1. Part 1 Introduction to Ergonomics

2. What is Ergonomics? The study of Work.
The science of designing the job to fit the worker vs forcing the worker to fit the job.
Adapting tasks, work stations, tools and equipment to the worker.
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3. Why is ergonomics important?
Dramatic increase of reported MSD’s.
Poor machine design.
Increased task requirements.
Increased work hours.
Increases in production.
Specialized work tasks.
Repetition of Work tasks.
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4. What are MSD’s?
Musculoskeletal disorders – injuries and disorders of the soft tissues and nervous system.
Muscles
Joints
Tendons
Ligaments
Cartilage
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5. MSD’s CTD – Cumulative Trauma Disorder
RSI – Repetitive Stress Injuries
Occupational Overexertion Syndrome
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6. What diseases are found ?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Tendonitis or tenosynovitis
Sciatica
Herniated discs
Back pain
DeQuervain’s disease
Trigger finger
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7. Common causes of work-related MSD’s
Excessive force during exertion
Excessive repetition
Awkward postures
Static postures
Quick motions
Compression or contact stress
Inadequate recovery times
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8. Common causes of work-related MSD’s
Excessive vibration
Whole-body vibration
Working in cold temperatures
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9. Key body parts effected
Shoulders
Back
Arms & Hands
Elbows
Wrists
Neck
legs
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10. High risk work tasks Manual Lifting Manufacturing and production
Heavy Lifting
Twisting movements
Long hours
Awkward positions
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11. Signs and Symptoms of MSD’s
Numbness in fingers
Numbness in thighs
Difficulty moving fingers
Stiff joints
Pain in joints and tendons
Back pain
Pain associated with specific movements
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12. Part II OSHA’s Ergonomics Standard

13. OSHA’s Ergonomic Standard
29 CFR
Subpart W – Program Standard
December 2000
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14. OSHA Ergonomics Chronology
Click on the Picture
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15. Key Elements Basic Worker Information Injury Trigger
Job Hazard Analysis and Control
Grandfather clause
Covers all General Industry Workers
Quick Fix Option
Medical Management and Work Protection Provisions
Training Workers & Supervisors
Program Evaluation
Recordkeeping
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16. Basic Worker Information
Employers are required to provide ALL workers with basic information on MSD’s, including:
Signs and Symptoms
Importance of early reporting
How to report MSD’s
Risk factors
Summary of the Ergonomic standard
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17. Action Triggers
Employers must take further action when an MSD is reported or when signs or symptoms are reported.
Determine if work-related
Do MSD job-risk-factors meet Action Trigger
Exposure to risk factors (repetition, force, frequency)
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18. Required Actions
Implement management leadership and employee participation provisions
Provide MSD management to injured workers
Analyze job to determine if MSD hazards are present
Control MSD hazards
Provide training to workers
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19. Required Actions - Continued
Employers must ensure they have no policies or practices that discourage workers form reporting MSD’s or their signs or symptoms or from participating in the ergonomics program.
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20. Job Hazard Analysis and Control
Must be conducted when an MSD exposure to risk factors meet Action Trigger.
Includes problem job and similar jobs
If hazards/risks are identified - Hazards must be controlled by:
Reducing the exposure
Reducing the hazard
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21. Job Hazard Analysis and Control
Controls
Engineering
Work practices
Administrative measures
PPE (must be provided at no cost to the employees)
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22. Grandfather Clause
Employer must have an ongoing ergonomics program that meets the requirements set forth in the standard.
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23. Coverage
General Industry
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24. Quick Fix Option
May be used in place of setting up a full ergonomics program
Only if no more than one incident/job or two incidents/workplace within 18 months
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25. Medical Management Provide prompt medical management
Access to health care
Work restrictions
Temporary removal from work
Work Restriction Protection WRP
Temp. Restriction – 100% pay/90 days
Temp. Removal – 90% pay/90 days
2nd/3rd Opinions
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26. Training for Workers & Supervisors
Initial training
Follow-up –every 3 years
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27. Training cont. Must cover Requirements of Standards
Employer’s Ergonomic Program
Worker’s Role in Program
MSD Signs and Symptoms
Risk Factors
MSD hazards in employee’s jobs
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28. Training cont. Control Measures The plan
Timetables for addressing identified MSD hazards
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29. Evaluation of Program Effectiveness
Employer’s must evaluate at least
Every three years
Effectiveness at identifying and reducing MSD hazards
* Employees and their representatives must be consulted in the evaluation process
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30. Record Keeping Employer’s must maintain records of: Reported MSD’s
MSD Signs and Symptoms and hazards
Response to such reports
Job Hazard evaluations
Hazard control measures
Program evaluations
Medical management records
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31. Record Keeping cont.
Records must be provided to employees and their representatives upon request.
Records must be maintained for 3 years or until replaced by updated records.
Health care records must be maintained for employment plus 3 years
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32. Compliance Dates Effective 60 days after publication
11month after publication – Information to employees
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33. Compliance Dates – cont.
12 months after publication – Must respond to reports of MSD incidents:
7 days- Action Triggers
7 days – MSD Management
If the job meets Action Trigger
30 days- Management Leadership/Employee Participation
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34. Compliance Dates – cont.
45 days – Train on Program Setup
60 days – Job Hazard Analysis
90 days – Implement Initial Controls
90 days – Train current Employees
2 years – Implement Permanent Controls (except that initial compliance – 4years plus 60 days)
3 years – Program Evaluation
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35. Part III Elements of Ergonomics Programs

36. Ergonomic Programs Key Elements Looking for signs of MSD’s
Developing Action Plans
Training – Building In-house Expertise
Data Collection & Evaluation
Developing Controls
Health Care Management
Program Evaluation
Developing a proactive program
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37. Looking for signs of MSD’s
Recognizing signs of a problem
OSHA 200 Logs
Worker complaints (signs & symptoms)
Medical indications
Types of job tasks
Industry notices and job comparisons
Changes in production goals
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38. Determining a level of effort
Full scale
Task specific
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39. Setting the stage for action
Ergonomic as part of S&H
Reactive vs Proactive
Cost Effectiveness
Management Commitment
Must be a Company goal
Expect full cooperation
Assign lead roles
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40. Management Commitment –cont.
Give ergonomics equal priority with:
Cost reduction
Productivity
Quality assurance
Work with and involve local unions
Resource commitment
Communication in both directions
Management evaluation of the program
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41. Union and Worker Involvement
Promotes safety and health
Have a better understanding of the job tasks
Adds problem solving capabilities
Ownership
Greater acceptance of changes
Improves job satisfaction
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42. Training – Building In-house Expertise
Ergonomic Awareness Training
Recognizing risk factors
Signs and symptoms
Complete understanding of the program
Controls
Employee roles
Reporting
Task at risk
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43. Training in job analysis & controls
Develop skill and expertise
Consultants
Labor and management
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44. Data collection & evaluation
Health and medical indicators
Worker reports
OSHA logs and other records
Symptoms surveys
Medical exams
Identify risk factors by job
Screen all jobs/tasks
Perform hazard analysis
Set priorities
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45. Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Awkward Posture
Bending or twisting while lifting
Repeated or stained bending or twisting of wrists, knees, hips, or shoulders
Frequent or prolonged work above the shoulders
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46. Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Forceful exertions (lifting, pushing, pulling)
Increased weight of loads
Bulkiness
Awkward posture
Speeding up movement
Vibration
Pinching grip
Undersized tools
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47. Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Repetitive motion
Duration
Contact stress
Vibration
Cold temperatures
Insufficient recovery times
Machine pace
Unfamiliar work tasks
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48. Job hazard analysis – risk factors
Other related factors
Performance monitoring
Incentive pay
Lack of employee control to determine injury
Safety incentive programs
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49. Methods of conducting a Job hazard analysis
Walkthrough observation survey
Worker and supervisor interviews
Records review
Scoring jobs using risk factors checklists
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50. Performing a job hazard analysis
Break the job into elements/actions/tasks
Detailed description
Measure & Quantify risk factors
Photograph/video tasks
Identify contributing conditions
Environment
Noise
Etc.
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51. Performing a job hazard analysis
Key evaluation factors
Tools, equipment & materials used
Workstation/area layout
Task demands
Organization of work - climate
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52. Developing controls Types of controls Engineering Administrative
Personal equipment (PPE)
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53. Performing a job hazard analysis
Implementing controls
Tests and trials of selected solutions
Modification to selected solutions
Full-scale implementation
Evaluating controls effectiveness
Reduction in incidence rate
Reduction in severity
Increase in productivity
Reduction in complaints
Reduction in turnover & absenteeism
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54. Setting Priorities Cases of MSD’s Signs & Symptoms
Significant risk factors
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55. Developing Controls Types of Controls Implementing Controls
Engineering
Administrative
Personal Equipment
Implementing Controls
Evaluating Control Effectiveness
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56. Types of Controls Engineering Preferred approach Workstation layout
Selection and use of tools
Work methods
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57. Administrative controls
Work practices and policies
Changes in job rules and procedures
Scheduling
More rest breaks
Rotating workers and adjusting work pace
Training workers to recognize risk factors
Training on techniques for reducing stresses and strains
Usually considered as temporary
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58. Personal Equipment
Wrist supports, back belts, vibration attenuation gloves
NIOSH – insufficient evidence to determine is helpful
Must be evaluated to insure they don’t create a hazard
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59. Implementing Controls
Sources
Trade Associations
Insurance companies
Consultants
Visits to other sites
Training courses
Input for workers
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60. Implementing Controls
Process
Trials and tests of selected solutions
Modify or revise tested solutions
Full-scale implementation
Follow up and evaluation of effectiveness of controls
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61. Evaluating Controls Effectiveness
Use the same risk factors checklist
Re-do job hazard analysis
May include a symptoms survey
Short term weeks after implementations of solutions
If hazards are not substantially reduced or eliminate re-start problem solving process
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62. Evaluating Control Effectiveness
Long term evaluations are necessary
Indicators of and effective program include:
Reduction in the incidence rate of MSD’s
Reduction in the severity rate of MSD’s
Increase in productivity or quality
Reduction in job turnover or absenteeism
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63. Health Care Management
Employer responsibilities
Employee responsibilities
Health care providers responsibilities
Issues
Job familiarity and job placement evaluation
Early reporting and access to health care providers
Treatment
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64. Employer Responsibilities
Providing education and training
Recognition of signs and symptoms
Reporting procedures
Encourage early reporting and prompt evaluation
Give health care providers opportunity to become familiar with jobs and tasks
Modifying job, accommodating employees
Employee privacy and confidentially of medical records
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65. Employee Responsibilities
Following applicable workplace safety & health rules
Following work practices procedures
Reporting early signs of MSD’s
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66. Health care providers responsibilities
Acquire experience and training
Understand employees job
Maintain medical privacy
Evaluate symptoms
Medical history
Describe work activities
Physical examination
Initial assessment
Offer an opinion of cause
Follow up
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67. Proactive Ergonomics Proactive vs reactive Design phase
Avoid risk factors
Preplanning of tool and equipment selection to fit job to worker
Workstation layout
Job design
Materials selection
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68. Essential considerations
Identify and resolve ergonomic problems in the planning process
Design strategies emphasizing fitting the job to the worker
Re-evaluate the program regularly
Provide regular training
Continually fine tune the program
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69. Workstation Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Does the work space allow for full range of movement? [ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are mechanical aids and equipment available? [ ]yes [ ]no
3. Is the height of the work surface adjustable? [ ]yes [ ]no
4. Can the work surface be tilted or angled? [ ]yes [ ]no
5. Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate
bending or twisting at the wrist? [ ]yes [ ]no
reaching above the shoulder? [ ]yes [ ]no
static muscle loading? [ ]yes [ ]no
full extension of the arms? [ ]yes [ ]no
raised elbows? [ ]yes [ ]no
6. Are the workers able to vary posture? [ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are the hands and arms free from sharp edges on work surfaces? [ ]yes [ ]no
8. Is an armrest provided where needed? [ ]yes [ ]no
9. Is a footrest provided where needed? [ ]yes [ ]no
10. Is the floor surface free of obstacles and flat? [ ]yes [ ]no
11. Are cushioned floor mats provided for employees required to stand for long periods? [ ]yes [ ]no
12. Are chairs or stools easily adjustable and suited to the task? [ ]yes [ ]no
13. Are all task elements visible from comfortable positions? [ ]yes [ ]no
14. Is there a preventive maintenance program for mechanical aids, tools, and other equipment? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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70. Task Analysis Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Does the design of the primary task reduce or eliminate
bending or twisting of the back or trunk? [ ]yes [ ]no
crouching? [ ]yes [ ]no
bending or twisting the wrist? [ ]yes [ ]no
extending the arms? [ ]yes [ ]no
raised elbows? [ ]yes [ ]no
static muscle loading? [ ]yes [ ]no
clothes wringing motions? [ ]yes [ ]no
finger pinch grip? [ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are mechanical devices used when necessary? [ ]yes [ ]no
3. Can the task be done with either hand? [ ]yes [ ]no
4. Can the task be done with two hands? [ ]yes [ ]no
5. Are pushing or pulling forces kept minimal? [ ]yes [ ]no
6. Are required forces judged acceptable by the workers? [ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are the materials
able to be held without slipping? [ ]yes [ ]no
easy to grasp? [ ]yes [ ]no
free from sharp edges and corners? [ ]yes [ ]no
8. Do containers have good handholds? [ ]yes [ ]no
9. Are jigs, fixtures, and vises used where needed? [ ]yes [ ]no
10. As needed, do gloves fit properly and are they made of the proper fabric? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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71. Task Analysis Checklist – cont.
11. Does the worker avoid contact with sharp edges when performing the task? [ ]yes [ ]no
12. When needed, are push buttons designed properly? [ ]yes [ ]no
13. Do the job tasks allow for ready use of personal equipment that may be required? [ ]yes [ ]no
14. Are high rates of repetitive motion avoided by
Job rotation? [ ]yes [ ]no
self-pacing? [ ]yes [ ]no
sufficient pauses? [ ]yes [ ]no
adjusting the job skill level of the worker? [ ]yes [ ]no
15. Is the employee trained in
proper work practices? [ ]yes [ ]no
when and how to make adjustments? [ ]yes [ ]no
recognizing signs and symptoms of potential problems? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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72. Handtool Analysis Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Are tools selected to limit or minimize
exposure to excessive vibration? [ ]yes [ ]no
use of excessive force? [ ]yes [ ]no
bending or twisting the wrist? [ ]yes [ ]no
finger pinch grip? [ ]yes [ ]no
problems associated with trigger finger? [ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are tools powered where necessary and feasible? [ ]yes [ ]no
3. Are tools evenly balanced? [ ]yes [ ]no
4. Are heavy tools suspended or counterbalanced in ways to facilitate use? [ ]yes [ ]no
5. Does the tool allow adequate visibility of the work? [ ]yes [ ]no
6. Does the tool grip/handle prevent slipping during use? [ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are tools equipped with handles of textured, non-conductive material? [ ]yes [ ]no
8. Are different handle sizes available to fit a wide range of hand sizes? [ ]yes [ ]no
9. Is the tool handle designed not to dig into the palm of the hand? [ ]yes [ ]no
10. Can the tool be used safely with gloves? [ ]yes [ ]no
11. Can the tool be used by either hand? [ ]yes [ ]no
12. Is there a preventive maintenance program to keep tools operating as designed? [ ]yes [ ]no
13. Have employees been trained [ ]yes [ ]no
in the proper use of tools? [ ]yes [ ]no
when and how to report problems with tools? [ ]yes [ ]no
in proper tool maintenance? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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73. Materials Handling Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Are the weights of loads to be lifted judged acceptable by the workforce? [ ]yes [ ]no
2. Are materials moved over minimum distances? [ ]yes [ ]no
3. Is the distance between the object load and the body minimized? [ ]yes [ ]no
4. Are walking surfaces
level? [ ]yes [ ]no
wide enough? [ ]yes [ ]no
clean and dry? [ ]yes [ ]no
5. Are objects
easy to grasp? [ ]yes [ ]no
stable? [ ]yes [ ]no
able to be held without slipping? [ ]yes [ ]no
6. Are there handholds on these objects? [ ]yes [ ]no
7. When required, do gloves fit properly? [ ]yes [ ]no
8. Is the proper footwear worn? [ ]yes [ ]no
9. Is there enough room to maneuver? [ ]yes [ ]no
10. Are mechanical aids used whenever possible? [ ]yes [ ]no
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74. Materials Handling Checklist – cont.
11. Are working surfaces adjustable to the best handling heights? [ ]yes [ ]no
12. Does material handling avoid [ ]yes [ ]no
movements below knuckle height and above shoulder height? [ ]yes [ ]no
static muscle loading? [ ]yes [ ]no
sudden movements during handling? [ ]yes [ ]no
twisting at the waist? [ ]yes [ ]no
extended reaching? [ ]yes [ ]no
13. Is help available for heavy or awkward lifts? [ ]yes [ ]no
14. Are high rates of repetition avoided by
job rotation? [ ]yes [ ]no
self-pacing? [ ]yes [ ]no
sufficient pauses? [ ]yes [ ]no
15. Are pushing or pulling forces reduced or eliminated? [ ]yes [ ]no
16. Does the employee have an unobstructed view of handling the task? [ ]yes [ ]no
17. Is there a preventive maintenance program for equipment? [ ]yes [ ]no
18. Are workers trained in correct handling and lifting procedures? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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75. Computer Workstation Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.
1. Does the workstation ensure proper worker posture, such as
horizontal thighs? [ ]yes [ ]no
vertical lower legs? [ ]yes [ ]no
feet flat on floor or footrest? [ ]yes [ ]no
neutral wrists? [ ]yes [ ]no
2. Does the chair
adjust easily? [ ]yes [ ]no
have a padded seat with a rounded front? [ ]yes [ ]no
have an adjustable backrest? [ ]yes [ ]no
provide lumbar support? [ ]yes [ ]no
have casters? [ ]yes [ ]no
3. Are the height and tilt of the work surface on which the keyboard is located adjustable? [ ]yes [ ]no
4. Is the keyboard detachable? [ ]yes [ ]no
5. Do keying actions require minimal force? [ ]yes [ ]no
6. Is there an adjustable document holder? [ ]yes [ ]no
7. Are arm rests provided where needed? [ ]yes [ ]no
8. Are glare and reflections avoided? [ ]yes [ ]no
9. Does the monitor have brightness and contrast controls? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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76. Computer Workstation Checklist – cont.
10. Do the operators judge the distance between eyes and work to be satisfactory for their viewing needs? [ ]yes [ ]no
11. Is there sufficient space for knees and feet? [ ]yes [ ]no
12. Can the workstation be used for either right- or left-handed activity? [ ]yes [ ]no
13. Are adequate rest breaks provided for task demands? [ ]yes [ ]no
14. Are high stroke rates avoided by
job rotation? [ ]yes [ ]no
self-pacing? [ ]yes [ ]no
adjusting the job to the skill of the worker? [ ]yes [ ]no
15. Are employees trained in
proper postures? [ ]yes [ ]no
proper work methods? [ ]yes [ ]no
when and how to adjust their workstations? [ ]yes [ ]no
how to seek assistance for their concerns? [ ]yes [ ]no
December 2000
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77. Exercise 1
Program Outline

78. Program Outline
The purpose of this exercise is to develop a program outline for your facility.
The outline should be bullet points.
Define areas that you feel are most important in any Safety & Health Program.
Outline a time table of when specific events should happen.
How will you resolve conflicts or disagreements of what to include in the program.
December 2000
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79. Ergonomics Committee Duties
Exercise 2
Ergonomics Committee Duties

80. Ergonomics Committee Duties
List the duties of the Ergonomics Committee.
How will conflicts be resolved?
What method and how often will follow up be conducted?
When should the committee get involved in an ergonomics program?
What authority and responsibilities should the committee have?
December 2000
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81. Work area and job task evaluations
Exercise 3
Work area and job task evaluations

82. Work area and task evalustion
As a group and using the methods outlined in this presentation, and the forms provided, evaluate a work area or job task in your facility.
Develop a corrective actions plan.
Present your evaluation to the group
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83. Review of evaluation and corrective action plans
Exercise 4
Review of evaluation and corrective action plans

84. Group review
Each group presents their evaluation and corrective action plan.
The other groups will act as the ergonomics committee.
Evaluate the data and actions
Ask additional questions
Final action recommendation
December 2000
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