Ergonomics

1. Ergonomics

2. Session Objectives You will be able to: Understand the principles of ergonomics Recognize the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) Understand methods of identifying, reporting, and controlling MSDs Know how to protect yourself from MSD injuries and reduce your risk

3. History of Ergonomics • As early as 18th century doctors noted that workers who required to maintain body positions for long periods of time developed musculoskeletal problems. • Within last 25 years research has clearly established connections between certain job tasks and MSD and Repetitive stress injuries (RSI).

4. Ergonomics Defined The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.

5. The two elements at work Static work: musculoskeletal effort required to hold a certain position, even a comfortable one. Example: sit & work at computers; keeping head and torso upright requires small or great amounts of static work depending on the efficiency of the body positions we chose.

6. The two elements at work Force:amount of tension our muscles generate. Example: muscular power or endurance needed to support head and back.

7. General Signs of MSDs Signs Decreased strength for gripping Decreased range of motion Loss of muscle function Inability to do everyday tasks

8. Characteristics of MSDs Occur from a single injury or many small injuries. Can take weeks, months, or years to develop. May produce no symptoms in early stages Combination of work and home activities may contribute to MSD Injury may differ in severity from person to person doing a similar task

9. Outward Signs of MSDs Swelling or inflammation of joints Vigorously shaking hands Massaging hands, wrists, or arms Cradling arms Limping Stiff back

10. Common Injury Locations • Back and neck—shooting pain, stiffness • Shoulders—pain, stiffness, loss of mobility • Arms and legs—shooting pains, numbness • Elbow and knee joints— pain, swelling, stiffness, soreness

11. Common Injury Locations • Hands and wrists— swelling, numbness, loss of strength • Fingers—jerking movements, or loss of strength, mobility, and feeling • Thumbs—pain at the base • Feet and toes—numbness, tingling, stiffness, burning sensation

12. Risk Factors for Injury Increasing age Gender (♀ > ♂) Previous injury Co-existing health problems Stress Lack of physical conditioning Fine motor work Time constraints

13. Ergonomic Factors That Lead to MSDs Repetitive motions Forceful exertions Awkward postures Contact stress (pressure points) Vibrations

14. Risk Factor—Repetitive Motion Stress on muscles and tendons Contributing factors • Duration and speed of repetitious movement • Number of muscles involved • Required force Raising and lowering the arm over and over again

15. Awkward Postures Stress on muscles and tendons Contributing factors • Reaching overhead • Amount of force the body must use to maintain the position • Holding fixed positions Lifting while twisting, reaching, or turning

16. Contact Stress Pressing against or grabbing a hard object puts pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood vessels Contributing factors • Repetition • Duration of contact • Grip strength required

17. Vibration Affects tendons, muscles, joints, nerves Contributing factors • Prolonged grip • Restricts blood supply to hands and fingers • Using tools without vibration dampening device • Poor maintenance of power tool

18. Classifications of Injuries Acute VS Repetitive Motion

19. Acute Injuries Ligament stretching/tearing Tendon stretching/tearing Lacerations involving nerves, tendons Burns Fractures

20. Repetitive Motion Injuries Tendonitis Chronic muscle strain Ligament Damage Joint pain Nerve entrapment

21. Repetitive Motion Injuries Carpal tunnel syndrome Tennis elbow Golfer’s elbow DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis Chronic low back pain Joint pain

22. Ways to Protect Yourself Adjust the work station and equipment to maximize safety and efficiency Identify and control work-place hazards Communicate Use proper technique Use protective equipment Keep tools and equipment in good repair

23. How to Protect Yourself Change positions often Take stretch breaks Maintain neutral posture Stay healthy / Stay limber Use material-handling aids Report MSD symptoms

24. Use Proper Lifting Techniques Use lifting devices Don’t twist while lifting Lift using your legs not back Use a stool or stepladder Don’t overdo it Keep your back in shape

25. Act on the Signs of MSD Act immediately: Report the problem to supervisor. Work with HR to seek medical attention when necessary. Seek early treatment

26. Early Treatment • Medical or Orthopedic Physician • Referral to Physical or Occupational Therapy ManualTherapy Therapeutic Exercise Modalities Education Work Conditioning • FCE or Lift Test if needed for return to work

27. Identify and Control MSD Hazards Determine where (not if)MSD hazards exist and degree of risk Devise and implement safety strategies Receive periodic training - Job Site Evaluations

28. “Why Should I Care About Ergonomics?” Ergonomics saves money for you and the company Ergonomics can help you staying healthy and avoid injury Because others are depending upon you You are valuable

29. Work Smart to Stay Safe

30. Questions ??? Thank you for your time!!!