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Ergonomics at Jefferson Lab

JLab Ergonomics. Program Structure and LogisticsRationale for MedicalizationRationale for IndividualizationPrinciples Emphasized. Disclaimer. I have no financial or commercial interests in the content of this presentation.. . Context: JLab. Office of ScienceThomas Jefferson National Accelerato

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Ergonomics at Jefferson Lab

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    1. Ergonomics at Jefferson Lab Smitty Chandler JLab SOMD 3/12

    2. JLab Ergonomics Program Structure and Logistics Rationale for Medicalization Rationale for Individualization Principles Emphasized

    3. Disclaimer I have no financial or commercial interests in the content of this presentation.

    5. Context: JLab Office of Science Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, AKA, Jefferson Lab, TJNAF, JLab. Mission: Basic research into the nucleus using a unique particle accelerator, known as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). Jefferson Lab also conducts research using its Free-Electron Laser, which is based on the same electron-accelerating technology used in CEBAF. ~ 800 employees. ~ 1500 Users. Occupational Medicine staff: 0.6 SOMD 1.0 LPN 1.0 CMA

    6. Terminal Objective To describe the Jefferson Laboratory ergonomics program.

    7. Enabling Objectives To provide insight into non-standard approaches to ergonomics program structure. To convey advantages and disadvantages of reactive vs. proactive ergonomics programs. To present the benefits of medicalization of ergonomics programs. To compare individualized vs. generic approaches to ergonomics. To explain the principles of ergonomics.

    8. Ergonomics Program Structure Completely owned and facilitated by Occupational Medicine. SOMD is the ergonomist and conducts all consultations and group training personally. Many more common structural options exist. All have advantages and disadvantages.

    10. Logistics Primarily reactive. Consultations are upon request by Individual employees Managers Facilities Department Each consultation is individualized and takes 30-60 minutes. Group training is also provided for Lifting Ergonomics, Office Ergonomics and Hand Safety.

    11. Consultation Report Written report summarizing advice is provided to the employee and then summarized into Safety Observation database. Industrial ergonomics consultations are so variable that a report template is not used. Office ergonomics consultations are less variable, so template is used.

    12. Office Ergonomics Template Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the ergonomic aspects of your office.  The purpose of this email is to summarize my advice. You should consider using an under-the-desk keyboard tray.  I recommend the XXXXXX with a 22 inch track: XXXXXXXXXXXX Please look at the photos of the features and call me if you have questions about them.  You will need to decide about the following options: XXXXXX I also hope you will obtain a wireless ergonomically correct keyboard.  I recommend the XXXXXXXX This keyboard is Mac compatible. Your chair has many flaws.  You would benefit from a XXXXXXXXXX chair with the XXXX option.   This chair can be obtained from the JLab Stockroom.  The item number is  XXXXXXXXXX. You should utilize a thick vinyl floor mat because they are extremely helpful in reducing low back fatigue.  Surprisingly, there are a few important details to consider when selecting a mat.  One factor is whether you've had any bad experiences in the past with mats that tear or form tracks.  The other important variables are your weight, and the thickness of your carpet.  For mat options, please visit XXXXXXX It's very important to configure new equipment correctly.  When your tray is installed and your chair arrives, please contact Johnie Banks at 7539.  She will arrange for me to meet with you again to adjust your new equipment in an ergonomically correct manner and teach you how to use its features. These ergonomic improvements will probably help you work faster, more efficiently, and more comfortably. Again, thanks. -Smitty

    14. Historical Development Program initially owned and facilitated by the JLab Industrial Hygiene group, which has close partnership with Occupational Medicine. IH began referring ergonomics evaluations prompted by potential medical concerns to SOMD. After approximately one year of program sharing, IH requested that Occupational Medicine take over fully.

    15. Rationale Behind Medicalization Many ergonomics consult requests are in response to physical complaints framed by the employee in medical terms. In such cases, ergonomic intervention is often part, or all, of the treatment. Medicalization protects IH/Safety from pressure to diagnose and treat. Appropriate touching is often needed. This can be problematic for non-medical professionals.

    16. Rationale, 2 Thorough knowledge of the worker-workplace unit increases Occupational Medicine effectiveness, credibility, and standing within the organization. Occupational Medicine programs can easily fall into a routine of sequestration and dependence on other programs, such as IH, Safety and HR for information that affects clinical and non-clinical decisions and advice. Close partnership with such “other programs” creates synergistic value for all parties and stakeholders. Summary: Medicalization of ergonomics benefits employees, Occupational Medicine and IH/Safety.

    17. GOALS Medical Model Treat Injuries Prevent Injuries Human Resources Model Enhance Happiness & Comfort Increase Productivity

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    19. Individualized vs. Generic Advantages of individualized consultations: Psychology of unsolicited advice. Knee jerk aversion is very common. One size doesn’t fit all. Ergonomically correct keyboards and sight typists. Complexity warrants individualization. Training vs. education. Knowing vs. understanding. Hearing vs. believing. Case specific details are extremely important. Ergonomically correct chair adjustment. New chair with, or without, new keyboard tray.

    20. Individualization, 2 Disadvantages of individualization: More difficult. More time consuming. Tends to be reactive instead of proactive. Tends to depend on word of mouth. Summary editorial with a mostly invalid but useful dichotomy: Individualized ergonomics consultations are more effective but less efficient than generic group programs.

    22. Ergonomic Principles Emphasized Minimize force exerted Minimize unnatural posture Minimize frequency of repetitious motion These are summarized as: minimize force, angle and frequency. Minimize the twisting moment, torque, by application of its formula: T=F X LA. Maximize time in neutral position, AKA “position of function.”

    24. Thanks! chandler@jlab.org

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