Rutherford County Ergonomics Fall 2008

So What is Ergonomics? … the science and practice of designing jobs and workplaces to match the capabilities and limitations of the human body. Ergonomics means: “designing the job to fit the worker, as opposed to the worker fitting the job”

What are the Benefits? Ideally, Ergonomics…….  Makes the job safer by preventing injury and illness  Makes the job easier by adjusting the job to the worker  Makes the job more pleasant by reducing physical and mental stress

Course Outline: Objectives :  Define Ergonomics and its benefits  Identify certain types of Ergonomic areas  Suggest solutions to potential work problems  5-Question Quiz at end for comprehension

2 Certain Types  Work-Related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (WMSDs)  Frequent or awkward lifting of heavy objects, loads, etc.  Pushing, pulling or carrying loads  Working in awkward postures  Office Ergonomics  Computer workstations

Risk Factors  Time Frame  Duration of exposure  Frequency  How often the motion is repeated  Intensity  Weight of items lifted and relocated

Alternatives to Lifting: Reducing Low Work:  Raise and/or tilt the work for better access  Use a stool for ground level work  Alternate between bending, kneeling, sitting and squatting

Alternatives to Lifting: Reducing High Work :  Use an elevated work platform or rolling stairs  Use tools with longer handles  Limit overhead storage to infrequently used items  Bring work down to a more comfortable level and tilt for easier access

Office Ergonomics

Risk Factors  Leaning forward at your desk  Typing with wrists at odd angle  Raising shoulders while typing  Reaching to use mouse  Twisting neck to look at monitor or phone  Lifting objects from below waist or above shoulders

Ways to Help Yourself  Avoid leaning forward at your Desk  Maintain a natural “S” curve of your spine  Sit up straight and do not slump  Sit close to your workspace  Keep feet supported  Get up periodically and stretch

Some Warning Signs  Discomfort  Pain  Numbness  Tingling  Tightness, loss of flexibility  Swelling

Symptom Recognition & Reporting Report Symptoms if:  Pain is persistent, severe or worsening  Pain radiates  Symptoms include numbness or tingling  Symptoms keep you from sleeping at night

Teamwork  Look at jobs in a different way  Come up with solutions  Work with solutions  Take part in Training  Take responsibility for changing the way you do your job  Help to ensure efforts are successful

5 Keys to Remember 1. Ergonomics can help improve your job 2. WMSDs can happen in jobs with risk factors 3. Risk Factors can be reduced and WMSDs prevented 4. Reporting symptoms early is important!! 5. You can help your department put ergonomics changes into place

Quiz Click here to take a quick five question quiz.