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ERGONOMICS

ERGONOMICS. Image courtesy of mkprosopsis.com. 11/13. What is ERGONOMICS?. Definition: er·go·nom·ics ( ûr'gə-nŏm'ĭks ): an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. Goal of Ergonomics:

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ERGONOMICS

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  1. ERGONOMICS Image courtesy of mkprosopsis.com 11/13

  2. What is ERGONOMICS? • Definition: • er·go·nom·ics (ûr'gə-nŏm'ĭks): an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. • Goal of Ergonomics: • Identify tasks that create unhealthy stress on your body. • Prevent injuries by adjusting the way you perform your job.

  3. Defining ERGONOMICS • The most simple definition is: “Fitting the job to the worker”. • The practice of adapting products and processes to human characteristics and capabilities in order to improve people’s well-being and optimize productivity. • We must understand: • What tasks are being performed • Who is performing the tasks • What is being used to perform the tasks

  4. Components of a Work Station • Chair • Seat Height, Seat Angle, Seat Depth, Backrest Height, Backrest Angle, Armrests • Work surface • Primary, Secondary & Reference Zone • Keyboard/Mouse • Monitor • Distance, Height, Location & Angle • Telephone • Environment • Lighting, Air Quality, Temperature, Space & Noise • Accessories • Document Holders, Footrests, Keyboard Trays & Glare Screens

  5. Why do we HURT?? • Most common factors: • Poor posture • Lack of movement • As employees of the University, it is important that you take responsibility for yourself. • If you notice something set-up wrong in your workstation or are feeling pain or discomfort due to working, you need to report it to the Safety Office right away!

  6. Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs) • What are MSDs? • Serious injuries caused by excessive or repetitive physical demands placed on your body over long periods of time. • MSDs can affect any body part that is placed under excessive or repetitive amounts of stress.

  7. How serious are MSDs in the workplace? • Serious injuries caused by excessive or repetitive physical demands placed on your body over long periods of time. • MSDs can affect any body part that is placed under excessive or repetitive amounts of stress. • 1 out of every 3 MSDs are serious enough to result in lost time from work. • MSDs are the most common workplace injury. Image courtesy of whsm.com

  8. Common MSDs • Raynaud’s syndrome • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Trigger finger • Tendonitis • Herniated spinal disc

  9. Warning Signs and Symptoms of MSDs • Warning Signs • Weakened grip strength • Decreased range of motion • Loss of muscle function • Symptoms • Pain • Numbness • Stiffness • Burning or tingling Image courtesy of stackful-dev.com

  10. When should I report my symptoms? • When in doubt, report your symptoms to the VCSU Safety Office- especially if: • Pain is severe • Pain becomes worse over time • Symptoms include numbness or tingling • Your injury keeps you up at night • File an “Initial Incident Report” and make an appointment to see your DMP. • Report any MSD risks and recommendations to the VCSU Safety Office.

  11. Common Causes of MSDs • Heavy lifting • Moving heavy objects can damage your spine or strain muscles. • Tight/strong gripping • Tight gripping can strain the muscles and tendons in your hands. • Repeated motions • If you do not let your body rest, any repeated motion can cause MSDs. • Awkward positions • Examples: working with your hands over your head, bending your neck or back, kneeling or squatting. • Vibration • Use of power tools can damage blood vessels in your arms and hands. • Contact Stress • Working with tools can cause contact stress. Examples: pliers that are not padded and tools with finger grooves.

  12. How can I prevent MSDs? • Look for alternate ways of lifting • Increase your grip strength • Take control over motions and how often you make them • Make simple equipment adjustments • Taking precautions to reduce vibrations • Wearing proper clothing (padded gloves)

  13. ERGONOMIC Exercises • ERGOCISING! • There is software available to download on your computer that you can set-up for a “Stretching Reminder” every 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. • These exercises give you a break & reduce pain based on your specific ailment. • You can find the software at http://ergocise.com.

  14. Summary • ERGONOMIC practices can help to reduce workplace injury, but cannot be effective working alone. • You need to take personal responsibility and protect yourself while on the job! Image courtesy of University of Wisconsin

  15. Questions or Concerns? Contact the VCSU Safety Office: 701-845-7710 OR Email safety@vcsu.edu

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