1. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 1

2. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 2 Ergonomics and the General Duty Clause Definition Ergonomics is an applied science dealing with the design and arrangement of the things people use so that the people and things interact safely and efficiently. Basically, this means that jobs should be designed with human needs and limitations in mind in order to avoid unnecessary injuries. Ergonomics is mostly concerned with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act

3. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 3 Ergonomics and the General Duty Clause OSHA enforces ergonomics under Section 5(a)(1) of the “Act” referred to as the General Duty Clause: The General Duty Clause requires employers to furnish a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious injury to employees. Therefore, causes of repetitive motion injuries must be corrected. – An effective means to identify ergonomic issues is through workplace analysis. Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act

4. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 4 Ergonomics and the General Duty Clause OSHA

5. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 5 Ergonomics and the General Duty Clause OSHA’s Voluntary Ergonomic Guidelines OSHA announced its comprehensive plan to dramatically reduce ergonomic injuries on April 5, 2002. In addition to industry- and task-specific guidelines, the plan includes tough enforcement measures, workplace outreach, advanced research, and dedicated efforts to protect Hispanic and other immigrant workers. OSHA's approach to ergonomics is the development of industry – and task-specific guidelines to reduce and prevent workplace ergonomic injuries called MSDs, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). OSHA Guidelines OSHA Guidelines

6. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 6 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) What are MSDs? They are a group of physical conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles, and spine, and they represent a wide range of disorders that can cause severe chronic and debilitating conditions such as: – carpal tunnel syndrome – swelling of the tendons – tension neck syndrome – low back pain Editor’s Insight

7. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 7 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) How common are MSDs? They are among the most prevalent medical problems— affecting 7% of the population and accounting for 14% of physician visits and 19% of hospital stays. In 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 387,820 occupational MSDs, accounting for 33% of all injury and illness cases in 2011. Bureau of Labor Statistics

8. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 8 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) What can be done to prevent work-related MSDs? an ergonomics program which can be tailored to a particular workplace work area hazard assessments to help identify jobs and tasks that can cause MSDs NIOSH Facts

9. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 9 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) What can be done to prevent work-related MSDs? When analyzing jobs or tasks that may be associated with MSDs, conditions to consider include: – awkward postures prolonged work with hands above the head, elbows above the shoulders, or with the neck bent; squatting, kneeling, or lifting; handling objects with back bent or twisted; repeated or sustained bending or twisting of wrists, knees, hips, or shoulders; forceful and repeated gripping or pinching – forceful lifting, pushing, or pulling handling heavy objects; moving bulky or slippery objects NIOSH Facts

10. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 10 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) What can be done to prevent work-related MSDs? When analyzing jobs or tasks that may be associated with MSDs, conditions to consider include: – prolonged repetitive motion: using a keyboard, tools, or knives; packaging, handling, or manipulating objects – contact stress: repeated contact with hard or sharp objects – vibration: overuse of power hand tools NIOSH Facts

11. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 11 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) What are possible ergonomic solutions? Adjust the height of working surfaces. Provide the right tool for the job. Add a platform. Provide mechanical lifting equipment. Provide ergonomic chairs or stools. NIOSH Facts

12. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 12 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) What are possible ergonomic solutions? (continued) Reposition tools or equipment. Pad hand tools and work surfaces. Provide foot rests. Change the size of grips or knobs. Use telephone headsets. NIOSH Facts

13. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 13 Symptoms of MSDs Symptoms may include: stiffness or soreness in joints or muscles pain, tingling, or numbness in hands or feet pain in wrists, shoulders, forearms, knees, neck, or back stabbing or shooting pains in arms or legs weakness or clumsiness in hands NIOSH

14. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 14 Symptoms of MSDs Symptoms may include: (continued) swelling, inflammation, or redness in affected areas fingers or toes turning white headaches blurred vision If untreated, musculoskeletal injuries may result in permanent damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, and may lead to permanent disability. NIOSH

15. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 15 Back Safety The back is extremely susceptible to injury. Some facts: Approximately 80% of all Americans have back pain at some point in their lives, and over 1 million Americans will suffer a back injury each year. Approximately 25% of all injuries suffered by construction workers are back injuries. Lower back problems are the number one cause of disability in people over the age of 45. The direct and indirect costs of back injuries are estimated to exceed $50 billion per year. General Duty Clause

16. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 16 Back Safety Minimizing Stress from Materials Handling Ways to reduce the strain from materials handling and the possibility of a back injury include:  Combine operations to reduce the amount of materials handling.  Keep products on an as-needed basis instead of stockpiling them for future use.  Use mechanical devices and equipment (wheelbarrows, carts, dollies, pallet jacks, hoists, power lifts, etc.) for assistance when possible, but especially when moving objects over distances of 10 feet or more.  Shorten the distances that materials must be moved. General Duty Clause

17. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 17 Back Safety Minimizing Stress from Materials Handling (continued) Ways to reduce the strain from materials handling and the possibility of a back injury include: (continued)  Store materials at waist height to shorten the distance that they must be lifted and to avoid unnecessary bending.  Break a large load into several smaller loads.  Enlist the assistance of co-workers whenever a load tests your lifting capacity. General Duty Clause

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19. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 19

20. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 20 Back Safety Using Good Body Mechanics (continued) Don’t twist your back while moving materials. Don’t reach with a heavy load. Don’t move the load away from your body to put it down. Don’t bend forward at the waist or lift with the back flexed. Work within your comfort zone. Don’t remain in the same position for a long period of time. General Duty Clause

21. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 21 Back Safety Pushing Rather Than Pulling Generally speaking, it is easier on your back to push something than to pull it. Pushing provides greater leverage and control. Use your arms and legs for leverage to begin the push. If you must pull something, keep the object by your side while pulling to avoid twisting your back. General Duty Clause

22. EOS Construction Vol 2 Module 30 - 22 Conclusion Benefits of an Ergonomics Program Prevent injuries. Reduce worker compensation costs. Reduce OSHA-recordable injuries. Produce other benefits, including: – reduced fatigue and discomfort, – quality of work which means more productivity, and – quality of life for workers which can lead to better morale. Discussion

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