Performing An Ergonomics Review Performing an Ergonomics Review

Performing An Ergonomics Review

Performing an Ergonomics Review Why should I perform an ergonomics review? What is the function of an ergonomics review? How do I apply the steps involved in an ergonomics review?

What and Why Performing an Ergonomics Review There is obvious risk in this job, but by performing an ergonomics review, you’ll be able to clearly identify all the risks (not just the ones in this picture). You’ll also be able to give detailed and dimensioned recommendations.

What and Why What is an Ergonomics Review? o Assessment of job tasks o Follows the risk management process n n n Recognize Evaluate Control o Results in effective and efficient ergonomic improvements

Performing an Ergonomics Review How do I do it?

How do I do it? Performing an Ergonomics Review Medical Data Employee Survey EASY BRIEF

Using Passive Surveillance o Worker Reports/Interviews o Review OSHA 300 Injury and Illness Logs o Review Workers’ Compensation Claims o Plant Medical Records o Symptom Surveys

Using Active Surveillance o Observations of workers performing tasks o Still photos/videotaping of work postures, workstation layouts o Workstation measurements o Measuring tool handle sizes, weighing tools and parts, & measuring tool vibration and part dimensions

Using Active Surveillance p Determining characteristics of work surfaces (i. e. , slip resistance, hardness, & surface edges p Performing task analyses (i. e. , time study) p Measuring exposures to heat, cold, noise, & WBV p Biomechanical calculations (i. e. , muscle force required to accomplish task) p Physiological measures (i. e. , heart rate, oxygen consumption) p Questionnaires, subjective ratings of perceived exertion

Steps 1 - 4 Performing an Ergonomics Review o Step 1 – Select a job to review o Step 2 – Gather data o Step 3 – Analyze data o Step 4 – Complete the job improvement process

Step 1 - Select a Job to Review Examine medical data from the past Interview operators Visually assess the jobs in the plant

Step 2 - Gather Data Obtain job information Perform task analysis Videotape the job Take still photos Interview the operator Gather medical data Take workplace measurements

Gather Job Information Step 2 - Gather Data What type of information do you need? Job name Department Shift length Production standards Production mix Rotation schedule Total exposure time Task analysis

Perform Task Analysis Step 2 - Gather Data What is task analysis? Dividing a job into its main components, for example: Pull material on table Cut material with knife Transfer cut material to molding machine Activate molding machine Return to work bench

Worksite Analysis Job Hazard Analysis o Workers o Equipment o Materials o Task/Processes o Environment

Videotape Job Step 2 - Gather Data Viewing angle To p. V iew ew i V t on Fr Side View

Videotape Job Step 2 - Gather Data Viewing angle Field of view Top View Close Up Wide Angle Side View

Videotape Job Step 2 - Gather Data Viewing angle Field of view How much footage? Tape all aspects of the job Tape different working conditions 3 cycles of the job Never too much footage

Videotape Job Step 2 - Gather Data What tools will you need? Video camera Battery charger Charged batteries Blank videotape

Take Pictures Step 2 - Gather Data Lighting, angle, field of view Photo quality Number of photos to take » Two or three shots per angle (minimum) » Take photos of parts, tools, displays, PPE » Take as many photos as you can

Take Pictures Step 2 - Gather Data What tools will you need? » Digital camera (with blank disks or a memory stick) » Battery charger » Charged batteries

Interview Operator Step 2 - Gather Data

Gather Medical Data Step 2 - Gather Data

Review OSHA 300 Logs Step 2 - Gather Data

Symptom Survey Step 2 - Gather Data

Step 2 - Gather Data Symptom Survey

Step 2 - Gather Data Dimensions Weights Forces Measurements

Step 2 - Gather Data Dimensions (side view) Bench height Control locations Part stacking Seat height Product dimensions Measurements

Measurements Step 2 - Gather Data Dimensions (Top view) Reach distances Carry distances Part locations Sight distances Lift locations

Step 2 - Gather Data Weights Measurements Part / box weights Tool weights

Step 2 - Gather Data Grip forces Push/pull forces Control forces Measurements

Step 2 - Gather Data Measurements What tools will you need? Tape measure Pinch grip Grip meter Push/pull meter

BRIEF and EASY Step 3 - Analyze the Data Upper Body Assessment Methods Strain Index ACGIH’s Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and Hand Activity Level (HAL) ACGIH’s Hand/Arm Segmental Vibration Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorder Risk Factor Identification Checklist GM-UAW Risk Factor Checklist Washington State Appendix B

BRIEF and EASY Step 3 - Analyze the Data Low Back Assessment Methods NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation Liberty Mutual (Snook & Ciriello) Tables for Lift/Lower, Carrying and Push/Pull Tasks 3 D Static Strength Prediction Program (3 D SSPP) 2 D Biomechanical Analysis ACGIH’s Lifting Threshold Lifting Values (TLVs) Energy Expenditure Models

BRIEF and EASY Step 3 - Analyze the Data Whole Body Assessment Methods Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) ACGIH’s Whole Body Vibration Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)

BRIEF and EASY Step 3 - Analyze the Data

Step 4 - Brainstorm Controls • Generate as many ideas as possible • There are no bad ideas

Priority Matrix Step 5 - Prioritize Controls

Step 6 - Develop Action Plan

Step 7 - Document Success

QUESTIONS? ?