Ergonomics for School Custodians Many injuries can be prevented by following a safe work procedure. Safe work procedures are developed by spotting hazards, assessing the risks, and finding a safer way to perform the task. The information in this presentation is designed to compliment safe work procedures by reducing ergonomic hazards.

Slips, trips, and falls Custodians commonly experience injuries from slipping on wet floors. Even if you don’t fall to the floor you may pull a muscle while trying to avoid a fall. Slips occur because there is not enough traction between your footwear and the floor. It’s important to wear appropriate footwear for the task you are performing. You can wear runners if you are washing a floor but…

Slips, trips, and falls …an extra degree of traction is necessary when you are stripping wax as the floor becomes extremely slippery. Theses stripping shoes should be worn to avoid a fall. The bottom of them are fitted with material designed to provide extra traction.

Slips, trips, and falls Loose or wrinkled carpets should be straightened and secured by tacking or taping them down. Spills and debris should be cleaned up immediately

Slips, trips, and falls Make sure things you carry don’t obstruct your view. Adjust your pace to the task you are performing, the floor surface, and the surrounding traffic. Use extra care when walking on stairs.

Water Buckets A gallon of water weighs about 8 pounds. So, your bucket weighs about 55 pounds when it is full. Use a hose to fill buckets to avoid heavy lifting. You can also use a smaller pail to fill the larger bucket.

Water Buckets When emptying the bucket lighten the load before you lift it up. Remember it weighs about 55 pounds.

Water Buckets Some buckets are equipped with a lip to make emptying easier

Mops Mops absorb 7 times their own weight. A large mop filled with water can weigh as much as 8 pounds. That’s the same as a sledgehammer. Choose a mop size that is comfortable for you.

Mops Since a large mop weighs about 4.5 kg and the coefficient of friction is estimated to be 0.5…the force on the whole body is 620n/sq. metre = 62 kg (136 pounds). About 70 pounds is concentrated on the lower back 44.1 in 45 ) X = 44.1/ sin 45 = 62 n

Mops Choices to lower back strain: 1. Lower the angle by reducing the area covered by the mop. 2. Keep your back straight. 3. Use a smaller mop 4. Maintain a wide stance so the forces are distributed over more of your body.

Wringers Bend your knees and keep your back straight as you push the wringer down. Face the wringer so it doesn’t spring back and hit you. Place your foot in front of the wheel to prevent the bucket from moving.

Sweeping The same rules for mopping apply to sweeping It’s a good idea to switch sides (right-to-left) every so often

Sweeping Keep your back straight Bend your knees Use a dustpan with a handle to reduce bending

High dusting Use an extension tool to reach high surfaces. Its easier on your body and you’ll do a better job.

Garbage Garbage bags can be difficult to remove from the container due to “suction effect”. The ridge inside this garbage can is designed to reduce suction effect.

Garbage You can also reduce suction effect by poking a hole in the bag so air can escape.

Buffers and Scrubbers Do not use a buffer or scrubber unless you have been trained. Refer to the safe work procedure before using any equipment. Keep your back straight. Maintain a wide stance. Adjust the handle to a comfortable position.

Buffers and Scrubbers Use good body mechanics when moving a buffer or scrubber. Make sure the handle is locked in the upright position.