1. Employee Safety Training
Ergonomics and Body Mechanics Awareness &
Back Injury Prevention
James Madison University
Deaprtment of Risk Management

2. 3 Basic Ergonomic Elements
Force
Repetition
Posture

3. There’s WORK to be done! Examples of daily work activities:
Walk, stand, climb
Lift, bend, carry, turn, place
Dipping, pouring, transfer of contents
Shovel, dig, rake, chop
Fasteners: nails, screws, bolts, rivets
An oil drum or cylinder is not user friendly!
Floors make poor work surfaces

4. Basic Physics =Good Ergo Practice
Keep heavier objects at waist level
Store lighter objects higher or lower
Lifting above shoulder or below knee= danger
Caution with loads NOT designed for handling
Examine package design, pack/unpack
Avoid lifting objects which must be lowered again!

5. Back Injury & MSD Prevention
Always follow correct lifting practices
Reinforce continually, enforce use of good practices – GOOD POSTURE is critical!
Examine each task- what are risk factors associated with lifting & handling load??
Back Belts: not a substitute for safe lifting program, part of the solution
Engineering first, then manual material handling
Use mechanical advantage- THINK!

6. Lifting Considerations
Weight, size, shape, configuration, repetition, bulk vs. piece
Distance, surface, elevation
Assistance available?
Limitations on weight for one person
Check your route of travel, turns, lift, lower
Check your clearances, corners, obstructions
AVOID twisting, turning, awkward body position

7. Basic Body Mechanics & Laws of Physics
* Legs do most of the work when lifting
* Footwear and footing are important
* Bend knees, avoid twisting, keep load close
* An object does not have to be heavy to cause a problem- lifting POSTURE is most important
* Remember: FORCE, REPITITION, POSTURE
* Use TOOLS or mechanical assistance to lift, move, slide, roll, etc.
* Get HELP if load is too large or awkward for one person
* Clear path of travel- remove obstacles
* Break load down to smaller units, make an extra trip
* Plan heavy lifts- THINK before lifting
* Caution: over the shoulder/ below the knee lifts can cause high stress on body- be very careful when exerting force in these postures
* GOOD POSTURE HELPS!! When seated, standing or sleeping!! Keep back straight, avoid slouching! You’ll feel better!!!

8. How & Why Injuries Occur
Daily, routine tasks, performed improperly over long term
Poor posture and physical condition, mechanical factors
Failure to observe, plan, get help
Failure to use proper material handling practices
Trying to rush, reaching outside of safety zone
Specifics: working with trucks, trailers, equipment, tools, boxes, bags, slippery contact surfaces, awkward loads, defective footwear
Protect yourself- follow good ergonomic practice, stay healthy & fit!

9. Get a Grip!
Power Grip
Precision Grip
Hook Grip

10. Personal Protective Equipment
Correct selection for hazard
Proper size, adjusted
Clean, good condition, maintained
One size does not fit all
Employees trained in correct use
Example: Hard hat, safety glasses

11. Glove Selection & Grip Strength
Gloves PROTECT your hands
Evaluate contact surfaces
Load Configuration: angular, sphere, balanced
Does the load have handholds?
Correct glove “fit” is important for best dexterity
The right glove material will reduce manual effort, improve grip strength
Fingers are for manipulation

12. Take Care of Your Feet! Often ‘overlooked’ in ergonomic evaluations.
Standing surfaces, use mat, wood, etc.
Footwear, proper selection, condition
Socks, inserts, insulation, keep dry
Change shoes, socks during shift
Upper body stability, all conditions
Locomotion factors- turning, stepping

13. Walking-Standing-Climbing
There’s a right way and a less then right way
Walking on slopes, uneven ground – use traverse method
Use a long handled tool for upper body stability
Check your footwear – look at the heel configuration on loggers boots for example
They are made to cut into slope and GRIP
They are 8 inch or higher, lace up for foot, ankle, lower leg
LOOK where you are stepping when on unfamiliar terrain
LOOK for depressions, hollows, sink holes, varmint lairs, etc.
Do not rush. Take smaller strides.
Stop at top of slope before descending.

14. Correct Ergo Clothing! Example: Golf sweater, roomy shoulders
Minimum upper body covering :T-shirt
Too tight, too loose = extra work
Adjustable, proper size
Multiple layers in cold weather
Fabric insulation properties
Perspiration wicking, absorption

15. Cold Weather Dress
Dress in several light layers. Warm air is trapped between layers to help insulate
Open or remove layers to adjust heat retention
Upper body contains 70% of blood & body heat
Full body garments – good, eliminate seams, heat loss
Adjustable, engineered fabrics, gusseted sleeves, etc.
Exterior layer for elements – rain, wind, etc.
Interior layers for warmth and comfort.
Glove liners, extra pair of socks, helmet liner, scarf, etc.

16. Ergo-Transport #1 cause of driver injury – on & off the rig
3 point stance at all times
Seat position: Knees higher then hips
Tilt wheel, power options, adjust mirrors
Vibration, noise, temperature, humidity
Cab mounts, heavy equipment, steps, rungs, handholds
Trailer hitch mounted step
Working on the back of a truck – CAUTUION