1. Energizing Ergonomics Using ergonomic principles to reduce and eliminate injuries

2. Do you believe?  The principle behind ergonomics is that by fitting the job to the employee through –Adjusting a workstation – Rotating between jobs –Using mechanical assists  injuries can be reduced and ultimately eliminated!

3. Repetitive Motion  Definitions –Repeating the same motions every few seconds or repeating a cycle of motions more than twice per minute for more than 2 consecutive hours in a workday –Using an input device, such as a keyboard and/or mouse, in a steady manner for more than 4 hours total in a workday  Typing all day  Using a calculator all day  Using a copier or stapler all day

4. Simple Stretches  If a computer is used for long periods during the workday, you can reduce the chances of injury by taking short rest breaks (30 seconds – 2 minutes) after each hour of work. –Doing simple stretches while sitting at your desk will reduce strain and allow your body to relax –Computer Stretches

5. Stretching Routines  There are different stretching routines for different situations: –Hand, arm, shoulder, and neck –Hand, wrist, and forearm –Lower back –Neck and shoulder –Standing

6. Controls  Use feasible work practice or administrative controls –Workstations –Rotating employee job duties  Recommend PPE, work practice, or administrative controls where other controls are not feasible. –Step stools –Key pad holders –Document holders –Monitor lifts

8. Adjustments  Adjustments –Floor- Work Height(24” 31”) –Glare –Eyes-Screen(24”-31”) –Knee-Desk(15”) –Seat width(20” w/ rests) –Seat-Under desk(7”) –90 degrees(All joints) –Toe space(3”) –Foot flat –Seat-Desk(8”-12”)  Group Exercise –My back hurts (Chair, feet, back support, employee twisted) –My head and eyes hurt, I have headraces (glare from window, monitor too far/close) –My hands/wrists hurt (Not in shake hand position, no support) –My neck/shoulder hurts at the end of the day (phone on shoulder, monitor position)

9. Worksite Evaluation  Talking with employees and their representative about the tasks the employees perform  Observe the employees performing the job to identify the risk factors in the job

12. Training During Orientation  Provide training during NEO –Assess jobs –Do controls exist? –Monitor controls are still in place, functioning, and being used –Determine whether new hazards exist –Take steps to reduce hazards

13. Signs & Symptoms  Provide prompt responses to employee reports of signs and symptoms –Physical findings  Decreased range of motion  Deformity  Decreased grip strength  Loss of muscle function  Physical indicators –Pain Burning –NumbnessCramping –TinglingStiffness – Symptoms do not include discomfort

14. Back Safety - Lifting  Keep your bowling ball over your pencil  Use your legs to lift, not your back  Size up your load, plan, then move  Never lift anything over 50 pounds alone

15.  Questions & Answers  Thank You!