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Ergonomics

Ergonomics. A science that focuses on human capabilities and limitations in the design of work tasks,workstations, tools and equipment. People Are Different. People Have Physical Limitations. People Have Emotional Limitations. Cumulative Trauma Disorders. Cumulative Trauma Disorders.

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Ergonomics

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  1. Ergonomics A science that focuses on human capabilities and limitations in the design of work tasks,workstations, tools and equipment.

  2. People Are Different

  3. People Have Physical Limitations

  4. People Have Emotional Limitations

  5. Cumulative Trauma Disorders

  6. Cumulative Trauma Disorders • 300,000 disorders associated with repeated trauma according to BLS. • $27 billion annually in direct worker’s compensation costs.

  7. Cumulative Trauma Disorders • A group of musculoskeletal and nerve disorders often caused by long-term exposure to repeated,forceful, awkward movements of the limbs and/or joints. • These injuries occur slowly over time and frequently affect the upper extremities and back.

  8. Types of Cumulative Trauma Disorders • Tendonitis • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome • Epicondylitis • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome • DeQuervain’s Disease

  9. Symptoms of Cumulative Trauma Disorders • Discomfort • Pain • Swelling • Numbness • Pins and Needles • Reduced range of motion • Loss of strength

  10. Costs to the Employer • Insurance Premiums • Medical Costs • Absenteeism/Turnover • Re-Training • Decrease in Production • Decrease in Quality

  11. Costs to the Employees • Pain/Suffering • Stress • Loss of ability to work • Loss of wages • Loss of ability to enjoy life

  12. Indicators of Need

  13. Indicators of Need • Employee Generated Change • Manual Material Handling • Seasonal Hiring • Downsizing • Over-time • Incentive Programs

  14. Indicators of Need • Complaints • Absenteeism • Turnover • Accident Trends • Poor Quality • Decrease in Production

  15. Why Now?

  16. Ergonomics Program Management GuidelinesFor Meatpacking Plants

  17. Meatpacking Guidelines Program Elements • Workplace Analysis • Hazard Prevention and Control • Medical Management • Education and Training

  18. Management Commitment and Employee Involvement

  19. Management Commitment • Written policies and procedures • Resources to support program • Assign and communicate responsibilities • Provide adequate authority • Accountability • Visibility

  20. Employee Participation • Provide suggestions • Participate in inspections and JHAs • Actively participate in training • Report hazards immediately • Become involved in committees • Work safely

  21. Workplace Analysis

  22. Objectives of Workplace Analysis • Identifies existing hazards and conditions, operations that create hazards, and areas where hazards may develop.

  23. Risk Factors

  24. Risk Factors • The conditions of a job that contribute to the risk of developing CTDs. • Presence of risk factors does not indicate that injuries are going to occur.

  25. Posture

  26. Awkward Posture • Deviations from neutral positions. • The greater the degree of deviation, the higher the risk.

  27. Awkward Posture • Changing or altering the tool or equipment • Moving or changing the orientation of the part or work surface • Changing the position of the worker

  28. Static/Sustained Posture • When a worker must maintain an unsupported position for an extended period of time. • Identification of risk through observation

  29. End Range Posture • Refers to moving a joint as far as it will go or close to its maximum. • Stress is on the muscles,tendons and ligaments as they are stretched to end range.

  30. Forceful Exertions

  31. Forceful Exertions • The amount of work the joints,muscles, and tendons must do to perform the task. • The higher the force, the more risk of fatigue, loss of strength, and injury to muscles, tendons and joints.

  32. Forceful Exertions • Maintain neutral posture • Reduce the force • Spread the force • Maintain tools • Power with motors not muscles • Reduce the weight • Add hand holds

  33. Repetition • Refers to a task or series of motions performed over and over again with very little variation.

  34. Repetition • Automation • Mechanization • Job Rotation • Task Enlargement • Frequent breaks

  35. Contact Stress

  36. Contact Stress • An outside force coming in contact with the soft or unprotected part of the employee’s body. • The amount of damage is dependent on the sensitivity of the exposed body part.

  37. Vibration

  38. Vibration • Damage to blood vessels • Increased muscle fatigue • Damage to spine • Vision problems • Headaches • Insomnia

  39. Vibration • Reduce the vibration/modify speed • Equipment maintenance • Vehicle suspension systems • Reduced exposure • Rest breaks • Adequate padding/absorption system • Education

  40. Environmental

  41. Environmental Factors • Temperature • Noise • Lighting • Air Quality

  42. Parts of a Workplace Analysis • Gathering Information • Baseline Screening Surveys • Job Hazard Analysis • Follow-ups

  43. Gathering Information • OSHA Form 200 • Medical Records • Insurance Records • Safety Records • Personnel Records

  44. Baseline Screening Surveys • Should be conducted on all jobs showing potential ergonomic risk exposure. • Identifies jobs that place workers at risk of developing CTDs.

  45. Job Hazard Analysis • Select the job • Step by Step Breakdown • Identification of Hazards • Recommendations • Implementation • Follow-up

  46. Periodic Review • Unnoticed risk factors • Failures in engineering and/or work practice controls

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