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Chapter 2.4

Chapter 2.4. Ergonomics. What is Ergonomics?. A science that matches jobs, systems, and environments to the capabilities of workers. It helps to avoid injury and increases worker satisfaction.

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Chapter 2.4

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  1. Chapter 2.4 Ergonomics

  2. What is Ergonomics? • A science that matches jobs, systems, and environments to the capabilities of workers. • It helps to avoid injury and increases worker satisfaction. • Specific to individual worker needs – what may be a risk for one person may not be a risk for another.

  3. Injuries • When workplaces are not ergonomically friendly, soft tissue injuries may occur. • Soft Tissue Injury: any injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels. • Ex. Pulling a muscle, spraining an ankle, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel, etc. • Soft tissue injuries are often caused by completing repetitive or forceful tasks and maintaining constant or awkward positions.

  4. Signs/Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries • Numbness • Tingling/burning sensations • Pain/tenderness • Swelling • Redness • Problems moving • Loss of strength

  5. Posture • Proper (neutral) posture is very important because it places minimal strain on muscles, tendons and joints. • Natural posture for standing: • Standing straight, arms at sides, elbows bent at 90o, ears over shoulders/shoulders over hips. • Natural posture for sitting: • Natural curve at spine, elbows, hips and knees at 90o, feet flat on floor, ears over shoulders/shoulders over hips.

  6. Ergonomic Risk Factors • Risk Factor – something that may cause or contribute to an injury. • Main risk factors for soft tissue injuries are: • Force needed to move objects. • Repetition – using the same muscles all the time with little time for recovery. • Duration – how long a worker performs a task. • Posture – moving body away from neutral posture. • Contact stress – when the body is pressed against a hard surface. • Other risk factors – workplace layout, type of equipment, work environment/organization.

  7. Risk Evaluation • A risk evaluation is an examination of the areas where ergonomic risks have been identified. • A risk assessmentwill determine how serious the risk is. The following must be examined: • Body exposure • Intensity of risk • Time exposed to risk factor • Duration of risk factor

  8. How can Ergonomic Risks be Controlled • Engineering Controls • Redesign of the task or work area. • Should be the first line of defense against ergonomic hazards. • Administrative Controls • Second line of defense. • Implementing policies to minimize risks, provide education/training. • PPE • Used as a last resort to minimize ergonomic risks • Knee pads, gloves. • See Pages 307 – 314.

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