1. Ergonomics

2. Definition “Ergon” = Work “nomics” = Study of
The science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers.
The goal is to find a “best fit” between the worker and the job conditions.

3. Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace
Reduce the risk of CTD
Increase productivity
Increase safety
Improve quality of work
Decrease fatigue and error

4. Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are health disorders arising from repeated biomechanical stress to the hands, wrist, elbows, shoulders, neck, back
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect soft tissue of the body in areas like the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, and fingers. These include nerves, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles

5. Carpal tunnel syndrome Low back pain Neck pain Tendinitis
Most Common CTDs
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Low back pain
Neck pain
Tendinitis

6. Risk Factors for CTDs Force Repetition Awkward Postures
Static Postures
Contact Stress
Temperature Extremes
Vibration
Psycho-social Issues

7. Risk Factors : FORCE
amount of physical effort required to maintain control of equipment or tools, or to perform a task such as heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying

8. Risk Factors : REPETITION
Occurs when the same or similar movements are performed frequently.
Injury may result when the tissues do not have adequate time to recover.

9. Risk Factors : AWKWARD POSTURES
Deviation from the “neutral” body position.
Awkward posture puts stress on muscles, tendons and joints.

10. Risk Factors : STATIC POSTURES
Occurs when one position is held for a prolonged period of time.
The muscles will become fatigued from a lack of blood flow during a static posture.

11. Risk Factors : CONTACT STRESS
Caused by any sharp or hard object putting localized pressure on a part of the body.
Will irritate local tissues and interfere with circulation and nerve function.

12. Risk Factors : TEMP. EXTREMES
Can place stress on tissues.
Extreme cold constricts blood vessels and reduces sensitivity and coordination of body parts.
Excessive heat can result in increased fatigue and heat stress.

13. Risk Factors : VIBRATION
Can occur while using power tools or while driving equipment.
Place stress on the tissues of the fingers, hand and arms.
Whole body vibration from driving puts stress on the spinal tissues.

14. Risk Factors : PSYCHO-SOCIAL
Stress, boredom, job dissatisfaction and anxiety can contribute to the possibility of developing a MSD.
Psycho-social issues can create increased muscle tension and reduce a person’s awareness of work technique.

15. How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??
By applying ergonomic principles to the workplace, risk factors are minimized, productivity is increased, and overall workplace quality is improved.

16. How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??
Improve body posture
Maintain proper posture at all times.
Maintain the natural “S” curves of the spine.

17. Standing posture Keep head directly over the shoulders.
Tighten the core abdominal mm
Prop one foot in a stool to reduce stress on low back

18. Sitting posture

19. How can we avoid CTDs?
Prolonged static postures should be avoided (max time is mins)
Change positions frequently.
Stretch breaks can be incorporated into daily tasks.

20. How can we avoid CTDs? Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can.
The best zone for lifting is between the shoulders and your waist.

21. How can we avoid CTDs? Use proper lifting techniques.
Take a balanced stance. Squat down to lift the object.
Keep the object close to the body.
Avoid twisting.

22. Adjust the workstation
Workstation must be adjusted to promote a neutral position while a person works.
Workstations must be easily adjustable to accommodate the worker performing the task .

23. Check the environment Check lighting, noise and temperature.
Check work pace and stress levels.
Check work processes.

24. Get In Shape
Strengthen your stomach muscles, lose a little weight, increase your flexibility.

25. Thank you…