1 ergonomics for fire and ems departments developing & implementing ergonomic solutions...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Ergonomics for Fire and EMS Departments
Developing & ImplementingErgonomic Solutions
University of OregonLabor Education and Research Center
This material has been made possible by a grant from the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division, Department of Consumer and Business Services
2
Today’s Workshop
Will:
• Review injury risk factors
• Discuss solutions hierarchy
• Review hazard analysis
• Explore potential solutions
• Examine barriers to solutions
3
Musculoskeletal Risk Factors
•Temperature Extremes•Direct pressure
•Prolonged postures
•Awkward postures•Repetition
•Excessive force/weight (pulling, lifting)
•Poor work organization
4
Review of Ergonomics
The goal of ergonomics is to design the job to fit the worker,
NOT fit the worker to the job.
EnvironmentTask/job
Worker
5
Room for Improvement?
Environment:accommodate good
postures in›fire stations
›vehicles›ER
Task/job:time in awkward
postureforce
repetition proper equipment
Worker:Specific
capabilities
6
Ergonomic Solutions Hierarchy
Effectiveness Personal control
Bodymechanics
Personal protective equipment
Job organization
Equipment or Engineering
7
Injury Injury
8
Injury Injury
fitness & wellness
9
Injury Injury
fitness & wellness
proper body
mechanics
10
Injury Injury
fitness & wellness
proper body
mechanics
personal protective equipment
11
fitness & wellness
proper body
mechanics
personal protective equipment
joborganization
Injury
12
fitness & wellness
proper body
mechanics
personal protective equipment
joborganization
Engineering controls &
equipment improvements
13
Risk of musculoskeletal injury
fitness & wellness
proper body
mechanics
personal protective equipment
joborganization
Engineering controls/Equipment improvement
activities outside
work
14
Getting to Solutions
Hazards
Tasks
Job
Solution
• Ergonomics team• Equipment
committee• Shift crew• Training crew• Line personnel
Solution
Solution
Solution
15
Ergonomics Program Elements
• Assessment of musculoskeletal hazards
• Prevention and control of musculoskeletal hazards
• Training
• A medical management system
• Procedures for reporting injuries
• A plan for the implementation of the program
• Methods for evaluating the program
16
Job Hazard Assessment1 Identify and
prioritize jobs/tasks
2 Break down each job into discrete tasks
3 Study and assess each task- Determine the specific risk factors for each task
What and Why Analysis
17
Solutions…
18
What and Why Analysis
• Tasks or steps involved• Body parts affected• Risk factors• Frequency/duration of task• Why is it done this way?
• Potential solutions• Cost of solutions• Barriers
Assess the task
Prevent & control
19
Prevention and ControlAKA: Solutions
Set short term and long term goals
May address a single major problem
May address several smaller/simpler problems
Think outside the box
20
Solutions• Come up with many solutions
• Dream big and small
• Decide what is optimal• Barriers• Cost/benefit
• Best way to implement• Worker buy in• Department buy in
• Have a process
21
Lateral Transfer Aids• One “job” is the
lateral patient transfer
• Use of a device reduces the stress to the low back by reducing the friction.
• It eliminates the need for the 3rd person on the bed
Drawsheet only
Drawsheet with lateral transfer device
22
No-Lift System
ramp with special gurney
Bariatric Unit, AMR Portland
motorized winch & cable
23
Ergonomic Communication
FF/EMS
Nursinghomes
Patient/pt family
AssistedLiving
ER/hospitals
Other health care
facilities
Home careworker
24
Ergonomic Communication• Understanding the “bigger” picture can
help all the workers involved
• Establish appropriate communication with stakeholders
– Patient handling
– Patient logistics
– Patient care
• Develop policies
25
Solution for a job?
Job: Single person handling a ladder.
26
What and Why Job Hazard Analysis
Getting Ladder
Lift from engineCarry to site
Place against wall
Low back, shoulder, neck
Low back, shoulderLow back shoulder, legs
Heavy weight, awk posturesHeavy weight, awk posturesHeavy weight, awk postures
Infrequent, short durationInfrequent, short duration
Infrequent, short duration
Lift off truck
Need to walk
Need to get tip up
Firefighter Joe
27
Solutions
Now think about:– The tasks: lifting, carrying, placing– Potential solutions for each– Cost– Benefit– Barriers– Implementation
28
Solution Analysis
Task Potential
Solutions
Cost Benefit Barriers Implementation
Lifting ladder off truck
Alternative lightweight ladder
Carrying the ladder
Placing the ladder
29
Questions and Evaluation
Thank you for your attention
? ??
?