Ergonomics and Lifting

1. Ergonomics and Lifting What is Ergonomics What causes strains/sprains Prevention

2. Ergonomics • Ergonomics is the science of fitting a job to a person • Sprain is a twist to a muscle or ligament that causes pain or inflammation • Strain is an overexertion or over use of a muscle that causes pain of inflammation

3. Causes • Force • Awkward posture • Contact Stress (sharp edge) • Repetition/Duration • Vibration

4. Prevention • Force – create smooth paths for carts, split the weight into multiple loads, use powered tools such as forklift, nail gun, power mixer instead of mixing by hand, hug your load

5. Prevention • Repetition/Duration • Take micro pause • On break do something different – sit/stand • Break up the tasks

6. Prevention • Contact stress – avoid kneeling on the edge of a stair, cushion hands at a keyboard, back of knees should not fall against the edge of the seat

7. Prevention • Awkward Positions – Wrists should not be bent Head should be looking straight head or slightly down - tilt the screen, place phone books under the computer screen Do not work above your head Twisting to lift Far Reaching to lift Cradling the phone with your head

8. Back Posture Maintain Natural Curve Work at a comfortable level

9. Proper Lifting • Bend knees to pick up and put down

10. Proper Lifting

11. Proper Lifting • Plan your lift • Items blocking your way • Where will you set the item down • Floor surface • Opening a door

12. Proper lifting 1. Get help. Don’t try to lift heavy loads by yourself.

13. Proper Lifting • Never bend, life and twist at the same time • Use a cart, dolly or another mechanical aid when possible

14. Off Duty • Stay in good health • Maintain flexibility with proper stretching • Moderate exercise such as walking according to Doctor’s orders • Do not become overweight

15. Common Sense Safety

16. Common Sense Safety

17. Common Sense Safety

18. Common Sense Safety

19. Workplace Violence • Verbal Abuse • In Anger: Throwing things • Threats • Destroying property • Rape Suicide • Use of weapons • Stalking • Bombing/ arson • Kidnapping • Robbery

20. Who commits • Violent history including domestic abuse • Substance abuse • Fascination with weapons like guns • Low self esteem • Failing to perform their duties • Escalating behavior

21. Warning signs • Escalating behaviors – tone of voice, slamming items, throwing items, punching things • Threats • Nervous pacing • Talking irrationally • Changes in personal habits or behaviors

22. Deescalate a situation • Stay calm • Do not raise your voice to match theirs • Call for a supervisor • Do not isolate yourself with this person, but attempt to remove an audience • Watch your body language • Walk away if the situation continues to escalate

23. If violence breaks out … • Leave the area – don’t be a hero • Call University Police ext 2111 or 911 • Give the person whatever they want- money, car, food ….except people

24. Prevention • Report to your manager any restraining orders • Be observant of the behaviors of customers and coworkers • Do not walk alone at night • Know where the blue lights are • Be aware of building areas that are isolated

25. Prevention • Do not bypass safety precautions such as propping locked door or windows • Report all threats and erratic behavior to University Police • Listen to your instinct – if suspicion crossed your mind it is reacting to unconscious triggers