Alabama Department of Public Safety Ergonomic Training for Data Entry Personnel Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Michael Papp MS Engineering

Overview of Today I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders - What are they and how to recognize symptoms II.What Risk Factors can lead to Muscular Skeletal Disorders III.How to reduce the risk of Muscular Skeletal Disorders from typing

I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders What are MSDs? MSDs Affect  Muscles  Nerves  Tendons  Ligaments  Joints  Cartilage  Spinal disks

Develop gradually over time Not the result of an instantaneous event, such as slips, trips, and falls Symptoms range from mild to severe chronic and debilitation conditions I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders What are MSDs?

 Aching  Burning  Cramping  Loss of color  Numbness  Pain  Swelling  Stiffness  Tingling  Weakness I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders Signs & Symptoms

Carpal Tunnel is formed by the wrist bones and a dense ligament Carpal tunnel--a tunnel in the wrist through which the median nerve and nine tendons pass Continued and repetitive pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel can cause carpal tunnel syndrome I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develops Swelling or thickening of the carpal tunnel tendons start Tunnel begins to close Exerts pressure on the median nerve Causes tingling, numbness, pain I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Areas Affected by the Median Nerve

Compression of blood vessels and/or nerves between shoulder and arm Numbness of fingers and hand I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders Thoracic outlet syndrome

Fatigue or stiffness in the neck, neck pain or headache radiating from the neck May occur when neck is held in one position for a long period of time. I. Muscular Skeletal Disorders Tension Neck Syndrome

Awkward Postures Force and Exertion Pressure and Compression Cold Temperatures Excessive Noise Lighting Lifestyle II. MSD Risk Factors

Two types Static Postures- non-moving –Little movement may occur in neck, back, hips, and legs. Dynamic Postures - body in motion –Fingers, arms, and shoulders moving repetitively II. MSD Risk Factors Awkward Postures

Forceful exertions place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints Factors Force needed or used to depress key Posture during typing Speed of movement Reduce exertion by reducing: Force needed to press keys Hitting the keys only as hard as necessary II. MSD Risk Factors Force & Exertion

External Compression –Sharp edges concentrate forces on a small area of the anatomy, resulting in high, localized pressure. Internal Compression –high-force exertions –awkward postures –static postures –high velocity or acceleration of movement –swelling of injured tissue II. MSD Risk Factors Pressure & Compression

Tools & Work Practice Hazards leaning the side of the forearm or elbow on a hard surface. sharply bent wrist positions compression over an extended period of time II. MSD Risk Factors Pressure & Compression

Cold environments compromise muscle efficiency Possible vascular and neurological damage Workers with cold-desensitized fingers may exert more force than necessary exposing muscles, soft tissues, and joints to increased forces II. MSD Risk Factors Cold Temperature Effects

Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and some medication increase MSD risks from cold temperatures Diseases, such as diabetes, heart, vascular, and thyroid problems, may make a person more susceptible to effects of cold temperatures II. MSD Risk Factors Cold Temperature Effects

Increased muscle tension Quicker onset of fatigue Mental stress Reduced concentration Diverted attention Slower recovery time II. MSD Risk Factors Noise Effects

Too much or not enough light creates: Awkward postures Muscle fatigue Eye strain Mental fatigue II. MSD Risk Factors Light Effects

Position of light sources Glare on computer screen Eye strain Awkward postures Bright light in field of view Eye strain II. MSD Risk Factors Light Effects

Exercise & Activities Proper exercise means Improved health Stronger body Improved endurance Reduced stress Better range of motion II. MSD Risk Factors Life Style Factors

No exercise means Easily fatigued Muscles weaken Easily injured from light activity No endurance Less resistance to illness II. MSD Risk Factors Life Style Factors

Smoking Effects Restricts blood vessels Carbon monoxide in blood Longer recovery from injury Increased injuries from vibration Increased injuries from cold Poor general health II. MSD Risk Factors Life Style Factors

Medication has the POTENTIAL to increase risk of MSDs if it: Lowers or raises normal blood pressure Changes sense of balance Masks pain Relaxes muscles Affects blood circulation Affects eyesight II. MSD Risk Factors Life Style Factors

If Possible: Reduce Force Used Reduce Repetitive Motions Improve Posture and Position Take Short Rest Breaks III. Reducing MSD Risks

Press the keys only as hard as necessary to operate keyboard Do not type harder than necessary III. Reducing MSD Risks Force

Try and reduce the number of keystrokes necessary to perform a task. Utilize keyboard shortcuts and hot keys when available. III. Reducing MSD Risks Repetition

III. Reducing MSD Risks

Hands should be held above the keyboard when typing. Use the palm rest when not typing. III. Reducing MSD Risks

Short rest breaks allow tissues to recover Research has shown that short rest breaks speed up production Hourly output declines though out the day, short rest breaks postpone production loss III. Reducing MSD Risks Rest Breaks