workplace ergonomics · 2015-05-08 · workplace ergonomics let’s do it “fast” probe plus...
TRANSCRIPT
WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS
Let’s Do it “FAST”
ProBE Plus Forum 14 April 2015
Heidi Tan
Principal Occupational Therapist
Department of Occupational Therapy
Email: [email protected]
Workplace Ergonomics….
Where do I begin?
Know the
common
WMSDs
You already know the process
Hazard
Identification
Risk
Assessment
Risk
Control
Risk
Management
(NIOSH, 1997)
What are
the risks?
“That takes too long!
I need to assess the risks FAST!”
F
A
S
T
Force
Awkward Postures
Static Postures
Time (Duration and Repetition)
Office Ergonomics
Don’t just “SAT” there
1. Static posture
2. Awkward
posture
3.Time
(how long?)
How to reduce Static posture
over long Time?
Walkstation
Alternatively….. Keep changing your work posture!
What about Awkward postures?
The Neutral Posture
Taken from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Which posture is the best for
computer work?
Is there a perfect ergonomic chair?
Basic features to look for in chairs
From Code of Practice of Office
Ergonomics:
–Seat height (35-50cm)
–Seat depth (38-43cm)
–Seat width (min 48cm)
–Backrest height/tilt (100-120°)
–Armrest (adjustable/removable)
–Seat surface (Permeable and non-
slippery material )
Input devices with an
ergonomic twist
Self improvisations to
improve postures
Don’t forget to make space around
the workstation
Manual Handling
Reduce the “FAT” load
2. Awkward
posture
1. Force
3. Time
(how frequent?)
Reduce Force
& Frequency
Using Mechanical
Devices
How about handling people?
Ri Man
Better still, Automate!
Automated Guided Vehicle
to transport food to wards
Good lifting posture?
Learn from the weight lifters.
Don’t forget to check
the environment!
Should I recommend Back Belts
as a PPE?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH (1994) reported insufficient scientific evidence that wearing back belts protects workers from the risk of job-related back injury.
After a 2 year study on 9,377 workers, NIOSH (2000) also found no significant difference between the rates of back injuries among workers who wore back belts every day compare to those who never wore back belts or wore them infrequently.
They recommend that usage of back belts should be based on a voluntary decision, and not a mandatory job requirement.
For the more serious …….
Gather an Ergo Assessment Tool Kit
http://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg
Study the Code of Practice on
Ergonomics
Read up the Workplace Safety and
Health Council Resources https://www.wshc.sg
Published January
2014 by WSHC
Start an ergonomics program in
your organisation
What is the outcome you wish to
achieve?
Reference from https://www.wshc.sg
Reduce
prevalence of
MSDs?
Improve
productivity?
Improve staff
morale?
Recap:
“FAST” Workplace Ergonomics
F
A
S
T
Force
Awkward Postures
Static Postures
Time (Duration and Repetition)
Thank you!!