Ergonomics & Related Human Safety Research Group JAM: Jamie Chavez Melissa Sundeen Jake Lardinois Aron Eisold

What is ergonomics? The study of work Fitting jobs to workers and adapting the job to the workers. Focuses on the work environment, also the design and function of a workspace. Focusing on the workers health and well being.

Why are ergonomics important? Increases savings Fewer injuries More productive and sustainable employees Fewer worker compensation claims Increased productivity Fewer employees experiencing pain Increased morale Reduced absenteeism

Examples of bad office ergonomics Monitor won’t fit Twisted postures Work practices Environmental Factors Wrong heights for tables and chairs Monitor wrong height or distance Glare Bifocals

Work problems continued Job stress Wrists aren’t straight Left handed people Banging the knees on the keyboard tray Multiple users No back or elbow support Cramped spaces

Solutions for bad office ergonomics Have good working positions: Hands, wrists and forearms straight and in line Head is level and forward facing Shoulders are relaxed and hang normally Elbows stay in close to body

Solutions for bad office ergonomics continued Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest Back, thighs and hips are supported Knees about the same height as hips You can also make small adjustments, stretch your body parts as much as possible and walk around the office periodically.

Financial value to companies that use ergonomics Heard of the costs to fix health problems such as Musculoskeletal disorders (tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain) Helps with loss of workdays for the workers Less productivity and money

Research supporting ergonomics Movement toward ergonomic diversity, known as diligent workers who puts in long hours in front of a screen. In the early 19th century. Office workers, clerks and accountants mostly stood. Sitting was slacking to them.

Research supporting continued Now there is office furniture that allows workers to sit or stand and have adjustable work stations. Such as height adjustable desks to accommodate different heights and weights of a person.

Legal obligations of ergonomics Citation policy: OSHA will consider evidence before issuing any citations, whether there are hazards recognized or caused. Whether feasible means exists to reduce the hazard Whether the hazard will cause serious harm to employees.

Legal obligations continued OSHA will not focus its enforcement efforts on employers are making good faith efforts to reduce ergonomic hazards. If OSHA does no cite an employer and ergonomic hazards exist, it may issue hazard alert letters describing ways to reduce these hazards.

Site list: http://safety.uchicago.edu/tools/faqs/ergonomics.shtml http://www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/pdf/ergo/ergoadvantages.p df http://www.oehc.uchc.edu/ergo_officeergo2.asp https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/p ositions.html http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties/ergonomics/docs/0 48_050_BPEG_1010Z.pdf http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/business/stand-up- desks-gaining-favor-in-the-workplace.html?_r=0 https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/faqs.html