1. ESOHMS ERGONOMICS TRAINING

2. Introduction
The following information is part of your Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Management System (ESOHMS).
Remember that YOU are the key to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Go to for more information on the ESOHMS and DLA/ SM environmental, safety and occupational health policies.
A copy of DLA/SM “Ergonomic Plan” can be found in IGD 1005 Section 3.1 on the website.

3. Purpose of This Training
Familiarize you with DNSC’s ergonomic plan;
Understand what ergonomics is;
Potential risk of work-related Muscloskeletal Disorder (WMSD);
The possible causes and symptoms;
Means of prevention;
The sources of treatment; and
Answer your questions, and provide assurance that your work environment is SAFE.

4. What Is Ergonomics?
The word “Ergonomics” comes from two Greek words “ergon”, meaning work, and “nomos” meaning laws.
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between a worker and the design and use of all things that affect a person’s working conditions: equipment, machinery, the layout and job duties.

5. Goals of DLA/SM Ergonomic Program
Prevent injuries and illness by eliminating or reducing worker exposure to WMSD risk factors.
Reduce the potential for fatigue, error, and unsafe actions by adapting the job and workplace to be within the worker’s capabilities and physical limits.
Increase the overall productivity of the workforce.
Reduce workforce compensation claims and associated costs.
Identify early and prevent WMSDs to preserve and protect DLA/SM workforce while decreasing related costs.

6. Cost of WMSDs Direct Costs: Indirect Costs: Medical treatment
Rehabilitation
Worker’s compensation
Indirect Costs:
Lost work time
Decreased productivity
Decreased work quality
Retraining costs
Diminished morale

7. Health Effects of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Repeated biomechanical (i.e., the mechanics of muscular activity) stress can cause or aggravate WMSDs
Over time, repeated micro-injuries can evolve into a painful, debilitating condition involving:
Muscles
Tendons
Tendon sheaths
Nerves

8. Examples of WMSDs Tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon)
Tenosynovitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath)
Bursitis (inflammation of joint tissue)
Chronic muscle strain
Carpal tunnel syndrome

9. Common Symptoms of WMSDs
Your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back or legs may experience:
Pain
Tingling
Numbness
Stiffness
Weakness

10. Additional Symptoms of WMSDs
Other symptoms can include:
Headaches
Visual fatigue
Increased errors

11. Specific Conditions Contributing to WMSDs
Prolonged repetitive motions;
Awkward postures;
Excessive bending or twisting of the wrist
Continued elbow or shoulder elevation (i.e., overhead work);
Forceful exertions;
Excessive use of small muscle groups (i.e., pinch grip);
Vibration;

12. Specific Conditions Contributing to WMSDs (Continued)
Restrictive workstations (i.e., inadequate clearance);
Mechanical compression of joints, muscles;
Improper seating or support;
Inappropriate hand tools;
Extreme temperatures; and
Extended exposure to hazardous or annoying noise

13. Hazard Prevention and Control
Certain practices can decrease worker exposure to WMSD risk:
Change of work techniques;
Regular monitoring of work practices;
Providing personnel conditioning; and
Maintenance and adjustment of equipment and tools.

14. Proper Work Techniques
Use work methods that encourage:
Correct posture;
Use of proper body mechanics (i.e., proper lifting);
Appropriate use of hand and power tools;
Regular maintenance of equipment;
Correct use of equipment and work stations;
Take small breaks to stretch, stand, move about, rest; and
Alternate between tasks to rest muscle groups.

15. A Note of Thanks: Thank you for your time and attention.
Please sign the attendance roster to ensure you get credit for your participation.
Remember that DLA/SM ESOHMS can be found on the website.
Remember also that each of us is “the key” to successful implementation of DLA/SM environmental, safety and occupational health policies and our ESOHMS.

16. We Welcome Your Questions and Comments!
Please forward any comments or questions on this presentation to your supervisor or Jason Boynton.
Your supervisor and/or Jason will obtain answers to your questions for you, and we will incorporate that information into future presentations, as part of the ESOHMS continual improvement goal.