Ergonomic Awareness

Presented by QBE

Loss Control Services

ErgonomicsFrom the Greek Words:

• “Ergon”- Work

• “Nomos”- Laws

Fitting the Jobs to the Workers not the Workers to the Jobs

People Vs. MachinesPeople• Decision Making• Small Force

Application• Non-Programmed

Activities• Teamwork

Machines• Pre-Programmed

Activities• Repetition• Applying Large

Forces• Working in

Hazardous Locations

Terminology• CTD’s- Cumulative Trauma Disorders

• MSDs- Musculoskeletal Disorders (OSHA)

• Repetitive Motion Injuries/Disorders

• Repetitive Strain Injuries

• Overuse Syndrome

Types of Disorders• Tendon Related

– Tendonitis– Tenosynovitis– Epicondylitis– Trigger finger

• Nerve Related– Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome (CTS)

• Muscle Related– Lower Back Injuries– Sprains– Strains– Inflammation

• Circulatory Related– Raynaud’s Syndrome

(White Finger)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Risk Factors for CTDs

• Repetition• Duration• Force• Posture• Static Loads• Mechanical (Contact) Stress• Low Temperatures• Vibration

Personal Risk Factors• Off-Job Activities

• Exercise

• Strength/Fitness

• Health

Awkward Posture

Flexion Ulnar Deviation

Extension

Awkward Posture

Bending Trunk Overhead Reach Bent Neck

Contact Stress

Vibration

Psychosocial Issues• Job Frustration

• Job Stress

• Unresolved Frustration

• Management Insensitivity

• Anger

• Depression

• Conflicts with Supervisors

Anthropometry “Scientific measurements of human body to

optimize human/equipment interface”

• Do not design for the “average person”

• Design for largest and then adjust for the range of workers

Ergonomics Process

Identify Problem Job

Identify Risk Factors

Compare Risk Factors to Guidelines

Implement Solutions

Re-evaluate

Ergonomics Program• Management Leadership/ Employee

Participation

• Hazard Identification and Control

• Training

• Medical Management

• Program Evaluation

• Records

Hierarchy of Controls• Reduce or Eliminate Hazard using

Engineering Controls

• Change Work Practices and Policies by Administrative Controls

• Use Personal Protective Equipment

Engineering Controls• Change Workstation Layout

• Change Tools

• Change Way Materials Transported

• Change Process

• Change Packaging

• Change Way Tools/Parts Manipulated

Administrative Controls• Reduce Shift Length or Overtime

• Rotate Employees Through Several Jobs

• Broaden Job Content

• Schedule More Breaks

• Adjust Work Pace

• Training

Personal Protective Equipment• Shoes• Gloves• Knee Pads• Braces?• Wrist Splints?• Back Belts?• Vibration Attenuating Gloves?

Not Effective and May Cause More Problems

Ergonomic Tools

Standing Work

Precision Light Heavy37”-43” 34”-37” 28”-35”

VDT Work Stations

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Ergonomic Chairs?

Bins

Drums

Pallet Stacking

Eliminate Kneeling

Work Table

Loading Trucks

Hoists/Cranes

Carts