ergonomics

1. ergonomics Training for Mangers and Supervisors

2. What is Ergonomics • The science of fitting jobs to people. • Ergonomics uses knowledge of physical abilities, limitations & human characteristics that apply to job design.

3. Ergonomic Design • Considers the tasks, equipment & environment to provide efficient use of worker capabilities while ensuring that job demands do not exceed those capabilities

4. Why ergonomics?

5. Proper ergonomics can • Improve Efficiency • Increase Production Capability • Reduce Workplace Injuries • Lower Workers’ Comp Costs • Reduce Absenteeism

6. Muscular skeletal disorders

7. Muscular Skeletal Disorders • Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an injury or illness to soft body tissue such as: • Muscles • Nerves • Tendons • Ligaments • Joints • Cartilage • Spinal Discs

8. Muscular Skeletal Disorders include • Strains & Sprains • Soreness or Pain • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Connective tissue disorders

9. Muscular Skeletal Disorders • MSDs are medical conditions that develop gradually over a period of time. • MSDs do not typically result from a single instantaneous event.  

10. Causes of Muscular Skeletal Disorders • Bending • Climbing • Crawling • Reaching • Twisting • Overexertion • Repetitive Exposure • Standing

11. Risk factors

12. Risk Factors • Risk Factors are the elements of workstation design or employee action that can result in Muscular-Skeletal Disorders. • Environmental Factors • Activity Factors

13. Environment Risk Factors • Heat or cold • Lighting • Vibration • Tool design • Noise

14. Activity Risk Factors • Static or awkward postures • Improper gripping • Improper lifting • Repetitive Motion

15. Heat & Cold • Heat effects: • Blood circulation • Causes cramps, burns, rashes and general discomfort. • Cold effects: • The body's blood circulation • Causes hypothermia, loss of flexibility, distraction and poor dexterity. • Comfortable temperature range: • 68 to 74 degrees • Humidity 20 – 60%

16. Vibration • Excessive vibration causes pain to muscles, joints and internal organs. • Soft tissue trauma to the hands, arms, feet and legs.

17. Lighting • Under & over lighted areas causes: • Headaches • Muscle strains • Fatigue • Eye strain • Poorly lighted areas also contributes to trip & fall hazards & poor coordination.

18. Tool design • Handle shape • Control type • Control location • Vibration • Impact • Pressure

19. Noise • Noise peaks above 100 decibels cause: • Headaches • Increased blood pressure • Muscle tension & fatigue • Irritability & distraction

20. Force & Exertion • Forceful exertions place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. • Factors: • Weight • Bulkiness • Speed

21. Posture • Prolonged standing - varicose veins, back stress, pooling of blood in legs. • Sitting without back support - low back stress. • Seat too high - decreased circulation, (legs dangling over end) bruises.

22. Posture • Shoulders rounded - Upper/lower back stress, respiratory distress. • Leaning forward - Lower back stress. • Arms extended or over-reaching  - Stress to arm muscles, upper back stress.

23. Posture • Elbows "winged" - Joint stress at shoulder, poor use of bicep muscles. • Stepping backwards - Loss of balance, displaced gravity, muscle stress. • Locking knees - Stress to back of knee, poor blood circulation • Bent Wrist – excessive force when gripping.

24. Repetition • Frequent & prolonged repetition of the same movements cause muscle fatigue and stress. • Factors that increase repetition hazards: • Number of cycles per minute. • Force required. • Posture

25. Gripping • Factors that increase gripping hazards: • Bent wrist • Surface area • Surface friction • Vibration • Type of grip

26. Lifting • Factors that increase lifting hazards: • Weight • Size • Repetition • Twisting • Bending • Reaching • Method

27. Control measurers

28. Hazard Controls • Engineering Controls • Administrative Controls • Work Practice Controls

29. Engineering Controls • Re-design of work station • Re-design of tools • Lighting modification • Vibration control • Noise Control • Automation • Mechanical Lifting • Material Flow

30. Administrative Controls • Employee rotation. • Job task enlargement. • Adjustment of work pace. • Redesign of work methods. • Alternative tasks. • Rest breaks.

31. Work Practice Controls • Work techniques & procedures. • Conditioning period. • Training Lifting techniques. • Personal Protective Equipment.

32. Analysis tools

33. Checklists • Basic Screening Tool • General Risk Analysis • Computer Work Stations • Hand Tool Analysis • Hazard Identification • Task Analysis • Workstation Evaluation

34. Program elements

35. Program Elements • Management Leadership • Employee Participation • Hazard Identification • Hazard Information • Medical Management • Program Evaluation • Recordkeeping

36. Management Leadership • Assign responsibilities. • Provide authority, resources & information. • Examine existing policies. • Take action to correct problems. • Communicate regularly with employees.

37. Hazard Identification • Reports of signs, symptoms & hazards. • Recommendations from employees & supervisors. • Records review of existing safety & health records. • Routine facility safety & health inspections.

38. Information & Training • Signs & symptoms. • Importance of early reporting. • Specific hazards & controls. • Reporting MSDs & hazards. • How to recommend control methods. • Protective Measures. • Ergonomics program & their role. • OSHA standard requirements.

39. Employee Involvement • Report of signs, symptoms & hazards. • Hazard control recommendations. • Access to information.

40. MSD Management • Prompt response. • Work restrictions or other measures. • Prompt access to a health care professional. • Written Medical Opinion. • Medical Follow-up.

41. Program Evaluation • MSD records • Engineering Controls • Administrative Controls • Work Practice Controls • Opinions

42. Recordkeeping • Reports of MSD or hazards. • Responses to employee reports. • Job hazard analysis. • Hazard control records. • Ergonomics program evaluation. • MSD management records.