Ergonomics Back Safety Exit Definition Ergon Work nomics

Ergonomics Back Safety Exit

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. Back Safety Exit

Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace • • • Reduce the risk of CTD Increase productivity Increase safety Improve quality of work Decrease fatigue and error Back Safety Exit

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 Back Safety Exit

Most Common CTDs • • Carpal tunnel syndrome Low back pain Neck pain Tendinitis Back Safety Exit

Risk Factors for CTDs • • Back Safety Force Repetition Awkward Postures Static Postures Contact Stress Temperature Extremes Vibration Psycho-social Exit. Issues

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 Back Safety Exit

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. Back Safety Exit

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

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. Back Safety Exit

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. Back Safety Exit

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

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

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

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. Back Safety Exit

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

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 Back Safety Exit

Sitting posture Back Safety Exit

How can we avoid CTDs? • Prolonged static postures should be avoided (max time is 20 -30 mins) • Change positions frequently. • Stretch breaks can be incorporated into daily tasks. Back Safety Exit

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

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

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. Back Safety Exit

Check the environment • Check lighting, noise and temperature. • Check work pace and stress levels. • Check work processes. Back Safety Exit

Get In Shape • Strengthen your stomach muscles, lose a little weight, increase your flexibility. Back Safety Exit

Thank you… Back Safety Exit