Ergonomic Essentials Presented by: Sandra Shortt, RN Kathryn Carnegis February 19, 2004

In the News … President Bush Cites Federal Workplace Injuries Associated Press - Fri, Jan. 09, 2004 WASHINGTON - Workplace injuries by federal employees cost: More than $2 billion in workers' compensation losses 168,000 injury claims 2 million lost production days a year "Clearly, government agencies should strive to do more to improve workplace safety and health and reduce the costs of injury to workers and taxpayers," Bush said in a memo to federal executives. “Many workplace injuries are preventable."

Overview Definitions Symptoms Risk Factors Prevention  Workstation Workout  Workstation Setup Team Project Resources & Questions

Definitions Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Disorders Repetitive Stress Disorder

Symptoms Numbness or Tingling  Arm  Hands  Fingers Range of Motion Reduction  Shoulder  Arm  Hand

Symptoms (continued) Swelling  Joint  Muscle Weakened Grip Weakness or Pain  Neck  Shoulders  Back  Arm  Wrist  Hand

Symptoms (continued) Vision Problems  Blurring  Difficulty Focusing  Headaches  Fatigue

Risk Factors 1. Repetitive motion 2. Confined or awkward workspace 3. Lifting and carrying heavy objects 4. Routinely working with power tools !

Prevention Seek early diagnosis and treatment for symptoms Stretch everyday (sigh … ) Optimize your work environment  Layout  Equipment

Temporary Relief Ibuprofen for pain and swelling Alternating ice/heat on affected area Consult physician promptly if symptoms persist

Workstation Workout Vision  Focus exercise  Eye rolling  Cup palms over closed eyes Hands and Wrists  Finger stretch & fist  Fingertip exercises  Thumb pull * Frequent mini-exercise breaks are recommended

Workstation Workout (continued) Neck and Back  Head bends (side to side, forward and back)  Head turn  Arms crossed at shoulders & shrug  Arch with linked hands behind back  Full extension (arms & legs as far out as you can)

WorkStation Setup Neutral Posture Frequent Breaks Zones  User  Equipment

User Setup Chair  Seat height & tilt  Knees bent at 90 0  Feet flat  Arms flat on desk  Lower back against chair back Monitor  28-24” away from you  Tilt to reduce glare Keyboard & Mouse  Placed so that shoulders are relaxed  Upper arms at sides  Hands level with wrists Office Supplies & Phone  Place these items out of armspread reach

Equipment Keyboard position Mouse position

Optional Equipment Eyestrain or Headaches  Document Holder  Anti-glare eyeglasses  Anti-glare filters

Optional Equipment (continued) Wrist or Hand Discomfort  Wrist rest  Wheeled mouse  Ergonomic keyboard  Wrist gloves

Optional Equipment (continued) Back, Neck or Shoulder Discomfort  Armed Chair  Keyboard Tray  Footrest  Back support  Telephone headset

Team Project Break into groups of 3-4 people Take turns arranging the workspace to “fit” each of you Review recommendations

Resources and Questions ? ergo.human.cornell.edu