ERGONOMICS

Jane M. Whalen Price, PT, DPTHealth, Wellness and Ergonomics Manager

Hunter Douglas Window Fashions

What it is. . . .

A process, not a program Defined profession that has developed

over the last +75 years Follows concepts of continuous

improvement Cyclical process—find the issue, fix the

issue, and check back Small projects and changes are

significant.

Essentials for Success

Management support at the C-suite

Measures

Integrated approach

Assessments

Leadership must prioritize ergonomics

Defining specific measures assures completion

Accountability and ownership at all levels

Proactively assess activities and postures

Where to focus:

Force Posture

Frequency (repetition)

Other considerations

Vibration Temperatures Soft tissue compression Impact stress Glove issues

When to start. . .

Best opportunity for ergonomic intervention is at the beginning— People are the source of productivity for a company;

design for employee performance and well-being in the job tasks.

Focus on the cognitive, physiological, and biomechanical capacities of the person; this will lead to optimal productivity and minimum error

When asked to work outside of their capacity, people will work unreliably and may eventually break down.

Design for what people do well and against what people do not do well.

Source: HumanTech , Applied Industrial Ergonomics, 2008

Team Approach

Engineers Safety team Health and

Wellness professionals

Ergonomic professionals

Business Managers Employees who

perform the tasks

WMSDs are driving the need. . .

Work related musculoskeletal disorders Account for over 30% of lost-workday injuries

and illnesses Account for more than $20 billion in workers

compensation costs in the United States Account for $1 out of every $3 spent for

workers compensation costs

Source: HumanTech Applied Industrial Ergonomics, 2008.

Other factors impacting WMSDs

Aging and Obese Employees The standard for ergonomic design is getting

larger and older Currently obesity exceeds 30% in all gender

and age groups in the United States 33 states with a prevalence of >25% of the

population 9 states with >30% prevalence

1990 Obesity Map

2000 Obesity Map

2010 Obesity Map

Obesity Map 2014

Non-Occupational Risk Factors

Previous injuries and illnessesAgeWeightHeightEnvironment

What changes: Visual acuity decreases

with aging Grasping and reaching

movements decrease Movement precision

decreases Strength decreases with

age 8% reduction between

ages of 51-60 years and 34% reduction in force ability at 61-70 years

Non-Occupational Risk Factors

Previous injuries and illnessesAgeWeightHeightEnvironment

What changes: Among the population

ages 51 to 70 years of age, 75% are overweight or obese Weight gain is associated

with increased time in sedentary activities

Fat accelerates aging—adds and additional 9 years to your age (physiological age)

Excess weight increases oxygen requirements

Body changes impact ability to perform efficient reaching forward and overhead

Non-Occupational Risk Factors

Previous injuries and IllnessesAgeWeightHeightEnvironment

Health impact: Diabetes Cardiovascular disorders

due to poor fitness level Pulmonary disorders Arthritis Cancers

Design Principles Do Not Change

STANDING WORK HEIGHTS HORIZONTAL REACHING GUIDELINES

Reaching

The Golden Rule Place objects

between knee and shoulder height

Design so that the tallest male fits and the shortest female can reach

Considerations for Age and Weight

AGING WORKER OBESE WORKER

Increase font size and illumination to improve visual acuity

Minimize glare Choose in line tools, pistol

grip power tools, and right angle tools for joint protection

Avoid stall or direct drive tools, use pulse system and mechanical clutch mechanisms

Stay in the comfort zone—avoid forward bending

Ergonomic design to provide appropriate equipment for body weight –chairs, keyboards, shoes, and PPE size variety

Encourage health and wellness

Avoid one size fits all or most theory—design for workstation adjustments

Applying Ergonomic Controls

Hierarchy of Controls Engineering controls: the preferred method for

reducing or eliminating risk factors. Administrative controls: changes to task

responsibilities that reduce exposure to risk factors.

Work practices: changes to procedures and work methods that reduce exposure to risk factors.

Source: Humantech Applied Industrial Ergonomics, 2008

*Sidebar*

Fitness matters, physically active adults are able to continue recreational and work activities with fewer injuries and will have less disability when injuries do occur

“If exercise were a pill, it would be the most prescribed drug in the world.” -Butler

Exercise preserves muscle mass –strength and endurance allow for ongoing safe functional independence.

2011 StudyChronic Exercise Preserves Muscle Mass in Masters

Athletes

Summary

Ergonomics is the science of supporting human efficiency and productivity

Ergonomics will promote safe work practices and support injury prevention

Ergonomics needs to transition to a leading indicator in the business and move away from loss indicators driving change

Ergonomics takes a committed team and involves process improvement.

A SUPERVISOR SHOULD BE ABLE TO

ASK:Did all my employees go home today without pain and able to

enjoy their personal time?AND, say YES!!!

Questions?

References:HumanTech Applied Industrial Ergonomics, 2008.http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trendsErgonomics: 5 Essentials Necessary for Success, Scott Ege, Ege Work Smart Solutions, PC, September 2014.Wroblewski, et al Chronic Exercise Preserves Lean Muscle Mass in Masters Athletes, The Physician and Sports Medicine, Vol 39, No 3, 2011.