Skilled Crafts & Labor Ergonomics

1. Skilled Crafts & Labor Ergonomics The Art & Science of Fitting the Work to the Person Click for NEXT

2. Who? Click for NEXT Plant, Facilities, Grounds, & Similar Operations • Dining Services • Carpenters • Painters • Landscaping • Electricians • Plumbers • Custodians • Shipping/Receiving • Bookstore • Library • And More….

3. Why Ergonomics ? ToPrevent disorders of the soft-tissues such as muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, & joints. • Common Disorders: • Back Strain/Sprain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Tendonitis • …and others Click for NEXT

4. Symptoms • Tightness • Decreased range of motion • Deformity • Decreased strength • Loss of function • Numbness • Burning • Pain/Aching • Tingling • Cramping • Stiffness If you experience these symptoms, you may want to request additional ergonomic assistance. NEXT

5. Key Risk Factors Repetition Force + Posture Vibration NEXT

6. Risk Factors Each risk factor is significant; however, discomfort or injury is more likely to develop when two or more of these factors are combined And the risk exposure is sustained over time. NEXT

7. Ergonomic Assessment Additional Benefits: • Improve comfort • Decrease fatigue • Enhance job satisfaction • Increase productivity • Extend work life • Financial Savings by avoiding time away from work • Protect enjoyment of many life activities NEXT

8. Ergonomic Assessment The following slides provide information intended to help you identify potential risk factors and to give you ideas to help improve the ergonomics of your work activities. Use the ergonomic assessment form provided on the webpage to guide your through assessing and improving your physical work activities. http://www.montana.edu/wellness/wellAwards.html NEXT

9. Risk Factors Force Vibration The Goal: To help you identify, reduce, eliminate, or safely manage potential risk factors in your work environment. Posture Repetition Time NEXT

10. Identify Awkward Postures Elbows above shoulders Bent Back or Neck Squatting or Kneeling Bent Wrists NEXT

11. Minimize Overhead reaching Extend Tools Raise Worker • Consider Options to: • Lower work • Use mirrors or magnifiers • Relocate to work bench • Alternate positions/tasks to lessen time spent in with elbows above the shoulders. NEXT

12. Minimize Neck & Back Angles Ergo Design Adjustable stands NEXT

13. Minimize Kneeling & Squatting Alternate Positions Extend Tools Raise Work NEXT

14. Minimize Awkward Hand Positions Ergo Knife Consider handle design and operational needs when purchasing tools and equipment Electric deli slicer Articulating Power Tools NEXT

15. Highly Repetitive Motion Workers repeat same motion every few seconds for extended periods: • neck • shoulders • elbows • wrists • hands NEXT

16. Minimize Repetitive Motions • Steps to reduce repetitive motion: • Order materials – Precut, pre-drilled, pre-shaped to maximum extent possible. • Mechanize - Use powered tools for large, highly repetitive projects. • Vary tasks – Perform repetitive tasks in several small time blocks rather than all at once; perform dissimilar tasks in between. • Vary methods– Periodically switch process flow, switch tools, switch positions, switch hands to perform the same task. Powered tools NEXT

17. Pinching High Force Gripping Static Loading Material handling NEXT

18. Minimize High Forces / Pressures NEXT Eliminate awkward positions Use mechanical advantage Reduce weight of tool or object Redesign tool/user interface Use Two Hands /Alternate Hands Sharp, well-maintained tools Alternate Positions/Tasks Suspend Tools Job Share Look at Material Handling Alternatives

19. Minimize High Forces Suspend Tools Material Grabbers Right tool for Job Enlarge & Pad Handles NEXT

20. Manual Material Handling Where it ALL Comes Together NEXT

21. Manual Handling NEXT Manual handling is transporting or supporting a load by hands or bodily force. Lifting Carrying Putting down Pushing Pulling Moving Supporting

22. Lifting Cervical Thoracic Lumbar PRESERVE YOUR CURVES !! NEXT The spine is has three natural curves designed to keep it aligned.

23. Lifting Techniques NEXT • Wear supportive shoes with traction. • Test the load to see if you can handle it safely—if not, get help from a co-worker or use mechanical aids. • Keep a wide stance and solid footing. • To improve balance, keep your heels down and turn your feet slightly out. • Warm-up.

24. Lifting Techniques NEXT • Tighten your stomach muscles. • Get a good grasp on the load. • Keep the load close to your body. • Keep your head up and trunk tall to preserve your curves. • Lift steadily with your legs, not your back. • Point your feet in the direction of the move, don’t twist. • Set the load down by squatting down and keeping the spine aligned.

25. Turning with a Load • Follow Your Feet NEVER Lead with the Load NEXT • “Hug” the load • Move your body as a single unit • Take several steps to turn your body in the direction you want to move.

26. Putting it Together…. Lift with Large Leg Muscles Bend your knees - not your back! Get close to the load NEXT

27. Putting it Together…. Consider Equipment Get Help NEXT

28. Extended use of powered equipment can present risks to soft tissues, especially of the hands. Consider time spent working with vibrating tools: Vibration • Especially trigger-activated or those requiring high hand force • In cold and damp conditions • With upadded, metal handles/grips • With health conditions or habits that reduce blood flow such as NEXT

29. Time – Frequency, Duration & Recovery Minimize key risk factors And Balance time spent exposed to risks with adequate recovery time. NEXT

30. Keep in Mind: • No “One Right Way” to achieve ergonomically healthy work postures and practices. Stay aware of risk factors and consider options to eliminate, reduce, or safely manage them. • Adjusting one aspect of your work activity will affect other aspects. For example, switching from a hand tool to a power tool lessens the force and repetition of the job, but increases exposure to vibration. Consider these impacts when making changes. NEXT

31. Early Response Gains Opportunity Early Intervention is Critical • Reduce/Eliminate risks • Prevent Pain • Avoid or minimize need for medical treatment • Happier employees • Higher productivity • Financial Savings by avoiding time away from work NEXT

32. Questions or Concerns? Consult additional resources on this website.Contact your Wellness Coordinator for additional assistance and resources Use the ergonomic assessment tool provided on the website to evaluate your work activities http://www.montana.edu/wellness/wellAwards.html END