Employee Safety Training Ergonomics and Body Mechanics Awareness & Back Injury Prevention James Madison University Deaprtment of Risk Management www.jmu.edu.riskmgmt

3 Basic Ergonomic Elements Force Repetition Posture

There’s WORK to be done! Examples of daily work activities: Walk, stand, climb Lift, bend, carry, turn, place Dipping, pouring, transfer of contents Shovel, dig, rake, chop Fasteners: nails, screws, bolts, rivets An oil drum or cylinder is not user friendly! Floors make poor work surfaces

Basic Physics =Good Ergo Practice Keep heavier objects at waist level Store lighter objects higher or lower Lifting above shoulder or below knee= danger Caution with loads NOT designed for handling Examine package design, pack/unpack Avoid lifting objects which must be lowered again!

Back Injury & MSD Prevention Always follow correct lifting practices Reinforce continually, enforce use of good practices – GOOD POSTURE is critical! Examine each task- what are risk factors associated with lifting & handling load?? Back Belts: not a substitute for safe lifting program, part of the solution Engineering first, then manual material handling Use mechanical advantage- THINK!

Lifting Considerations Weight, size, shape, configuration, repetition, bulk vs. piece Distance, surface, elevation Assistance available? Limitations on weight for one person Check your route of travel, turns, lift, lower Check your clearances, corners, obstructions AVOID twisting, turning, awkward body position

Basic Body Mechanics & Laws of Physics * Legs do most of the work when lifting * Footwear and footing are important * Bend knees, avoid twisting, keep load close * An object does not have to be heavy to cause a problem- lifting POSTURE is most important * Remember: FORCE, REPITITION, POSTURE * Use TOOLS or mechanical assistance to lift, move, slide, roll, etc. * Get HELP if load is too large or awkward for one person * Clear path of travel- remove obstacles * Break load down to smaller units, make an extra trip * Plan heavy lifts- THINK before lifting * Caution: over the shoulder/ below the knee lifts can cause high stress on body- be very careful when exerting force in these postures * GOOD POSTURE HELPS!! When seated, standing or sleeping!! Keep back straight, avoid slouching! You’ll feel better!!!

How & Why Injuries Occur Daily, routine tasks, performed improperly over long term Poor posture and physical condition, mechanical factors Failure to observe, plan, get help Failure to use proper material handling practices Trying to rush, reaching outside of safety zone Specifics: working with trucks, trailers, equipment, tools, boxes, bags, slippery contact surfaces, awkward loads, defective footwear Protect yourself- follow good ergonomic practice, stay healthy & fit!

Get a Grip! Power Grip Precision Grip Hook Grip

Personal Protective Equipment Correct selection for hazard Proper size, adjusted Clean, good condition, maintained One size does not fit all Employees trained in correct use Example: Hard hat, safety glasses

Glove Selection & Grip Strength Gloves PROTECT your hands Evaluate contact surfaces Load Configuration: angular, sphere, balanced Does the load have handholds? Correct glove “fit” is important for best dexterity The right glove material will reduce manual effort, improve grip strength Fingers are for manipulation

Take Care of Your Feet! Often ‘overlooked’ in ergonomic evaluations. Standing surfaces, use mat, wood, etc. Footwear, proper selection, condition Socks, inserts, insulation, keep dry Change shoes, socks during shift Upper body stability, all conditions Locomotion factors- turning, stepping

Walking-Standing-Climbing There’s a right way and a less then right way Walking on slopes, uneven ground – use traverse method Use a long handled tool for upper body stability Check your footwear – look at the heel configuration on loggers boots for example They are made to cut into slope and GRIP They are 8 inch or higher, lace up for foot, ankle, lower leg LOOK where you are stepping when on unfamiliar terrain LOOK for depressions, hollows, sink holes, varmint lairs, etc. Do not rush. Take smaller strides. Stop at top of slope before descending.

Correct Ergo Clothing! Example: Golf sweater, roomy shoulders Minimum upper body covering :T-shirt Too tight, too loose = extra work Adjustable, proper size Multiple layers in cold weather Fabric insulation properties Perspiration wicking, absorption

Cold Weather Dress Dress in several light layers. Warm air is trapped between layers to help insulate Open or remove layers to adjust heat retention Upper body contains 70% of blood & body heat Full body garments – good, eliminate seams, heat loss Adjustable, engineered fabrics, gusseted sleeves, etc. Exterior layer for elements – rain, wind, etc. Interior layers for warmth and comfort. Glove liners, extra pair of socks, helmet liner, scarf, etc.

Ergo-Transport #1 cause of driver injury – on & off the rig 3 point stance at all times Seat position: Knees higher then hips Tilt wheel, power options, adjust mirrors Vibration, noise, temperature, humidity Cab mounts, heavy equipment, steps, rungs, handholds Trailer hitch mounted step Working on the back of a truck – CAUTUION