Energizing Ergonomics Using ergonomic principles to reduce and eliminate injuries

Do you believe?  The principle behind ergonomics is that by fitting the job to the employee through –Adjusting a workstation – Rotating between jobs –Using mechanical assists  injuries can be reduced and ultimately eliminated!

Repetitive Motion  Definitions –Repeating the same motions every few seconds or repeating a cycle of motions more than twice per minute for more than 2 consecutive hours in a workday –Using an input device, such as a keyboard and/or mouse, in a steady manner for more than 4 hours total in a workday  Typing all day  Using a calculator all day  Using a copier or stapler all day

Simple Stretches  If a computer is used for long periods during the workday, you can reduce the chances of injury by taking short rest breaks (30 seconds – 2 minutes) after each hour of work. –Doing simple stretches while sitting at your desk will reduce strain and allow your body to relax –Computer Stretches

Stretching Routines  There are different stretching routines for different situations: –Hand, arm, shoulder, and neck –Hand, wrist, and forearm –Lower back –Neck and shoulder –Standing

Controls  Use feasible work practice or administrative controls –Workstations –Rotating employee job duties  Recommend PPE, work practice, or administrative controls where other controls are not feasible. –Step stools –Key pad holders –Document holders –Monitor lifts

Adjustments  Adjustments –Floor- Work Height(24” 31”) –Glare –Eyes-Screen(24”-31”) –Knee-Desk(15”) –Seat width(20” w/ rests) –Seat-Under desk(7”) –90 degrees(All joints) –Toe space(3”) –Foot flat –Seat-Desk(8”-12”)  Group Exercise –My back hurts (Chair, feet, back support, employee twisted) –My head and eyes hurt, I have headraces (glare from window, monitor too far/close) –My hands/wrists hurt (Not in shake hand position, no support) –My neck/shoulder hurts at the end of the day (phone on shoulder, monitor position)

Worksite Evaluation  Talking with employees and their representative about the tasks the employees perform  Observe the employees performing the job to identify the risk factors in the job

Training During Orientation  Provide training during NEO –Assess jobs –Do controls exist? –Monitor controls are still in place, functioning, and being used –Determine whether new hazards exist –Take steps to reduce hazards

Signs & Symptoms  Provide prompt responses to employee reports of signs and symptoms –Physical findings  Decreased range of motion  Deformity  Decreased grip strength  Loss of muscle function  Physical indicators –Pain Burning –NumbnessCramping –TinglingStiffness – Symptoms do not include discomfort

Back Safety - Lifting  Keep your bowling ball over your pencil  Use your legs to lift, not your back  Size up your load, plan, then move  Never lift anything over 50 pounds alone

 Questions & Answers  Thank You!