Ergonomics A science that focuses on human capabilities and limitations in the design of work tasks, workstations, tools and equipment. PRESENTED BY: Joan M. Spencer Compliance Assistance Specialist Tampa Area Office

Costs to the Employer Insurance Premiums Medical Costs Absenteeism/Turnover Re-Training Decrease in Production Decrease in Quality

Costs to the Employees Pain/Suffering Stress Loss of ability to work Loss of wages Loss of ability to enjoy life

Indicators of Need Employee Generated Change Manual Material Handling Seasonal Hiring Downsizing Over-time Incentive Programs

Indicators of Need Complaints Absenteeism Turnover Accident Trends Poor Quality Decrease in Production

2001, Congress passed, and the President signed, Senate Joint Resolution 6, which rescinded the original ergonomics rule, and under the Congressional Review Act, prohibits the agency from issuing a rule that is substantially the same as the former one.

OSHA assesses MSD-related issues in complaints, referrals, and targeted inspections. Issue General Duty Clause citations or hazard alert letters for ergonomics hazards where appropriate. Conduct follow-up inspections or investigations within 12 months of certain employers who receive ergonomic hazard alert letters. OSHA Enforcement Program

Full Ergonomics Program Management leadership and employee participation Hazard information and reporting Job hazard analysis and control Training MSD management—that includes taking care of the injured employee Program evaluation

Risk Factors Force Posture Repetition Temperature Vibration Pressure Points

Job Factors

Hazard Identification & Information Is there a method for employee reporting of signs, symptoms, hazards and recommendations OSHA Form 300 Medical Records Insurance Records Safety Records Personnel Records

Job Hazard Analysis Include each of or a representative sample of employees in the problem job Expand JHA to similar jobs (if comprehensive) Question employees on experience signs and symptoms difficulties of performing physical work activities of job which activities they associate with any problem

Job Hazard Analysis and Control Ask employees for recommendations Identify, evaluate and suggest (implement) feasible control measures Do you track progress in eliminating or materially reducing the MSD Do you identify and evaluate MSD hazards when you change, design or purchase equipment or processes in problem jobs

Tools OSHA May Use for Evaluation

NIOSH Lifting Equation RWL = LC X HM X VM X DM X AM X FM X CM where LC is the load constant (23 kg), HM, the "Horizontal Multiplier" factor VM, the "Vertical Multiplier" factor DM, the "Distance Multiplier" factor FM, the "Frequency Multiplier" factor AM, the "Asymmetric Multiplier“ factor CM, the "Coupling Multiplier" factor RWL, the "Recommended Weight Limit

Controls Engineering, Administrative, and/or Work practices Personal protective equipment

Engineering Controls Preferred method Act on the source of the hazard Control without relying on employee to take self-protective action or intervention Changing, modifying or redesigning workstationsequipment toolsmaterials facilitiesprocesses

Engineering Controls Mechanical lifting hoists Tool design Automation of work Work station design Use of handles Repackage for weight and size Padding/absorption systems

Engineering Controls: Avoid low or high reaches

Engineering Controls: Hoist, lifters

Engineering Controls: Powered Equipment

Engineering Controls: Use correct tools: Sand rammer in foundry was modified with “home-made” vibration absorbing rings instead of original manufacturer’s equipment.

Engineering Controls: Handles

Engineering Controls: Automation Manually handling packaged product. Company is in the process of installing automatic filling & conveyor system

Engineering Controls: Workstation Design Insufficient work space to accommodate mouse/pointing device; chair has little adjustability.

Administrative Controls Alternate heavy tasks with light tasks. Provide variety in jobs to eliminate or reduce repetition (i.e., overuse of the same muscle groups). Adjust work schedules, work pace, or work practices. Provide recovery time (e.g., short rest breaks). Modify work practices so that workers perform work within their power zone (i.e., above the knees, below the shoulders, and close to the body). Rotate workers through jobs that use different muscles, body parts, or postures.

Administrative Controls: Use your power zone Use a Lifter Raise the Worker Raise or Lower the Work Surface Tilt the Container

Administrative Controls: Employees involved in manually turning dough to form pastries. Company had instituted a rotation policy to other areas within department.

Administrative Controls: Employees involved in manually handling products. Two person lift with handles.

Work Practice Controls: Training on body mechanics provided to reduce twisting at the waist. Also suggested using carts of same height as work area to reduce elevation changes.

PPE Interim control device Worn or used by employee Provide in a variety of sizes Should not contribute to extreme postures and excessive forces. Examples include: gloves or knee pads “Braces, splints, back belts, and other similar devices are not PPE.”

Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves Gripping gloves.

Outreach and Assistance: OSHA provides tools to help workplaces reduce and prevent ergonomic injuries: Provide expertise to assist businesses and workers Support programs through training grants, curriculum development and other means Design compliance assistance tools, new partnerships and recognition programs Encourage others to develop best practices

Meat Packing Guidelines Nursing Homes Retail Grocery Stores Poultry Processing Shipyards 1 The guidelines are not new standards or regulations and do not create any new OSHA duties for employers. An employer's failure to implement a guideline is, therefore, not a violation, or evidence of a violation of the general duty clause of the OSH Act Industry Specific Guidelines: 1

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