Making the work fit the worker

Ergonomics for General Industry

This material was produced under grant SH22301-11-60-F-36 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.  It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Definitions - ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population Common examples of ergonomic risk factors are

found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures

The level of risk depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the exposure to these conditions

These work-related factors may pose a risk of musculoskeletal disorders

Source: OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html

Definitions - Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs):

Disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs Examples include: low back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel

syndrome, tendinitis These disorders develop gradually over time and are not the

result of instant events/accidents such as a slip, trip or fall The diagnosis of these disorders can range in severity from

mild and intermittent to debilitating and chronic Their distinct features are defined primarily by the location of

pain Ex. Low back pain Ex. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Source: NIOSH “Elements of ergonomics programs”. DHHS-NIOSH. Pub. No 97-117

Signs and Symptoms of MSDs Pain Swelling Inflammation Tingling or Numbness Burning sensation Joint Stiffness Fingers turned white Early recognition and reporting is

key to preventing workplace MSDs!

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs):

Musculoskeletal disorders to which the work environment and the performance of work contribute significantly, OR:

Musculoskeletal disorders made worse or longer lasting by work conditions

Workplace Hazards to Muscles and Joints Usually when we think of workplace hazards we think of dangerous

situations like working on scaffolds or working with chemicals and electricity

But in any industry, there are also a number of every day work activities, movements and positions that can also cause serious injury to your body:

BendingWorking in Awkward PositionsGrippingUsing Vibrating Equipment, Tools or ObjectsKneelingApplying Force

Working OverheadSquatting/StoopingLifting/Lowering Pulling/Pushing Holding/CarryingRepetitive MovementsTwistingOver-reaching

Anatomy Definitions

Muscles – Provide the power for you to move your body parts

Ligaments – Connect bone to bone, stabilizing joints

Tendons – “Pulleys” that attach muscle to bone, helping to move body parts

Joints – Connection between bones Nerves – Carry messages between the brain

and other parts of the body

Source: Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA), Ergonomic Training for General Industry, Slide 6, 2009

Back

Source: Soluciones Simples: Soluciones Ergonomicas para Trabajadores de la Construccion, NIOSH. 2007. Page 7

Examples of Work Activities Affecting the Back:

Bending Lifting Working on the Ground (on hard floors) Squatting Bending and Twisting Body Bending and Lifting or Pushing/Pulling Carrying/Holding Standing or sitting for long periods of time

Potential Consequences of Excessive Use:

Strains – Stretch or tear injury to muscles and tendons Sprains – Stretch or tear injury to ligaments Bulging or ruptured discs

Herniated Disc

Knees

Source: Soluciones Simples: Soluciones Ergonomicas para Trabajadores de la Construccion, NIOSH. 2007. Page 8

Examples of Work Activities Affecting the Knee:

Kneeling Working on the Ground (on hard floors) Bending Lifting Squatting Standing or sitting for long periods of time

Potential Consequences of Excessive Use:

Knee Strains and Sprains Tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendons Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa Arthritis – Inflammation of the joint

Neck

Examples of Work Activities Affecting the Neck:

Working Overhead Bending down/up Hunching over workbench Leaning into computer Twisting

Potential Consequences of Excessive Use:

Neck Strains and Sprains Neck Tension Syndrome Arthritis

Shoulders

Source: http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/shoulder-bursitis.html

Examples of Work Activities Affecting the Shoulder:

Excessive force Over-reaching Constantly working overhead Highly repetitive motions

Potential Consequences of Excessive Use:

Bursitis Tendonitis Rotator Cuff Syndrome (painful muscle strain or tear in the tendons surrounding

the shoulder joint)

Fingers, Hands and Wrist

Image Source: Left: Soluciones Simples: Soluciones Ergonomicas para Trabajadores de la Construccion, NIOSH. 2007. Page 47.Right: http://www.ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hand/CarpalTunnelSyndrome.ap

Examples of Work Activities Affecting the Fingers, Hands & Wrists:

Work with Hand Tools Bending/Twisting wrists Repetitive movements Lifting Objects that are hard to grasp Working with Vibrating Tools Forceful Grasping/Gripping Using tools with sharp edges

Potential Consequences of Excessive Use:

Tendonitis Trigger Finger Carpal Tunnel Syndrome HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome)

Solutions???

Solutions: Engineering Controls:

Improve Design of Workstations Better Tools and Equipment

Administrative Controls: Work Breaks/Pauses Rotation of Workers Work Pace Reduction Ergonomics awareness training

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Solutions:Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Knee Pads to protect your knees

Anti Vibration Gloves Gripping Gloves

Source: OSHA. Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores. Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders 2004; Soluciones Simples: Soluciones Ergonomicas para Trabajadores de la Construccion, NIOSH. 2007.

Solutions: Proper Lifting

Source: OSHA. Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores. Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders 2004 page 14

Solutions: Proper Sitting & Standing

Supported

Source: Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA), Garment Worker Ergonomic Training , Slide 15, 2009

Solutions: Proper Sitting & Standing

Source: OSHA. Guidelines for

Retail Grocery Stores. Ergonomics

for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal

Disorders 2004 page 15

Solutions:Better Tools and Equipment

Source: OSHA. Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores. Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders 2004; Soluciones Simples: Soluciones Ergonomicas para Trabajadores de la Construccion, NIOSH. 2007.

Solutions:Take extra caution in extreme temperatures! Cold reduces feeling, blood flow and strength Heat increases fatigue Possible solutions –

Control temperature where possible Insulate the body against cold by wearing gloves and

warm clothing Provide breaks and fresh water in hot environments

Source: Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA), Ergonomic Training for General Industry, Slide 6, 2009

Solutions:Take Your Breaks! All employees

working six or more hours in a shift must receive a 30-minute, uninterrupted, and unpaid meal period

Your employer does not have to pay you for this lunch break but if any other breaks less than 20 minutes are provided they must be paid

Source: NYS Department of Labor Wages and Hours: Frequently

Asked Questions http://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/faq.shtm#8

Source: Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA),

Garment Worker Ergonomic Training , Slide 17, 2009

Take Action!

Talk to your co-workersDiscuss work methods and Identify tasks that

are difficult to performEvaluate equipmentProvide input on the design of workstations,

equipment, procedures and training Talk to your employer

Submit suggestions and concerns Recognize and Report injuries early!

OSHA

With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

Under the OSH Act's General Duty Clause, employers must keep their workplaces free from recognized serious hazards, including ergonomic hazards.

You have a right to health and safety in your workplace regardless of immigration status!

Workers' Rights under The OSH Act:

Workers are entitled to working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm. To help assure a safe and healthful workplace, OSHA also provides workers with the right to: Ask OSHA to inspect their workplace; Use their rights under the law without retaliation and

discrimination; Receive information and training about hazards, methods to

prevent harm, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace. The training must be in a language you can understand;

Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace; Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses; Get copies of their medical records;

Source: OSHA website: http://www.osha.gov/workers.html

Filing a Complaint Workers, or their representatives, may file a complaint and ask

OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA standards.

A worker can tell OSHA not to let their employer know who filed the complaint

It is a violation of the Act for an employer to fire, demote, transfer or discriminate in any way against a worker for filing a complaint or using other OSHA rights.

You can file a complaint online; download the form [En Espanol*] and mail or fax it to the nearest OSHA office; or call  1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Most complaints sent in on line may be resolved informally over the phone with your employer. Written complaints that are signed by a worker or their representative and submitted to the closest OSHA office are more likely to result in an on-site OSHA inspection. If you send in a complaint requesting an OSHA inspection, you have the right to find out the results of the OSHA inspection and request a review if OSHA decides not to issue citations.

Source: OSHA website: http://www.osha.gov/workers.html

Filing a Complaint What Information Must the Employee Provide?   The

following are examples of the type of information that would be useful to OSHA when receiving a complaint How many employees work at the site and how many are

exposed to the hazard? How and when are workers exposed? How often and for how long do employees work at the task that

leads to their exposure? How long (to your knowledge) has the condition existed? Have any attempts been made to correct the problem? What type of PPE does the employer require? Is it used? Specific questions for health hazards:

Do any employees have any symptoms that they think are caused by the hazardous condition or substance?

Have any employees been treated by a doctor for a work-related disease or condition? What was it?

Source: OSHA website: http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html

You Cannot be Punished or Discriminated against for using your OSHA Rights   The OSH Act protects workers who complain to their employer,

OSHA or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthful working conditions in the workplace or environmental problems.

You cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have your hours reduced, be fired, or punished in any other way because you used any right given to you under the OSHA Act.

Help is available from OSHA for whistleblowers. If you have been punished or discriminated against for using your rights, you must file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints. No form is required, but you must send a letter or call the OSHA Area Office nearest you to report the discrimination (within 30 days of the alleged discrimination).

Source: OSHA website: http://www.osha.gov/workers.html

Questions???