computer workstation backsafety

7/28/2019 Computer Workstation Backsafety

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Ergonomics

Computer Workstations

&

Back Safety


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ErgonomicsDefinition: The study of fitting the task to the

human.

Goal: Prevent musculoskeletal disorders bysurveying the workplace, take preventive steps,relying on employee input and addressing problems

early.Topics: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Recognizing signs and symptoms of MSDs and howto report.

Common Causes of MSDs

Computer Ergonomics Safe Lifting Principles


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IntroductionMSD Injuries in general

VDT/Computer Workstations

Back Safety


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Musculoskeletal DisordersCaused by overuse or repetition involving:

MusclesNerves

TendonsLigaments

Joints

Spinal Disks

Cartilage


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MSD Symptoms & SignsSymptoms should be

reported to yoursupervisor early:

Muscle Fatigue Aching

Burning Numbness Stiffness Tingling

Adjusting the way youwork removes stress. If

injured you coulddevelop a MSD.

Signs should be

reportedimmediately: Decreased range of

motion

Decreased gripstrength

Loss of function

Loss of balance Deformity

Swelling

Cramping

Redness

Color loss


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Common Causes Of MSDsLifting- continuously lifting and

movingRepetitive motion (factors: angle,

alignment, force, length of time without break)-keying and using the mouse

Contact stress- hammering

Extreme force- tightening objectsVibration- drilling

Awkward postures- pulling carts


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Why Worry ?Musculoskeletal Ergonomic

Injuries are the fastest-growing

category (accounting for 1.8million annual Work RelatedMusculoskeletal Disorders Up

600% over last 11 years (MSDs).$9 billion total injury cost / year& $29 K / case compensation

claim costMore lost workdays for MSDs

(ave. = 30 days for a Carpal

Tunnel injury)


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MSD Injury Data600,000 MSDs require time off

from work.Women suffer more ergonomic

injuries due: to having jobs requiring more

heavy lifting, repetitive tasks andawkward postures

70% of Carpal Tunnel

62% of Tendonitis


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CTD Injury Factors

Lesions to tendons of the neck, back,shoulders, arms, wrists or hands

Primary causes:

Repetitive movements over longperiods of time

Awkward postures Use of excessive forces


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MSD Risk Control: PostureNEUTRAL &

COMFORTABLE: Wrists straight

Shoulders relaxed withelbows close to body

head / shoulders & back

in vertical alignment Frequent breaks whenbent postures cant be

avoided


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Ergonomic Alignment


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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Occurs with repetitive motion of hands &wrists--especially with high force levels,

compression of nerves and tendons


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MSD Risk Control:

Repetition

Eliminate unnecessary tasks /movements by redesigning proceduresand workstations

Take short, frequent breaks

Alternate tasks and processes to usedifferent muscle groups


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Computer Workstation

FactsRoutine PC user is defined as spending 20

hours or more per week working at acomputer.

Studies of PC users have not shown a riskof eye damage...although fatigue is verypossible.NIOSHstudies have not indicated a

radiation hazard nor pregnancy risk fromPC usage.

Workers using bi/tri-focal glasses before

beginning PC use may need special purposeglasses for computer work.


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Articulating Keyboard

SupportHeight Adjustable

Positive/NegativeSlope

MouseAttachment/SlideSupport

Palm Rest


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Palm Rests

No medical evidence that they reduce RSIinjuries...As they work for some, but not for others

Usage Guidelines: Buy rest that is even with top of keyboard

Material should be medium-soft (foam--gel mix) so foam

doesnt break down. AVOID hard plastic types DONT leave wrists on rest...which compresses carpal

tunnel. Palm rest instead.

Changing typing habits more critical than wrist support MOST APPROPRIATELY USED TO REST HANDSDURING PAUSE IN TYPING

LEARN TO TYPE CORRECTLY WITH FLOATINGWRISTS FIRST!!!


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Ergonomic chairs

Adjustable backheight and angle

Adjustable arm restsAdjustable height

Five star base


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Alternative Pointing Devices Track-balls

Scrolling Mouse Touch pad mouse

Cordless mouse


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Unsatisfactory

WorkstationDesign Reaching for mouse Monitor too low Keyboard too high,

wrists bent

Chair too high, feetshould be flat on thefloor or on a foot rest

Document holder toofar back No arms on the chair

Bad posture, leaningforward


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Satisfactory Workstation

Design

Use head sets for frequentphone use. Monitor at eye level. Keep wrists straight, arms

close to body, and at a rightangle.

Mouse on support next to keyboard. Document holder near monitor. Foot rest used if feet do not touch

the floor. Fully adjustable computer task chair.


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VDT Ergonomics Summary

Good ergonomic design of processesand furniture DOES improve

personnel comfort, health, morale,and productivity.

Its critical to seek prompt medicalaid for symptoms of ergonomic stress/ CTDs


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Back Injury FactsBack injuries account for nearly 20% of all

injuries in the workplace8 out of 10 Americans will suffer a backinjury at sometime in their life

Back injuries account for 93 million lostwork days each year-2nd only to thecommon cold

Workers compensation costs of up to $20billion each yearBack injuries increase with age, fitness

level and weight


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Common Causes

Trying to lift too much weight

Reaching and lifting

Twisting andbending whilelifting

Common Causes


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Common Causes

Continued

Carrying awkward objects

Working inawkward positions

Sitting or standing too long


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Working On LaddersBalancing

Overhead work

Materials

movement


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Use Of Tools

Pinch grip

End-on-end grip

Lowering The Risk Of


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Lowering The Risk Of

Injury

Engineering

Proper Equipment

Administrative

Proper Staffing

Work practice

Good work habits

Control

3 types


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Engineering ControlsSupply proper

equipment i.e.ergonomically designed

toolsMaintain equipment i.e.

lubricate and repair


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Administrative ControlsAssure adequate

staffing

Purchase proper

equipmentRotate heavy or

repetitive jobs


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Work Practice ControlsProper lifting techniques

Good postures

Alternate repetitive tasks

Use breaks to divide up heavy work

Stretching/exercise

Proper Lifting


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Proper Lifting

Techniques

Step One

Test the load to get

an indication as tohow heavy theobject is.


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Proper Lifting Techniques

Step Two

Stand close to the loadwith your feet spreadapart about shoulder

width, with one footslightly in front of theother for balance.

Proper Lifting


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Proper Lifting

Techniques

Step Three

Squat down bending

at the knees (notyour waist). Keepyour back straight.


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Step Five

Begin slowly lifting withyour legs bystraightening them.

NEVER twist your bodyduring this step.


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Proper Lifting TechniquesStep Six

Once the lift is complete,keep the load close toyour body to preventstraining the lower back.

If you must turn whilecarrying the load, turnusing your feet-not your

torso.


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Step Seven

To place the

object below thelevel of yourwaist, follow thesame proceduresin reverse order.


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Alternatives To Lifting

For difficult lifting tasks, keep these optionsin mind:

Ask a co-worker for

help.


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Alternatives To Lifting:

Stay close to the

loadDont lean forward

Use both arms

Use a cart but keep this in mind;

Pushing a load is easier on the backthan pulling.

When pushing a cart:


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Alternatives To LiftingIf you must pull the cart:

Face the objectsquarely, with one foot

at least 12 inches infront of the otherKeep your back

straightBend your knees

slightly and pull in a

smooth motion.


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Safety Tips For LiftingDont lift objects over your head

Dont twist your body when liftingor setting an object down

Dont reach over an obstacle to lifta load. Move whatever is in the way

or go around it.Pace yourself to avoid fatigue when

doing heavy work for a long period

of time.


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Back Safety SummaryAvoid Lifting and Bending Whenever You

CanUse carts, dolleys and

other lifting devicesAsk for assistance

Place objects off of the

floor and store in thebodys neutral zone

Practice Safe Lifting Techniques!!

h d


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What you can do

Look at the risk factors you encounter at home and

at work think ergonomics. Ask yourself: What awkward postures do I encounter? Can I readjust sitting/standing positions to

maintain neutral postures? Do I use excess force on my job? If so, how can

I reduce or eliminate that force?

When lifting is required, am I following the rightsteps to lift correctly? Do I have any other ideas to make my work

space or tasks more ergonomically comfortable?

R b


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Remember

Always report any signs/symptoms of

Musculoskeletal Disorders, and any otherergonomic concerns to your supervisorimmediately.

You may contact EH&S 275-3241 for moreinformation, or access our websitewww.safety.rochester.edu

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