs through an opening called the carpel tunnel
Numbness is usually first symptom.
Pain & tingling, can go up the arm to the shoulder and neck, causing waking to pain in middle of night
GUYON’S CANAL SYNDROME Similar to carpel tunnel
Guyon’s affects the ulnar nerve as it passes through the Guyon canal in the wrist; this is similar to carpal tunnel, but involves a different nerve.
Unlike carpel tunnel, Guyon’s affects the little and ring fingers.
Can be in conjunction with carpal tunnel
TRIGGER FINGER
Trigger finger affects the ability of tendons to slip back and forth. The tendon and/or ligament thicken and a nodule forms
This can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lacerations of tendon, gripping power tools, long hours of grasping steering wheel, or birth defects
Symptoms are pain and a funny clicking sensation
TENNIS ELBOWOveruse or misuse of the forearm muscles can cause tendonitis, or
a painful inflammation of the tendons connecting these muscles to bone.
This condition is brought on or aggravated by poor leverage causing an uneven distribution of force on a few muscles. This may be when working, or during certain leisure activities, such as sports and gardening.
Symptom are severe pain.
ARE MSD’S PREVENTABLE?
They are preventable and reversible
….. if identified early. The treatment depends on the stage of MSD.
If the condition cannot be reversed, treatment can turn into a pain management situation.
The individual plays a large role in preventing MSD’s.
Am I at risk for a MSD?
Do you
…perform frequent repetitive motions?…bend at the waist or twist when lifting objects?…lift push or pull objects throughout the day?…sometimes use the wrong tool for the job?…grasp tools with your fingers?…forget to take breaks while working?…feel like you are under stress?…have to stretch to reach your work?…forget to adjust your work area to fit your task?
The more you answered “yes”, the greater your risk.
RISK FACTORS which can lead to MSDs
(Stressors) Awkward posture
Static loading or sustained exertion
Contact stress
Force
Vibration
Repetition of same motion for several hours/day
Length of tasks without breaks
Insufficient rest time
Psychosocial stress
These STRESSORS can be influenced by 1. Organizational or administrative precautions
2. Environmental conditions
3. Individual work routine and habits
Most MSDs are the result of combined risk factors
Reducing RISK FACTORS for MSDs
The purpose of ergonomic training is to help you reduce or eliminate the stresses that can lead to MSDs
Your body is designed to do work. When it works in positions or postures in which it is designed to deal with physical stress, there is no problem, but when it is forced to perform under unnatural situations or for abnormal periods of time, injuries can occur.
Almost all of the ergonomic stresses at work can be decreased by using the right equipment in the right position so that the body can perform in the right posture.
Review your Work Area•You spend most of your day in your work area.
•You don’t want your work area to contribute to ergonomic problems
•Ergonomic Rule #1
Work Comfortably!If most of your work is done in an office continue If most of your work is done outside of an office continue
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
Use a good CHAIR
Front edge of seat pan curves down
Five feet for base-most stable
Height adjustable On rollers
Seat pan adjustable horizontally and tilts
Backrest is provides good lower back support
Arms adjustable
The position of your head and neck is very important
Place computer monitors directly in front of you
The right height is person dependent- usually the top
of the screen at eye level (or slightly below for those who
wear bifocals)
The screen should be at least an arms length away (If you can’t see at that distance, get special computer glasses)
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
MONITOR HEIGHT
Raise the monitor if you have to look down at it
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
KEYBOARD STYLES
A variety of styles are available. Choose one that is comfortable for you.
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
KEYBOARD HOLDER
Keyboard holders should Tilt Provide wrist rests (rest palms not wrist)
Provide space for a mouse
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
MOUSE HOLDERS
Mouse trays or mouse holders can bring a mouse to a better position
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
MOUSE STYLES
Choose a style comfortable for your hand and fingers
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
WORK PLACEMENT
Position equipment so that your body is in a comfortable and natural position most of the time while you are working.
Don’t place things so you have to reach, twist or bend continually
Place work at monitor height or place in path of monitor
Listen to your body. If you cannot focus or often feel tired or uncomfortable, you are probably not working in a good position.
See what you can do to make your work more comfortable for you.
Disclaimer: Wait a minute! Though this position may look comfortable, it
is NOT a comfortable position to work in.
Imagine how your back would feel after typing a few pages in this position!
Do not equate comfortable leisure positions with comfortable work positions!
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
Everyone needs a relaxed, neutral position
DO WHAT’S COMFORTABLE FOR YOUR BODY!
Monitor at or below eye level
Wrists straight
Forearms supportedBack supported
Feet flat on the floor
Forearms and thighs parallel to the floor
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
MOUSE POSITION
NO!
Mouse should be close to the keyboard and the same height or slightly higher
Locate the mouse to avoid reaching
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
Phone PLACEMENTShould be different for right and left handers
You should not have to twist and reach across your body every time you answer the phone.
Many people need to spend a lot of time on the phone, and must often do other tasks at the same time
This creates a lot of stress for neck and shoulder muscles
Consider a head set if you spend a lot of time on the phone,
especially if you do other tasks at the same time
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
Document PLACEMENT
Place documents so that you don’t need to bend your head to read while
you keyboard
Consider getting a document holder
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can influence ergonomic stress.
Lighting NoiseTemperature
….even at a computer station!
LIGHTING & MONITOR GLARE Lighting should be
indirect and adequate
Not too much light, or it may cause a glare, headaches and eye fatigue
If there is a glare on your eyes as you work, use glare screens on computers, or adjustable blinds at windows
Ideal is 35-50 foot candles
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
GLARE SCREENS
COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
can be prevented Accommodate your eyes Use computer eyewear when appropriate Placement of reference material
and monitor distance should be
comfortable for your eyes
Exercise your eyes Periodically focus on object 20 feet away Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Prevent constant glare Keep monitor clean Use:
indirect lighting non-reflective walls and furniture anti-glare screens
Noise can be a STRESSOR
If your office is near a noise source, close your door, or wear ear plugs
Besides causing ear damage, constant noise can create extra muscle tension in the body causing fatigue and making it easier for ergonomic injuries to occur.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Temperature
People are more prone to ergonomic injuries in cold environments. Muscles and other tissues are more tense, because of decreased circulation.
Dress appropriately
Do some warm up exercises, such as stretching your hands, to loosen your finger muscles before keyboarding.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
FORCE can be a stressor
A task can require a moderate amount of force to be applied to very small muscles
Examples: Dragging and dropping with the mouse Gripping the sides of the mouse or phone tightly Pounding on the keyboard Grasping thick file folders Stapling or stamping Opening 3-ring binder Lifting heavy manuals with one hand
Ergonomic STRESSORS
MECHANICAL CONTACT STRESS
A hard or sharp surface or object pressing into the soft tissues, the tendons, nerves
and blood vessels.Examples:
Resting wrists on the desk edge while typing or using mouse
Leaning elbows on hard chair or armrests or work surfaces
Sitting in chair that places pressure on the backs of the thighs
Ergonomic STRESSORS
CONTINUE
VIBRATION causes stress
Hand-arm vibration (hand power tools)
Whole body vibration (driving rough off roads)
Even if these do not occur in your work environment, what about home activities?
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Workplace Ergonomics
Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place
WORK PLACEMENT
Position equipment so that your body is in a comfortable and natural position most of the time while you are working.
Don’t place things so you have to reach, twist or bend continually
Place work at monitor height or place in path of monitor
Listen to your body. If you cannot focus or often feel tired or uncomfortable, you are probably not working in a good position.
See what you can do to make your work more comfortable for you.
Disclaimer: Wait a minute! Though this position may look comfortable, it
is NOT a comfortable position to work in.
Imagine how your back would feel after typing a few pages in this position!
Do not equate comfortable leisure positions with comfortable work positions!
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can influence ergonomic stress.
Lighting
Noise
Temperature
EYE STRAIN can be prevented
Accommodate and exercise your eyes
When working on a computer Use computer eyewear when appropriate Placement of reference material
and monitor distance should be comfortable for your eyes
When doing work at close range Periodically focus on object 20 feet away Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
When driving for long periods of time Periodically focus on object 5 feet away Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Noise can be a STRESSOR
If you work near a constant noise source, such as generators or fans, close your door, or wear ear plugs.
Besides causing ear damage, constant noise can create extra muscle tension in the body causing fatigue and making it easier for ergonomic injuries to occur.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Noise can be a STRESSOR If you use equipment which makes loud noise, wear
ear plugs. EH&S can help you find some which are comfortable and appropriate
Use of most power equipment, machinery, lawn mowers, and blowers should require ear plugs.
x
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Temperature
People are more prone to ergonomic injuries in cold environments because circulation is slowed down and muscles and other tissues are more tense.
Dress appropriately
Do warm up exercises such as stretching before you begin work.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
FORCE can be a stressor
A task can require a moderate amount of force to be applied to very small muscles
Examples: Pushing the same button over Gripping the sides of the phone tightly Pounding a hammer using your wrist muscles Grasping a screwdriver with only a couple of fingers Lifting heavy items with one hand
Ergonomic STRESSORS
MECHANICAL CONTACT STRESS
A hard or sharp surface or object pressing into the soft tissues, the tendons, nerves
and blood vessels.Examples:
Leaning elbows on hard chair or armrests or work surfaces
Sitting on a seat that places pressure on the backs of the thighs
Ergonomic STRESSORS
VIBRATION causes stress
Hand-arm vibration (hand power tools)
Whole body vibration (driving rough off roads)
If you don’t encounter these at work, what about home activities?
Ergonomic STRESSORS
HOME-OFFICE CONNECTION What happens off the job may influence
stress, discomfort, or pain during the workday and vise-versa.The two are intertwined.
Hobbies and recreational activities (golf, sewing, gardening, etc.) may cause repetitive motion injuries, which may then be complicated on the job.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Psycosocial StressAny interactions, job tasks or personal problems
which cause psychological or social stress cause increased muscle tension, which can make injury more likely. Be aware of these additional stresses and compensate for them by taking extra breaks and being especially careful when under extra pressure.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
INDIVIDUAL STRESSORS
People face different stresses and have different abilities to cope.
Employees vary in physical condition.
Some individuals are also dealing with chronic illnesses or disabilities
We don’t live in a vacuum, life stresses can adversely effect the wellness of an
individual and contribute to ergonomic stressors.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Individual work routine and habit
Fortunately, most STRESSORS can be minimized
or eliminated by individual habits and work routine.
The solution to most ergonomic problems is to work comfortably
and avoid a few common ergonomic pitfalls.
Solutions
Avoid REPETITION
Performing the same or similar motions repeatedly for extended periods without time for rest and recovery
can lead to discomfort or trauma.
Examples: Keyboarding, mousing, and 10-keying Flipping through files & paperwork Extended reading or writing Punching or stapling Pruning or clipping Painting Hammering
Solutions
AVOID LONG DURATION OF SAME TASK
The length of time spent at a task without breaks, shifts in position, or stretches is more important than the actual task.
The longer the uninterrupted duration of a task, the more potential for discomfort or injury
Our bodies are designed to do work. But the result on the body of doing a repetitive task for 2 hours verses 6
hours straight is very different.
Solutions
STRETCHES & BREAKSSolutions
Static positions are your enemy!
Whenever you think of it, change position
Small frequent stretches go a long way in preventing MSD’s.
Stretch Break
WSU- TC has purchased this software for all faculty, staff, and students to use if they wish. To download this program, go to http://www.tricity.wsu.edu/ctc/Files/Stretchbreak.exe Choose 'Open' when prompted to do so.Press 'Ok' and 'Next' until the installation is finished.
Stretch Break (default) interrupts you every 30 minutes- suggests three varied stretches which take a total of 1 minute to complete. You cannot believe how much better you feel afterwards.
You can cancel the stretches as soon as they come on the screen, choose the amount of time you work before being interrupted ( between 10 minutes and 3 hours) and decide which of the many exercises you want to include, and how many you want to do at each break.
Such programs are one of the best preventions of ergonomic injuries at a computer workstation. Even if you choose not to do the exercises, you will be reminded to shift position, etc periodically so that your muscles do not become unduly stressed. Most computer related injuries occur because of projects which engage persons for a substantial length of time.
A FEW BREAK IDEAS
Organize tasks around built in breaks
Eye breaks - blink to moisten eyes every 5-10 minutes. Every 15 minutes or so look away from the screen to distant part of room.
Micro-breaks - between burst of activity rest the hands, neck and shoulders in a relaxed straight posture.
Rest breaks - every 30-60 minutes take a brief 5-minute break and engage in another activity.
Exercise breaks - every 1-2 hours do gentle stretching exercises
Solutions
Avoid BAD POSTURES
Bad postures are a primary cause of ergonomic injuries
Everyone has seen these….
Propping a phone on shoulder
Slouching over a computer
Solutions
Avoid AWKARD POSITIONS
Awkward positions bend the joints in a way that they are more likely to become injured.
Examples: Reaching up and over Slouching or leaning forward in the chair Leaning forward or bending over work Holding heavy items in position Lifting, pushing pulling Turning head side to side to view the monitor Cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder Typing with bent wrists
AWKWARD
POSITIONS createSTRESS
Solutions
Avoid SUSTAINED EXERTIONS
Static loading occurs when muscles must hold the body in a single position for a long period of
time. Lack of movement reduces circulation and causes muscle tension
Examples: Holding hands in place Keeping the head still while reading Sitting still for long periods of time Sitting upright without back support
STATIC POSITIONS createSTRESS
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
A large percentage of ergonomic injuries are due to improper lifting. Planning the lift before attempting it will prevent most injuries.
Solutions
When evaluating a lifting task, consider:1. The weight of the object2. What position it must be lifted from and to3. How many times you will need to lift it4. If there will be twisting involved5. If there is good footing, and if you can get a good
grasp on the object
Lifting (Static Loading)
Use a step stool or platform to reach loads above your head
For bulky and oversized loads, get help or use mechanical aids
Get a good grip- use handles when available
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
Don’t pull Push Get twice the power Reduce the risk of injury
Solutions
Lifting (Static Loading)
Get a firm grip on what you are lifting and be sure you are on solid footing
Squat when lifting something from below the waist. Keep heels down and feet shoulder-width apart and turned out
Keep the load close to your body
Turn your whole body in the direction you want to move- avoid twisting when lifting
Keep your knees bent and lean in the direction of the movement
Let your legs and body weight do the work
Squat to set loads down
Solutions
NO ONE SOLUTION FOR ALL
People come in all shapes and sizes- what works for one person may or may not work for another.
Ergonomics is a puzzle to be put together for each individual.
What works today may or may not work later. We all change due to time and other circumstances.
Individualize Solutions
Meet the Challenge!
Individuals must take responsibility for their own ergonomic problems.
Think about possible MSDs BEFORE you have discomfort!
Listen to your body: pay attention to those aches and pains!
Individualize Solutions
Identify your risk of ergonomic problems
Identify types of ergonomic problems Look at your daily work tasks Identify one or more risk factors Review & rethink your work activities/tasks
(including those outside of work) For a Free WORK STATION ASSESSMENT
Contact your supervisor and Lezlie Couch http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/ohs/ohs-ergo.htm WSU ergonomic fact sheet
Meet the Challenge!
Identify barriers to solving the problems
Let supervisors know when there is a problem Discuss concerns and possible solutions with your
supervisor Adjusting work schedules Modifying job design Rearranging task order Changing task assignments Consult a physician, if warranted
Meet the Challenge!
Identify approaches to overcoming the barriers
Recommend and/or implement solutions. Try something and if it doesn’t feel comfortable,
discontinue and try something else! As time passes, try to notice if the problem has truly
been eliminated. Let your supervisor know how well the controls are
working.
Meet the Challenge!
You Can Reduce Risk GreatlyImprove body posture and keep a safe body position
• avoid awkward positions
• use tools and equipment correctly
Rearrange work area-
• control your environment,
• use the right equipment in the right position,
• keep work within reach
Change work habits-• practice and use correct procedures,
• avoid repetition and long duration of a single task
• take frequent breaks
Meet the Challenge!
Apply ergonomic principals at home, too
REMEMBER!
Things YOU can do TODAY
Look up & away from your work frequently
Change your chair position occasionally
Take frequent mini breaks & include stretches/exercises
(Use stretch break computer program)
Vary tasks and the daily order of tasks
Ergonomics is a Win-Win situation!
Meet the Challenge!
SLIPS TRIPS FALLS
Real slips, trips and falls are not funny.
At WSU-TC, more people are injured and more work time is lost by slips, trips, and
falls, than by any other means.
Slips, Trips and Falls
•Hazards that can lead to slips, trips and falls are often overlooked, even though they cause many injuries ranging from minor cuts and sprains to disabling injuries and even death.
•Although slip, trip and fall hazards are easily created, they are also easy to correct.
•Be aware of such hazards, and correct them quickly, before the next person becomes a victim!
SLIP Hazards
A slip occurs when there is too little friction or traction between footwear and a walking surface. Common causes of slips are:
• Slippery floor surfaces
• Liquid, moisture or ice on the floor,
• Food, trash or other small objects
• Oil or grease on the floor
• Footwear without nonskid soles
Trip Hazards
A trip occurs when a person’s foot contacts an object or drops to a lower
level unexpectedly, and they are thrown off balance.
Some common causes of tripping are:
Desk or file cabinet drawers left open, objects protruding into passageways and aisles
Electrical or telephone cords that cross passageways and aisles
Insufficient lighting for walking or working areas
Furniture that creates obstacles
Hazardous floor conditions such as protruding nails, holes or loose boards, loose carpet and rugs
Elevator cars that do not level off at the same height of the floor
stopped at
Unsafe stairway conditions or use
Materials stored in passageways, aisles and stairways
Floor level changes or hidden steps that may not be obvious
Fall Hazards
In addition to falls as a result of slips and trips, you may be injured if you fall from an elevation. Some causes of falls are:
• Using makeshift items (boxes, buckets, chairs, etc ) to gain height
• Not sitting on “4 square” of a chair
• Carrying large or too many items that prevents seeing where you are going
• Jumping from one level to another
Preventing Injuries with good housekeeping
Good housekeeping is one of the most important methods for preventing falls due to slips and trips
Clean up all spills immediately Mark spills and wet areas Mop or sweep debris from floors Remove obstacles from walkways and always keep
them free of clutter Secure mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat Always close file cabinets or storage drawers Cover cables that cross walkways Keep work areas and walkways well lit Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches
WITHOUT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES,
ANY OTHER PREVENTIVE MEASURES (SUCH AS
INSTALLING SPECIAL NO-SLIP FLOORING, EXPENSIVE SHOES OR TRAINING ON WALKING TECHNIQUES AND SAFE FALLING)
WILL NEVER BE FULLY EFFECTIVE.
Walking on Slippery Surfaces
• Take small steps- shorter than your foot length- to keep your center of balance under you.
• Walk with your toes pointed outward. This provides a wider, more stable base of support for maintaining balance.
• Turn gradually- a sharp turn results in a sideways force that can cause loss of balance and a fall
• Keep both hands free for balance rather than in your pockets.
• Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles or studded shoe pullovers for walking on icy surfaces
• Use sidewalks walkways that have been cleared of ice and snow.
Using the Stairs
• Use the handrail from start to finish
• Avoid carrying loads on the stairways- or only carry loads you can see over.
• Keep your eyes on where you are going, and descend stairs slowly to keep your balance and identify tripping hazards.
• Test potentially slippery stairs by tapping them with your foot.
• Going up or down, keep weight on your back leg until your front foot is safety on the next step. This maintains your center of gravity.
Most Slips and Trips can be Prevented
As part of the WSU organization, know what to look for and take action to reduce the risk and
eliminate the hazards before someone is injured.
If you don’t, the result can be potentially serious injuries and costly lawsuits.
$ $
In Conclusion…
When you have completed this training on preventing injuries due to ergonomic problems and slips, trips and falls, you may return to review it, or you may proceed to take the review quiz. You must complete the quiz and submit it to receive credit for
this training.
• Take responsibility for the safety of your work area.
• Report unsafe situations or conditions to
Facilities (Jerry Massey 2-7216 )or
EH&S (Lezlie Couch 2-7163)
• Think Safety Act Safely
Click here if you want to go back to the beginning and review the training
Click here if you are ready to complete the 15 question quiz
top related