1. Presented By: Frank Gonzales, CEES, CEAS
LIBRARY ERGONOMICS
Presented By:
Frank Gonzales, CEES, CEAS

2. SO….WHY AM I HERE? IDENTIFY potentially harmful activities on the job.
MODIFY work practices to reduce injury.
ASSIST with ergonomic problems you work.
ANSWER questions
SUPPLY you with ergo tools you can use indefinitely!

3. Ergonomics at Work - Reducing awkward lifting
Mini-pallet for hand truck
This is a simple and effective idea from a library to help with moving tote boxes full of books. Rather than having to lift boxes to stack them on the hand truck, they built these “mini-pallets” out of ½” plywood and 1x1 risers. This allows the hand truck nose plate to slide easily under the stack of totes.

4. Ergonomics at Work - Reducing low work
Raise and tilt the work
This is one example of a simple way to raise and tilt lightweight boxes for easy loading and unloading. It’s a box stand made out of PVC pipe. For $20 worth of pipe and glue, and a little time measuring and cutting with a hacksaw, some workers were able to make their jobs a little easier.

5. Risk Factors for MSD’s
Repetitive Motion (without adequate rest periods)
Force (sustained beyond minimum effort)
Awkward Postures (prolonged and/or static)
Contact Stress (compromised circulation)
Environmental (noise, temperature, vibration)
Vibration (neurovascular shutdown)
Physical and Emotional Stress

6. Work Zones
The location of frequently-used devices (keyboard, phone, and mouse) should remain within the repetitive access (primary work zone)
Figure 3. Recommended zones for workplace components

7. Scanning/Bar-coding Avoid bending over Use an appropriate chair
Pull boxes out slightly to decrease reach
Set boxes on thighs
Use technique that is comfortable for you but does not expose you to injury risks

8. Bending/Kneeling
Contact Stress -
Concrete floor

9. Use a Stool

10. Back Injuries
Washington State Lifting Equation (Lift of 44 lb tray is a Hazard)
Lift from standing on ground to above shoulder holding 44 lbs (1 tray/box weight = 44lbs)
To reduce risk:
Decrease load weight
Decrease size/capacity of container
Slides, gravity chutes, fork lifts
Reduce horizontal distance
Reduce vertical distance (stool)
Eliminate twisting (proper lifting)
Lifting Limit    = 34  Weight Lifted   = 44

11. Back Injuries With changes Risk is reduced Lift is NOT hazardous
Get closer to shelf
Use of stool
Raise yourself
Eliminate twist
Risk is reduced
Lift is NOT hazardous
Lifting Limit    = 50 Weight Lifted   = 44

12. Shelving Books – Hand Injuries
Grip is too wide
Pressure on hand/wrist/forearm increased
Power grip……..but fingers stretched too far
Increased injury risk

13. Keep Palm Up & Neutral
Supination versus Pronation
Better
Bad
Best

14. Environmental Health Services
Any Questions?
Environmental Health Services
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