1. Ergonomics For Office and Production Workers
This training should take 15 – 25 minutes to complete.

2. This training consists of three parts: Basic Ergonomics (mandatory)
Introduction
This training consists of three parts:
Basic Ergonomics (mandatory)
Office Ergonomics (optional)
Production Ergonomics (optional)
Additional Ergonomic assessment information is available through your local Ergonomics team or EHS Coordinator.
You will be given the option of taking Office or Production or both after successfully completing the Basic portion of this training.

3. Objectives Employees completing this training will be able to:
Define the terms “ergonomics” and “musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)”
Define “neutral posture/position” as it pertains to your job
Identify the signs and symptoms of MSDs that need to be reported
Understand the benefits of early reporting

4. What is Ergonomics? One size does not fit all!
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker doing that job. The goal of ergonomics is to reduce a worker's exposure to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors by changing the design of a workstation or the way a job is performed.
A work station that is set up correctly
can help to prevent injuries.
MSDs are injuries or illnesses which can result from intensive use of the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, etc.)

5. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
“MSD” is the group name for conditions also known as:
Repetitive Motion Disorders
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI’s)
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s)
Common “MSDs” include:
Neck and low back pain/discomfort
Shoulder pain/discomfort
Lateral epicondylitis
(a.k.a. tennis elbow)
Tendinitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Other hand and wrist problems
Eye strain/Headaches

6. Determining if a Potential Problem Exists
Continued discomfort can trigger Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
Common MSD Symptoms:
Early
More Progressed
Fatigue
Discomfort
Stiffness
Weakness
Pain
Tingling sensation
Loss of function
Decreased range of motion
Decreased strength
Pain moving
Swelling
(Confidential – For Internal Use Only) Copyright © 2011 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved.

7. Risk Factors
Risk factors are conditions which contribute to a Musculoskeletal Disorder
The risk factors can be from exposures associated with:
Work-related risk factors
Personal risk factors
Work-related risk factors
Awkward Postures
Contact Stress
Force
Repetition
Vibration
Personal risk factors
Age / Life stage
Diseases – such as: thyroid, diabetes
Gender
Smoking
Hobbies
Stress

8. Rule Number One: Neutral Posture
Strive for a Neutral Position.
In a neutral position, joints are in the middle of their range.
Maintaining a neutral posture allows work to be performed in the optimal position, with the least amount of stress.
Examples:
Neck upright
Back upright
Elbows at the sides of the body
Wrists straight

9. Awkward vs. Neutral Position
Which employee is likely to be tired sooner? Which employee is likely to have a sore shoulder or arm?
This is an awkward posture.
This is a neutral posture.

10. Adjustability
Adjustability is the key to workstations, whether it be adding floor height for smaller employees, using an adjustable table to bring the height down (or up), or using adjustable chairs, tabletops or tools.
Adjustability allows employees of differing sizes to achieve neutral positions and postures.

11. Is Your Workstation Set Up Properly?
Each of the tasks shown below are not being performed in a neutral position and may cause problems over time.
Awkward wrist position
Awkward wrist position
Awkward wrist & shoulder position
Awkward neck & shoulder posture
Over the shoulder reach
Awkward head position & twist

12. Solving the Problem Wrist problem:
Awkward wrist posture is caused because the employee is resting her elbows on the arm rests.
Solution:
Adjusting the placement of the keyboard on the desk or platform and using a split keyboard improved the position of the wrists.

13. Solving the Problem Shoulders & Neck problem:
Placing documents on the desk for reference or looking at the keyboard when you type can cause you to bend forward.
Solution:
Consider using a document holder.

14. Solving the Problem Neck & Shoulders:
During prolonged phone use, pressing it between head and shoulder causes stress on neck. Holding it with your hand causes stress on the elbow.
Solution:
Use a speaker phone or headset during prolonged calls.

15. Solving the Problem Wrist problem:
Bending wrist back causes an awkward posture.
Solution:
Consider installation of an alternate control.
Wrist problem:
Bending is an awkward posture- especially when combined with pinching.
Solution:
Consider reorientation of the work, using the tool a different way or choosing another tool with a more comfortable handle.

16. Solving the Problem Shoulders, Arms, Neck & Back:
Overhead work and bending the neck backward more than 5 degrees.
Solution:
Consider using a step ladder.

17. End of Basic Ergonomics Section
Please select the area that you work in the most. If you work in both office and production areas, select one and you will have the option of selecting the other area afterward.
(Confidential – For Internal Use Only) Copyright © 2011 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved.

18. Ergonomics for Office Areas

19. Office Ergonomics at Work or Home
Workstation adjustment and some simple accessories can make your workstation more comfortable.
Accessories
Chair - Adjustability is KEY. Know how to use the adjustment features.
Mouse - Bring mouse close to your keyboard. Grip mouse lightly. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
Document Holder - Bring work to proper level.
Phone - Use headset or speakerphone to avoid stress to neck and shoulder.
Anti-Glare Filter - Use anti-glare filter if positioning monitor perpendicular to windows, covering windows or dimming overhead lights and/or adding task lighting.
Cushioning on surfaces (like a key board tray) or automated tools (like staplers). Avoid contract stress.

20. Office Ergonomics at Work or Home
Work Practices
Twisting- Move to position body better rather than reaching and twisting.
Contact Stress- Pad surfaces or round edges to avoid contact stress.
Electronic Equipment- Use electronic equipment (stapler) whenever possible.
Chair Use- Use chair properly to support your back. Sit back for support.
Typing- Use a light touch, don’t pound. Move entire hand when reaching for keys. Minimize mouse use by using keyboard shortcuts. Avoid “hunt and peck” method of typing.
And don’t forget. . . Lift smart- Straight back, bending knees and using legs. Also get help if the lift is too heavy.
Ouch. . .

21. Lap Top Computers Not designed for prolonged use
If you must use one for a lengthy period, consider the following:
Place the laptop on a riser or other stable surface so you can elevate the screen
Add a standard mouse
Use a full keyboard on a negative-tilt tray if possible to ensure your wrists are in a neutral position
If your laptop and components weigh more than 10 pounds consider using a bag with wheels

22. End of Office Ergonomics Portion
This concludes the Office Ergonomics portion of the training. If you also work in a production area, please click “I work in an production area,” otherwise, select “Training Completion.”
(Confidential – For Internal Use Only) Copyright © 2011 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved.

23. Ergonomics for Production Areas

24. Force
Imagine how hard the employee would have to push if the wheels on the cart were uneven, pitted, or were not properly oiled.
Also consider the weight of the load for the size of the cart.
Larger wheels on the cart would require less force to push.
If the box this employee is lifting is heavy, an over the shoulder lift increases his risk for injury. Note also, there is an unhealthy twist of the back and shoulders with this lift.
Heavy boxes should be stored on lower shelves.

25. Checking for Excessive Force
Problem:
Using a tool that is too large requires excessive force to operate.
Problem:
Using a tool that is too small requires a pinching action putting excessive stress on the hand. This one needs an ergonomic handle.

26. Examples of Lifting Devices
Use mechanical assistance whenever possible:
Fork Truck
Hoist
Pallet Jack
Vacuum Lift
Cart

27. Oversized or Heavy Loads*
Oversized or Heavy Loads
07/16/96
If a load is too heavy or bulky to lift alone, get help
Use mechanical aids (handtruck or dolly)
Get assistance from co-worker
Make multiple trips if the load can be split into smaller ones
Don’t jeopardize your back for the sake of saving a little time
Push loads, never pull
Keep elbows and load close to the body
Maintain balance
Push with back leg, taking short steps
Push the load using body weight, not your feet *
16##

28. Examples of Lifting Devices
Pallet jack for heavy or awkward loads.
Cart and Hoist for heavy loads.

29. Transferring Heavy Items
Problem:
The blue pallet jack is too low, and employee will compensate by lifting
the item.
Solution:
Adjust the pallet jack to level the surfaces.

30. Work Practices – Lifting
The “safe” lifting zone is between your knees and your shoulders.
If the load is below your knee level, bend your knees and lift with your legs.
“Safe” lifting zone

31. One-Person Lift (Basic Lift)
Stand as close to the load as possible.
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
Make sure your footing is solid.
Bend at the knees and maintain the natural curves of the back.
Lift steadily while holding the load close to the center of the body.
Don’t bend your back – maintain its natural curves.
Let your legs do the lifting.

32. Loads Above your Shoulders
Use a stool or ladder to get closer to the load.
Test the load to make sure it is not too heavy.
Ask for help if necessary.
Consider rearranging the contents of the shelves to put the heavier items or more frequently used items on the mid-level shelves.

33. *
07/16/96
If an Injury Occurs….
Report the injury immediately to your Supervisor.
Seek medical attention IF:
You’re are unable to move without pain
Persistent pain lasts longer than a few days
Symptoms are severe or they worsen
The pain prevents you from taking part in regular daily tasks
You don’t get relief from home treatments
If your medical provider issues a restriction, you must work within the limits of that restriction both on and off the job. *
16##

34. End of Production Ergonomics Section
This concludes the Production Ergonomics section. If you also work in an office area, please click “I work in an office area,” otherwise, select “Training Completion.”
(Confidential – For Internal Use Only) Copyright © 2011 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved.

35. Ergo Quiz

36. It is best to report your
Reminder
If you experience pain or other symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), it is very important that you report them while they are in an early stage.
Why should you report early?
It can decrease the severity of the injury
Appropriate treatment can be provided which can start the healing process
The workstation could be reviewed and necessary improvements made
The treatment could be less severe
It could help to prevent other employees from being injured
It is best to report your
symptoms early.

37. Resources
If after completing this training, you feel that your workstation could be improved or adjusted to fit you better, contact your supervisor or your local EHS Coordinator.
One size does not fit all!
A self-assessment flow chart and checklists are available for you to use, click Attachments in the content viewer in the top, right of the page.
There are 4 separate documents to help guide you through this process. Please review each document when conducting a self-assessment and contact your location’s EHS Coordinator with questions.
(Confidential – For Internal Use Only) Copyright © 2011 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved.

38. Thank you
Please click in the lower, left-hand corner of your screen to obtain credit for this training course