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© ERGO Inc. 2013 www.ergoconsulting.ca [email protected] 1
Conducting an Office
Ergonomics Audit
Presented By:
Kavita Chauhan, R.Kin, B.Sc. Kin & Hlth., Ergonomic Specialist
ABOUT Inc.
International Ergonomics Consulting & Training organization providing Professional Ergonomic & Injury Management Services
Since 1994
WHY Inc.
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1. Ergonomic Hazard Review in an Office
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders
3. Office Ergonomic Hazards
4. Office Ergonomics Review
5. Anthropometrics
6. Ergonomic Injury Prevention
7. “Finding Solutions” activities in groups
OBJECTIVES
Definition of ergonomics…
What does ergonomics mean to you…
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
ERGONOMICS?
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BENEFITS OF ERGONOMICS
Increase health & safety of workers Decrease injuries Optimize human capabilities Increase morale Save money Increase productivity & quality
Decrease errors
Decrease turnover and absenteeism
Stimulate innovation
Improve Union/Management relations
Musculoskeletal
Disorders (MSDs)
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Occupational Health & Safety Council of Ontario; MSD Prevention Series
MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They may be caused or aggravated by various hazards in the workplace. Include injuries mainly to:
Muscles, tendons and tendon sheaths Nerves Bursa Joints/ spinal discs
MSDs are not the direct result of a fall, struck by or against, caught in or on, vehicle collision, violence, etc.
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COMMON TYPES OF MSDs
Cumulative stresses on the body over time lead to wear and tear of musculoskeletal system –
*** Aging workers are more prone to MSDs
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Median Nerve in Carpal Tunnel becomes compressed
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BACK INJURIES
Overexertion is main cause
Lifting causes 50-60 % of injuries
Awkward posture involved 12-19% of the time
Poor sitting posture increases disc pressure
POSTURE AND DISC PRESSURE
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MSD WORKPLACE HAZARDS
What are the main MSD Hazards in an Office Space?
1. Awkward postures
2. Static work
3. Repetition
4. Forceful exertions
What other factors may need to be considered?
MSD HAZARDS
COMPUTER SET UP
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PRINCIPLE #1: Working Height
A mismatch between working heights and employees may lead to:
• poor posture
• discomfort
• inefficient work
PRINCIPLE #2: The Monitor
Place the top of the monitor at horizontal eye level
Tilt monitor slightly backward
Place monitor directly in front of the body, approximately one arm’s length away
Appropriate height for bifocal users
LAPTOPS
1. Working heights
2. Keyboard size
3. Mouse location
What are the ergonomic issues when using a laptop?
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Position monitor at a right angle to windows
Tilt monitor to reduce reflecting overhead light
Focus task lights directly on documents
Use blinds or drapes
PRINCIPLE #3: Glare
PRINCIPLE #4: Keyboard
Align the “B” & “N” with the belly button and nose
Home row on your keyboard should be at elbow height
Your upper arms should be vertical, forearm horizontal
Wrists should be straight, shoulders relaxed
No contact stress on arms
PRINCIPLE #4: Keyboard
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PRINCIPLE #5: Mouse
Your mouse should be positioned as close to your midline as possible
Place your mouse beside your keyboard at the same height
Your elbow angle should be between 75 and 130 degrees
Your wrists should be as close to straight as possible
Your wrists should not be bent to either side; align your hand with your forearm
Your mouse should fit your hand
PRINCIPLE #6: Chair
Individuals are responsible for
correctly adjusting their chair to
suit their needs
Even if the design of the chair is
ideal, the user has to understand
why it is necessary to use their
chair in the correct manner
To reduce reaching, consider the following: – Rearrange workstation
– Reduce dimensions of workstation
– Place mouse on keyboard tray beside keyboard
– Inclines / Writing Surfaces
– Document holders
PRINCIPLE #7: Reaching
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PRINCIPLE #8: Tools & Equipment
Avoid bending the neck and holding
the receiver while talking on the
telephone. This can lead to neck
stiffness and headaches
Copy holders can raise & position
documents to improve neck postures
Use wider grips when writing
External keyboards and mouse
PRINCIPLE #9: Movement!
Take breaks away from the computer every two hours.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
Stand up for at least five minutes every hour.
Alternate computer tasks with non-computer tasks, such as
phone calls, filing and meetings.
Change your posture frequently.
Adjust you chair regularly.
Stretch your hands, shoulders, forearms neck and back every
few hours or whenever fatigue or discomfort is felt.
Work smartly at home and at work.
ANTHROPOMETRICS
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ANTHROPOMETRICS
INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES
One of the prime sources of workplace injuries, particularly MSIs, is ergonomics-related hazards. MSIs account for about 40% of all workers’ comp claims in Canada. We recently asked what the biggest ergonomics-related hazard was in your workplace. You said: Poorly designed work stations (30%) Repetitive motions (27%) Improper lifting techniques (23%) Infrequent breaks (11%) Awkward work procedures (9%). Source: http://ohsinsider.com/search-by-index/safety-programs/poorly-designed-work-
stations-top-list-of-ergonomics-hazards#sthash.K4rVgTjd.dpuf
OFFICE ERGONOMICS
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INJURY PREVENTION
Improve the task, workstation and/or environment
Maximize the employees ability to perform the physical demands of the job
OFFICE CONTROLS
Rearrange workstation
Adjustable workstation equipment
Adjustable seating
Tilt tables, inclines
Different devices
OFFICE ERGONOMICS
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ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Education and Training
Job/Task Rotation
Work Method Training
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Stretching Programs
MOVEMENT
CASE STATIONS
REVIEW OF PROPER WORKSTATION SET UP
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ERGO Worksheet Case Scenario________________________ Feet supported Knees at ~90
degrees
Armrests at elbow level
No pressure on back of knees
Slight incline on backrest
Incline unlocked
Lumbar supported Mouse at same level as keyboard
Elbows at keyboard height
Mouse close to midline of body
Top of monitor height at eye level
Monitor ~ arm’s length away
Leg room Glare minimized
If applicable, 2nd monitor on dominant eye side
Frequent items within arm’s length
Phone headset available
Above shoulder level work avoided
Thank you for attending this workshop!
Questions?
Inc.
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