Safety, Health & Sustainability (SH&S) Services

WORKSTATION ERGONOMIC AWARENESS

Information provided in accordance with:OSH Act of 1970, Section 5(a)(1); and CCR Title 8, Section 5110

CSUSM Learning Objective

• Define ergonomics.• Recognize contributors to pain and

discomfort issues.• Identify ways to help prevent or

mitigate ergonomic problems within an office environment.

• Understand the ergonomic evaluation and resource fund process.

• Regulatory Requirements.• What is Ergonomics?• Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD).• Prolonged Periods of Activity.• Good Working Posture.• Ergonomic Evaluations.• Ergonomic Resource Fund (ERF).

Topics of Discussion

• Workstation Environment.• Useful Ergonomic

Components.• Ergonomic Support Items.• SH&S Collaborators.• Summary.• Check Your Knowledge

(prizes will be awarded).

• OSHA (including Cal-OSHA) have developed industry guidelines to provide specific and helpful direction for abatement, in order to assist employees and employers in minimizing injuries.

Ergonomic Regulatory Requirements

– OSHA (Federal) Requirement: Under the General Duty Clause, OSH Act of 1970, Section 5(a)(1), employers are obligated to keep workplaces free from serious hazards.

– Cal-OSHA (State) Requirement: o Employers are to establish programs designed to

minimize risk of repetitive motion injuries (RMIs).o Programs shall include worksite evaluations,

training of employees, and control of exposures which may cause RMI injuries.

What is Ergonomics?

• Ergonomics tries to fit the work environment to the employee, rather than the employee to the work environment.

Employees

WorkEnvironment

• Ergonomics involves designing/ arranging work activities to help prevent injury.

• An ergonomic program hopes to:– Prevent musculoskeletal disorders

(MSDs).– Increase productivity and job

satisfaction.– Increase comfort and safety.

What is Ergonomics? – cont.

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)

• MSDs are injuries that involve the nerves, muscles, or tendons.– They happen over time, and can take a long

time to heal.– Commonly occur in the neck, shoulders,

elbows, hands, wrists, or back.

• Signs and Symptoms of MSDs may include:– Decreased range of motion.– Decreased grip strength.– Loss of muscle function.– Aching or tingling.– Numbness.

– Deformity.– Cramping.– Stiffness.– Burning.– Pain.

• Work related MSD is among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2013, MSD cases accounted for 33% of all worker injury and illness.

• Examples of MSD injuries include:– Rotator Cuff injuries (affects the shoulder).– Muscle strains and low back injuries.– Epicondylitis (affects the elbow).– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.– Trigger Finger.– Tendinitis.

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) – cont.

• CSUSM’s Safety, Health & Sustainability (SH&S) services works to manage MSD injuries with early ergonomic interventions.– Work-related discomfort can be mitigated. Ergonomics

helps to lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity, and reduces the number and severity of MSD injuries.

– Typical MSD risk factors in which CSUSM employees are exposed include:o Performing the same or similar

tasks repetitively. o Working in awkward postures.o Pushing/pulling heavy loads.

o Reaching overhead.o Lifting heavy items.o Bending.

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) – cont.

Question #1

Nationally, MSD injuries are more prevalent in which of the following occupations?A. Nurses' Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants.B. Janitors and Cleaners.C. Assemblers.

Answer - A

According to the U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurses' Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants run the greatest risk of developing an MSD-related injury.

• While performing computer work, maintaining postures (or performing highly repetitive tasks for extended periods) can lead to problems in localized areas of the body.

Prolonged Periods of Activity

– Maintaining static postures (such as prolonged viewing of a monitor without a break), can fatigue the neck and shoulder muscles.

– Using a mouse (for several hours) can expose the hand’s small muscles, and tendons to hundreds/thousands of repetitions.

• SH&S encourages employees to vary work task and body position:– Take micro-breaks (stand, stretch, and

move around), to provide rest and allow the muscles enough time to recover.

– Alternate the use of hands will enable the tendons/muscles to rest.

– Alternate tasks whenever possible:o Mix non-computer related tasks

throughout the workday.o Helps to encourage body movements, and

the use of different muscle groups.

Prolonged Periods of Activity – cont.

1.5%

2.6%

3.6%

4.1%

4.6%

11.0%

11.5%

14.1%

14.3%

15.3%

17.4%

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20%

Feet

Elbow

Arm/Forearm

Hip

Leg/Knees

Headache

Eyes

Shoulder

Hand/Fingers/Wrist

Neck

Back

FY 2018/2019 Discomfort Chart

– This is a comfortable working posture in which joints are naturally aligned.

– Position reduces stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system.

– Reduces risk of developing MSD.

Good Working Posture

• SH&S encourages employees to perform their duties in a Neutral Body Position.

– Hands/wrists/forearms are straight and parallel to floor.

– Head is level and facing forward.– Shoulders are relaxed, and arms hang normally at

side of the body.– Elbows are close to body, and bent at a 90o angle.– Feet are flat on floor. A footrest may be used.– Back is fully supported, with appropriate lumbar

support when seated.– Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat.– Knees at same height as hips, and feet slightly

forward.

Good Working Posture – cont.• Seated neutral body posture :

• Employees are encouraged to frequently change working positions throughout the day by:– Make small adjustments to the chair

or backrest.– Stretch fingers, hands, arms, and

torso.– Stand up and walk around for a few

minutes periodically.

Good Working Posture – cont.

• Regardless of how a CSUSM employee’s posture may/may not be, working in the same position, or sitting still for prolonged periods, is not healthy.

Ergonomic Evaluations

• To assist CSUSM employees to accomplish their duties in a safe working environment, SH&Sperforms ergonomic evaluations.– These assessments are conducted

two-days per week.– Employees are provided with a report,

which summarizes the ergonomic issues identified.

– Recommendations, suggestions, and observations are explained, which employees may discuss with their supervisor.

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103

51

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0

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FY 2014/2015 FY 2015/2016 FY 2016/2017 FY 2017/2018 FY 2018/2019 FY 2019/2020

ERGONOMIC EVALUATION DATA(FY 2014 - FY 2020)

Annual Totals Monthly Average

11

19

21

15

7

2

109

3

5

8

1111

5

15

10

76

15

1112

6 6

1010

8

1413

910

3

1112

4

2

78

6

14

12

56

0 0 0 0 0 00

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25

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Ergonomic Evaluation Trend Chart(FY 2016/17 - FY 2019/20)

FY 2016/17 EvalsFY 2017/18 EvalsFY 2018/19 EvalsFY 2019/20 Evals

Ergonomic Evaluations – cont.• As part of the evaluation process,

employees are required to complete the Cougar Workstation Ergonomics (CWE) course.– CWE is an on-line interactive training

program, designed to identify and/ or resolve particular ergonomic issues.

– This program takes approximately 35 minutes, and should be done at an employee’s normal place of work.

– The training must be completed prior to the scheduling of an ergonomic evaluation.

• SH&S manages the ERF program. It was developed to enable departments to take a more proactive role in mitigating injuries.

• To qualify, departments must ensure the following criteria is meet:– Employees complete basic awareness on-line

training (CWE).– Employees have a workstation ergonomic

evaluation performed.– Ensure the appropriate ERF documentation

is submitted.

Ergonomic Resource Fund (ERF)

• Limited funding is available, which provides partial reimbursement for equipment items (costing over $100).

• Typically approved items include (but not limited to):o Chairs.o Height Adjustable Legs (for Sit-Stands Desk/Tables).o Height Adjustable Configurations (i.e., Ergotron Workfit-S or Workfit-T).o Keyboard.o Keyboard Trays.o Monitor Swing Arms.o Mouse (i.e., Rollermouse).o Telephone Headsets.

Furniture items (file drawers, bookcases,

desk) do not qualify for ERF reimbursement.

Ergonomic Resource Fund (ERF) – cont.

Ergonomic Resource Fund (ERF) – cont.

Total Purchase (Per Each Item) Funding per Employee & per Item$100 - $200 $75$201 - $300 $150$301 - $400 $200$401 - $500 $300$501 - $900 $400*

• Funding amounts are based on availability of funds until April 15th of each Fiscal Year, and are according to the scale below:

* Inquire with SH&S for items priced above $900 regarding reimbursement.

• Appropriate placement of components (and accessories), may help enable CSUSMemployees to work in a neutral body position.

• The location of where components are placed can also help personnel to work more safely, comfortably, and perform more efficiently.

Workstation Environment

• Lighting & Glare:– Appropriately placed lighting, and

providing the right level of illumination, can enhance monitor image viewing.

– Excessive lighting, or glare on the monitor screen, might result in eyestrain, headaches, or cause employees sit in awkward postures.o Bright lights shining on the display screen

"wash out" images, making it difficult to see work clearly.

o Straining to view objects on the screen can lead to eye fatigue.

Note: Multiple low powered lamps, rather than multiple high powered

lamps, can result in less glare.

Workstation Environment – cont.

• Other Environmental Factors:– CSUSM employees sometime experience

discomfort due to poor or insufficient ventilation.o Desiccated air can dry the eyes (especially if an

employee wears contact lenses).o Poor air circulation can result in stuffy or

stagnant conditions.– Temperatures above/below standard levels

can affect employee comfort and productivity.o CSUSM strives to meet the OSHA indoor

temperature recommendation, which range between 68° - 76°, and humidity control in the range of 20% - 60%.

Note: CSUSM encourages departments to avoid

placing furniture items directly under air

conditioning vents –unless they are designed to redirect the air flow away from these areas.

Workstation Environment – cont.

• Chairs:– A well-designed and appropriately adjusted

chair is an essential element of a safe and productive workstation.o Suitable chairs help support the back, legs, and

buttocks, while also reducing awkward postures, contact stress, and forceful exertions.

o Many CSUSM employee back discomfort issues are mitigated/resolved by obtaining a proper chair.

– To ensure personnel utilize seating that provides adequate support, SH&S implemented a Chair Demo Program, which allows employees to try-out different chairs before purchasing.

Useful Ergonomic Components

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

• Desk:– A well-designed/appropriately-adjusted

desk should be able to accommodate a variety of working postures.

– SH&S encourages departments to make available desks that:o Allow proper placement of computer

components and accessories.o Enables the monitor to be placed directly

in front of body.o Minimize awkward postures and

exertion.o Provide adequate clearance for legs.

• Height Adjustable Configurations:– Enables CSUSM employees to avoid

intermittent neck, leg, back and shoulder discomfort, while also allowing more freedom of movement.

– The Ergotron Tabletop WorkFit-T.o Apparatus easily converts a tabletop into

a height-adjustable standing desk.o The height-adjustable mechanism allows

the work surface and keyboard to move straight up or down.

Ergotron Workfit-T

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

• Sit-Stand Desk/Table:– Configuration equipped with motorized

height adjustable legs, that allows instantaneous re-positioning of desktop work surfaces.o When possible, to converting existing work

surfaces into a sit-stand height adjustable desk/table is the preferred method.

o Automated height adjustable legs are affixed onto an employee’s current work surface.

– Moveable Anti-Fatigue Mat.o Moveable mechanism eliminates the need to

bend over to relocate mat.o Helps to reduce leg, feet or back discomfort. Sit-Stand SmartMat

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

• Keyboards:– Proper selection and arrangement of the

computer keyboard helps reduce exposure to awkward postures, repetition, and contact stress.

– Keyboard Quick Tips:o Positioned directly in front of body.o Shoulders relaxed and elbows close to the body.o Wrists straight, and in-line with the forearms.

• Keyboard Trays:– Helps employees better enable arms and elbows

maintain a 90 degree angle typing position.– One of the most popular keyboard trays on

campus is the WorkRite Banana Board.

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

Banana Keyboard Tray

• Mouse (Pointing Device):– Selection and placement of an appropriate

mouse is important for providing a comfortable/safe workstation.

– Besides the conventional mouse, there are trackballs, touch pads, and finger-tip joysticks, to name a few.

– SH&S’ Equipment Loaner Program enables employees to try-out a variety of mice.

– Mouse Quick Tips:o Use keyboard short cuts to reduce wrist

discomfort.o Alternate hands used to operate the mouse.

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

Question #2

In 2013, which of the following celebrities went to the hospital emergency room, and after an MRI, found out that they had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

B. Jessica AlbaA. George Clooney C. Khloe Kardashian

Answer - B

Jessica believed that her carpal tunnel symptoms may have resulted from the many hours she spent on-line, running her eco-friendly baby product company.

• Monitor:– Proper monitor positioning reduces exposure

to exertions, awkward postures, and glare.– Monitor Quick Tips:

o Place monitor in front of body (18” – 24” away).o Eye level is within the upper third of screen.o Position monitor perpendicular to window.

• Monitor Swing Arms:– Aid in reducing employee back, neck and

shoulder discomfort.– Help in minimize eye stress, by enabling

employees to move the screens to an ergonomically-correct viewing position.ESI-Edge Monitor Arm

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

• Telephone:– Many office tasks are centered around

telephones and computers, as they are key workstation components.

– Telephones add to the convenience of a workstation; however, they have cords that can get tangled up – which can cause the user to assume awkward postures.

– Telephone Quick Tips:o Keep it close. Placing the telephone too far

away can cause repeated reaching, resulting in shoulder, arm, and neck strain.

o Use a speaker phone or head set for long conversations.

Useful Ergonomic Components – cont.

• As a preventative measure, to help mitigate injuries, ergonomic support items are provided to eligible employees.

• Items are available to CSUSM employees who demonstrate a particular ergonomic need, while also enhancing comfort during the performance of work tasks.

• Ergonomic support items may include:– Document Holders.– Footrests.– Hand Exercise Tool.– Monitor Risers.– Mouse Pads.

Ergonomic Support Items

– Privacy/Anti-Glare Screens.– Staplers (automated).– Stretching Cards.– Wrist Rests

(Keyboard/Mouse).

• Document Holders:– Helps keep printed materials close to the user.– Proper placement may reduce or eliminate

employee risk factors such as:o Awkward head/neck postures.o Eye Strain.o Headaches.o Fatigue.

• Footrest:– Helps to ensure proper sitting posture, while

improving body circulation– Enables shorter employees to keep feet flat.

Ergonomic Support Items – cont.

• Hand Exercise Tool (FlexEx):– Helps prevent/heal injury from

repetitive keyboard usage.– Develops flexibility and

coordination, while also building hand, finger, and forearm strength.

• Monitor Risers:– Provides a mean to place screen at

a proper ergonomic height. – Helps to reduce neck strain, and

improve typing posture.

Ergonomic Support Items – cont.

FlexEx Hand Stretching Tool

Ergonomic Support Items – cont.

• Mouse Pads:– Provide higher speed, more precision,

and increased comfort for the user.– Helps to prevent working surfaces from

being scratched or worn, due to continuous rubbing motions.

• Privacy/Anti-Glare Screens:– Aids in reducing glare from a light source.– May help to mitigate eye stress and

persistent headaches.

• Staplers (Automated):– Helps employees avoid wrist pain/sore

hands, which can contribute to RMIs.– SH&S encourages the use of automatic

staplers (similar to the PaperPro One-Finger Stapler).

• Stretching Cards:– Utilizes the bionomic-based philosophy

of BackSafe and SittingSafe, to help loosen and stretch certain body parts.

– SH&S strives to encourage helpful stretching methods, in order to promote healthy physical behavior.

Ergonomic Support Items – cont.

PaperPro Stapler

• Wrist Rests (Keyboard/Mouse):– SH&S encourages the use of wrist or palm

rests increase comfort.– The use of wrist/palm supports can help

to reduce muscle activity, and facilitate neutral wrist angles.

– Proper utilization of wrist rests can help maintain straight wrist postures, and minimize contact stress during typing and/or mousing.

– Bennie Bag keyboard/mouse wrist rests have been found to be the most effective.

Ergonomic Support Items – cont.

o SH&S notifies FS that a client’s supervisory personnel expresses interest in having work performed.

o Client’s supervisory personnel determines the scope of work (i.e.; which equipment items will be installed).

o FS will provide client’s supervisory personnel a quote (cost estimate) of projected work for their review.

o Work is normally finished in 2-4 weeks.o FS notifies SH&S upon completion of project.

• Facility Services (FS):– Coordinates with SH&S on minor (or simple) workstation adjustment.– Evaluates client’s workstation area to determine projected cost:

SH&S Collaborators

• Planning, Design & Construction (PD&C):– The services PD&C are recommended when

clients require a significant (or complex) workstation reconfigurations.

– Upon receiving notification from SH&S, PD&C will schedule a consultation session with the client.

– PD&C provides client/department a quote of projected cost.o Client’s supervisory personnel will determine the

scope of work (i.e.; furniture items/equipment to be installed).

o Projects normally take about 6-8 weeks to finish.o PD&C notifies SH&S upon completion of project.

SH&S Collaborators – cont.

• Instructional & Information Technology Services (IITS):– During complex or minor workstation

reconfigurations, there may be a need to temporarily disconnect certain services.

– Both PD&C and FS coordinate with IITS whenever phone/computer connections might be disrupted.

– IITS also performs cable mitigation, to ensure wires and/or other equipment do not cause an unsafe ergonomic hazard.

SH&S Collaborators – cont.

Summary

Good Working Posture

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)

Prolonged Periods of Activity

Ergonomic Regulatory Requirements

What is Ergonomics

Ergonomic Evaluations

Ergonomic Resource

Fund

Useful Ergonomic Components

and Support Items

Workstation Environment

SH&SCollaborators

Check Your Knowledge

Go to this link: https://kahoot.it

Then, type in Game PIN that will be provided.

George Williams, MPA/CEES/CSHOOccupational Safety, Health & Environmental Specialist for SH&Sgwilliams@csusm.edu

Craven 4700Phone: 760-750-4502Fax: 760-750-3208shs@csusm.edu