Copyright Progressive Business Publications Blue Ridge Safety Association Safety Presentations Ergonomics
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Good Ergonomic Practices Will Reduce Injuries There are tasks in the workplace that create unhealthy stress for your body The goal of ergonomics is to: –Identify these dangerous tasks, and –Prevent injuries by changing the way you do your job
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Are serious injuries caused by excessive or repetitive physical demands placed on your body over long periods of time Can affect any body part that is placed under excessive or repetitive amounts of stress
Copyright Progressive Business Publications How Serious are MSDs in the Workplace? MSDs are the most common workplace injury Every one of you will experience at least one work-related MSD in your life (on average) 1 out of every 3 are serious enough to result in lost time
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Examples of MSDs You Could Develop Raynaud’s syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome Trigger finger Tendonitis Herniated spinal disc
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Recognize the Warning Signs and Symptoms of MSDs Warning signs – weakened grip strength, decreased range of motion, loss of muscle function Symptoms – pain, stiffness, numbness, burning or tingling
Copyright Progressive Business Publications When Should You Report MSD Symptoms? Report your symptoms if: –Pain is severe –Pain becomes worse over time –Symptoms include numbness or tingling –Your injury keeps you up at night When in doubt, report your symptoms
Copyright Progressive Business Publications What Causes MSDs? Heavy lifting Tight/strong gripping Repeated motions Awkward positions Vibration
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Common Cause of MSDs: Heavy Lifting and Gripping Moving heavy objects can damage your spine or strain muscles in your back and shoulders Tight gripping can strain the muscles and tendons in your hands You can prevent these injuries by: –Looking for alternatives to lifting –Increasing your grip strength
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Common Cause of MSDs: Repeated Motions Any repeated motion can cause MSDs if you do not allow your body enough rest Repetitive lifting of light objects can be just as damaging as lifting a single heavy object Take control over the motions you make and how often you make them
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Common Cause of MSDs: Awkward Positions Examples of awkward positions are: –Working with your hands over your head –Bending your neck or back –Kneeling or squatting You can make simple fixes to your workplace to prevent these injuries
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Common Cause of MSDs: Vibration Use of power tools can cause MSDs Vibration from these tools can damage blood vessels in your arms and hands Take precautions to reduce vibration
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Common Cause of MSDs: Contact Stress Common ergonomic hazard in office work Working with tools can also cause contact stress. Examples are: –Pliers that are not padded –Tools with finger-grooves Best protection is padded gloves
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Summary Ergonomic practices reduce workplace injuries MSDs are: –Common –Very serious injuries –Preventable
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