ergo training

7/27/2019 Ergo Training

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Ergonomics

Awareness Training

Navy Ergonomics Program

Technical Support Services

by Naval Facilities Engineering Command

Cathy Rothwell, PE Ergonomic Program Manager

[email protected]

Mindy Smith, MEng, AEP Ergonomic Technical Support - East [email protected]

Theresa Stack, MS, AEP Ergonomic Technical Support- West [email protected]


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What is Ergonomics? ergonomics \, rg-go-'nm-iks

Ergonomics is derived from two Greek words

Ergon meaning work

andNomos meaningprinciples or laws

Ergonom ics = The Science of Wo rk

Ergonomics is not a new science, although the term

has become more common lately. The phrase

was first coined in 1857.


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Common Definitions

Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace

to the worker. The better the fit the higher thelevel of safety and worker efficiency. Fitting theTask to the Human ~ Grandjean 1990

Ergonomics removes barriers to quality,productivity and human performance by fitting

products, tasks, and environments to people.ErgoWeb.com

What is Ergonomics? ergonomics \, rg-go-'nm-iks


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What are the consequencesof poor Ergonomics?

Why are we hearing about ergonomics now?Are there new hazards at work? No!

Consequences of poor workplace design were firstdocumented in the 17th century.

Have you ever heard of these?

Historic Occupational Disorders - house-maidsknee, washer womans thumb, writers cramp, data-processing disease, clergymans knee, nunsbursitis, weavers bottom, dustmans shoulder,

tailors ankle


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Do these historic occupationaldisorders still exist? Yes!

They are part of a broad category of injuries and

disorders called Musculoskeletal Disorders

(MSDs). MSDs are not usually caused by acute trauma,

but occur slowly over time due to repetitive injuries to thesoft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage)

and nervous system

MSDs can happen to anyone from office workers

and industrial employees to athletes and hobbyists

Before Improved


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Do these historic occupationaldisorders still exist? Yes!

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

(WMSDs) are MSDs that are caused or made worse bywork methods and environment. They occur when the

physical capabilities of the worker do not match thephysical requirements of the job

Common MSDs:Tendonitis, Epicondylitis(Tennis or Golfers Elbow),

Bursitis, Trigger Finger, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,

Back Strain

Before Improved


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What are aliases for WMSDs?

Work-related MSDs go by many other names:

Repetitive Strain or Stress Injury (RSI)

Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI)

Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD)

Overuse Syndrome

Activity-related Pain Syndrome

Ergonomics can help prevent MSDs that are

caused or aggravated by working conditions


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What characteristics of your job putyou at risk for MSDs?

Repetition

Awkward PosturesStatic Postures

Cold Temperatures

Prolonged, repeated or extreme exposure to multiple

WMSD risk factors can cause damage to a workers

body. Risk Factors include:

Excessive Force

VibrationCompression

Inadequate Recovery


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Repetition= Performing the same motionor group of motions excessively.

Examples of Repetition

Repeating the same motion every

few seconds or repeating a cycle of

motions involving the same bodyparts more than twice per minute for

more than 2 consecutive hours in a

row

Using a tool or an input device, such

as a keyboard in a steady manner for

more than 4 hours total in a work day

Excessive

repetition of

movements can

irritate tendons

and increase

pressure on

nerves


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Awkward Postures = Postures outsideof neutral.

Neutral is the optimal

position of each

joint that provides

the most strength

and control

Before: Lab technician tiltshis neck forward to view

the screen into a non-

neutral posture. He also

bends over resting on his

forearms to write on the

documents.

Ergonomic Improvement:Sailor easily views the

screen from a neutral

posture. The workstation

adjusts to accommodatedifferent working heights

and users. When standing,

work should be about elbow

height.

Awkward or unsupported

postures that stretch

physical limits, can

compress nerves and

irritate tendons


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Awkward Postures = Postures outsideof neutral.

Examples of Awkward Postures:

Repeatedly raising or working

with the hand(s) above thehead or the elbow(s) above

the shoulder(s) for more than

2 hours per day

Kneeling or squatting for more

than 2 hours total per day

Working with the back, neck

or wrist bent or twisted for

more then 2 hours per day

Sitting with feet unsupported


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Neutral Posture for Computer Use

Adjust the seat height

so upper arms hang

vertically, elbows bent

about 90 degrees,

shoulders relaxed and

wrists fairly straight

Position the monitor about an

arms length away directly in

front of you. The top of the

screen no higher than eye

level (Unless the user wears

bi-focal glasses)Use a document

holder close to the

monitor rather than

laying papers flatMouse should be next to

keyboard both at a height

equivalent to the users seatedelbow height

Knees comfortably bent with

feet resting on the floor. If the

chair is raised so the keyboard

height equals elbow height, use

a footrest .

Adjust

the back

rest to

provide

firmsupport

to the

small of

the back

i P


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Static Postures =Holding the same position or using the

same muscles for extended periods of time

Static postures, or positions that a worker must hold for long

periods of time, can restrict blood flow and damage muscles

Before: Mechanic maintains a static posture

holding arms and hands elevated while

repairing aircraft

Ergonomic Improvement: Creeper supports mechanic

and brings him closer to the task


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Cold Temperatures

Working in environments

below 68 degrees can

cause nerve damage.

Working in cold

temperatures can adversely

affect a workers

coordination and manual

dexterity and cause a

worker to use more force

than is required to perform a

task


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Force = A strong physical exertion

Exertion = the tension

produced by muscles

and transmitted

through tendons

Excessive muscle tension

can contract muscles to

their maximum capability

which can lead to fatigue

and possible damage to the

muscles and other tissues.

Before: Three

sailors climb

on refuse bin

to dump

laundry cart fullof waste. They

risk back strain

and lacerationswhile tipping

cart over to

empty it.

Ergonomic

Improvement:

One workereasily dumps

waste in half

the time.


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Force = A strong physical exertion

Examples of forceful exertions:Lifting:

more then 75 pounds at any one time;

more then 55 pounds more than 10 times per day;more then 25 pounds from a height below the knees, above the

shoulders, or at arms length more than 25 times per day.

Pushing / pulling with more than 20 pounds of initial

force for more than 2 hours per day

Pinching (pencil type grip) an unsupported object weighing2 or more pounds per hand for more than 2 hours per

day

Gripping an unsupported object weighing 10 pounds or

more per hand for more than 2 hours per day


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Vibration - Single Point

Hand and Arm

exposure results from

vibrating objects such

as power tools.

Examples of vibrating tools

Using vibrating tools or

equipment that typically have

high vibration levels for more

then 30 minutes a day (chain

saws, jack hammers,

percussive tools, riveting or

chipping hammers).

Using tools or equipmentthat typically have moderate

vibration levels for more then

2 hours total per day (jig

saws, grinders or sanders).Before: Sailor is exposed to vibration above

ACGIH TLV guidelines

Ergonomic Improvement: Lower vibration toolreduces vibration to safe levels


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Vibration - Whole Body

Whole Body

exposure to

vibration results

from vehicles suchas forklifts, cranes,

trucks, buses

subways and

aircraft.

High or prolonged exposure to whole body vibration can affect

the skeletal muscles and cause low- back pain


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Compression = soft tissue is compressedbetween the bone and a hard or sharp object

Compression, from grasping or contacting edges like tool

handles, can concentrate force on small areas of the body,

reduce blood flow and nerve transmission and damage tendons

and tendon sheaths

Before: Worker rests his wrists on the

sharp tray edges. His wrist is extended

into a non-neutral posture.

Ergonomic Improvement: Worker rests her

wrists and forearms on a padded surface.

Wrist and forearms are in a neutral position.


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Compression = soft tissue is compressedbetween the bone and a hard or sharp object

Compression, from grasping or contacting edges like tool

handles, can concentrate force on small areas of the body,

reduce blood flow and nerve transmission and damage tendons

and tendon sheaths

Ergonomic Improvement: Tool handle is formed to fit the workers hand which

requires less grip strength or force and a more user-friendly tool

Before: Toolhandles are

small and

angular requiring

the worker to

grasp tightly

against sharp

edges


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Can Other Factors Contribute to MSDs?

Not all ergonomic risk factors

are physical, some are

related to the work

environment.

Stress on the job, quotas, peer pressure, boredom,

conflicts with co-workers and supervisors,

deadlines, and even a lack of control over what you

do can contribute to (but not cause) MSDs

l


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Can Personal Factors Contribute toMSDs?

Age and GenderHobbies

Previous Injuries

Physical ConditionMedical conditions

(diabetes and arthritis)

PregnancyObesity

Medications

SmokingFatigue

Some people are at greater risk of developing

MSDs due to personal factors


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What are MSD Signs and Symptoms?

Painful aching joints, muscles

Pain, tingling or numbness

Fingers or toes turning white

Shooting or stabbing pains

Swelling or inflammation

Stiffness or difficulty moving

Burning sensation

Pain during the night

Wh h ld d if i


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What should you do if you experience aMSD Sign or Symptom?

If you experience signs or symptoms

of MSDs, report it to a supervisor,

industrial hygienist or safety

professional

If pain or discomfort does not go

away when you leave work orinterferes with you carrying out

normal activities, see an

occupational health nurse or

physician

H d A id MSD ?


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How do you Avoid MSDs?Work Smarter, Not Harder!

Work in neutralpostures

Reduce excessive

force & repetitionKeep everything in

easy reach and atproper heights

Keep warmMinimize static

unsupported posturesand pressure points

Use proper lifting

techniques and lift aides

Ask for assistance with

difficult tasks

Take micro-breaks

(stand, stretch, change

tasks)Maintain a comfortable

environment


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What can ergonomics do for you?

The anticipated benefits of good workplace design

Improved health and safety by reducing work-

related injuries and disorders

Improved comfort, morale and job satisfaction

Improved productivity and reduced workerscompensation costs and employee turnover

Before Improved


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Where to go for more information

NAVFAC web site contains ergonomic tools, resources, guides,training and awareness materialwww.navfac.navy.mil/safety (Select - Program Categories - Ergonomics)

NAVOSH website- Contains success stories of ergonomic interventionsthroughout the Navywww.navosh.net/ergonomics

DoD Ergonomic Working Group - Contains Guide to Setting up anErgonomics Program and many other toolschppm-www.apgea.army.mil/ergowg/index.htm

NIOSH- order many free ergonomic documents including Elements ofErgonomics Programs and Cumulative Trauma Disorders in theWorkplacewww..cdc.gov/niosh/

Navy Policy 5100.23F Chapter 23 Ergonomic Program

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