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Completion of this unit fulfills required WSU-TC safety training for: Ergonomics Lifting Slips, trips and falls
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work.
Ergonomic principals adapt work to a specific person by designing tasks & tools or equipment to fit the individual to prevent injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
Reduction of work-related injuries Increased worker productivity Increased work quality YOU JUST Reduced absenteeism FEEL BETTER! Increased morale
Ergonomics provides a win-win situation..on and off the job
An MSD is an illness or injury that affects one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system
MSD
Cumulative trauma disorder (CTDs) Repetitive strain injures (RSIs) Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs)
When not diagnosed and treated these can cause inconvenience permanent pain and disability.
SYMPTOMS of MSDs
DiscomfortNumbness Tingling Loss of strength Swelling Reduced range of motion Fatigue Stiffness
Pain
Aching
Pain & tingling, can go up the arm to the shoulder and neck, causing waking to pain in middle of night
TRIGGER FINGER
Trigger finger affects the ability of tendons to slip back and forth. The tendon and/or ligament thicken and a nodule forms This can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lacerations of tendon, gripping power tools, long hours of grasping steering wheel, or birth defects Symptoms are pain and a funny clicking sensation
TENNIS ELBOW
Overuse or misuse of the forearm muscles can cause tendonitis, or a painful inflammation of the tendons connecting these muscles to bone. This condition is brought on or aggravated by poor leverage causing an uneven distribution of force on a few muscles. This may be when working, or during certain leisure activities, such as sports and gardening.
If the condition cannot be reversed, treatment can turn into a pain management situation.
Awkward posture
The purpose of ergonomic training is to help you reduce or eliminate the stresses that can lead to MSDs Your body is designed to do work. When it works in positions or postures in which it is designed to deal with physical stress, there is no problem, but when it is forced to perform under unnatural situations or for abnormal periods of time, injuries can occur. Almost all of the ergonomic stresses at work can be decreased by using the right equipment in the right position so that the body can perform in the right posture.
Work Comfortably!
If most of your work is done in an office continue If most of your work is done outside of an office continue
Office Ergonomics-
Height adjustable
Office Ergonomics-
MONITOR HEIGHT
Office Ergonomics-
KEYBOARD STYLES
A variety of styles are available. Choose one that is comfortable for you.
Office Ergonomics-
KEYBOARD HOLDER
Keyboard holders should
Office Ergonomics-
MOUSE HOLDERS
Mouse trays or mouse holders can bring a mouse to a better position
Office Ergonomics-
MOUSE STYLES
Choose a style comfortable for your hand and fingers
Office Ergonomics-
WORK PLACEMENT
Position equipment so that your body is in a comfortable and natural position most of the time while you are working. Dont place things so you have to reach, twist or bend continually Place work at monitor height or place in path of monitor Listen to your body. If you cannot focus or often feel tired or uncomfortable, you are probably not working in a good position. See what you can do to make your work more comfortable for you.
Office Ergonomics-
Wrists straight
Back supported Forearms supported
Forearms and thighs parallel to the floor
Office Ergonomics-
MOUSE POSITION
Mouse should be close to the keyboard and the same height or slightly higher
NO!
Office Ergonomics-
Phone PLACEMENT
Should be different for right and left handers
You should not have to twist and reach across your body every time you answer the phone.
Many people need to spend a lot of time on the phone, and must often do other tasks at the same time
This creates a lot of stress for neck and shoulder muscles
Consider a head set if you spend a lot of time on the phone, especially if you do other tasks at the same time
Office Ergonomics-
Document PLACEMENT
Place documents so that you dont need to bend your head to read while you keyboard Consider getting a document holder
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can influence ergonomic stress. Lighting Noise Temperature
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Lighting should be indirect and adequate Not too much light, or it may cause a glare, headaches and eye fatigue If there is a glare on your eyes as you work, use glare screens on computers, or adjustable blinds at windows
Office Ergonomics-
GLARE SCREENS
can be prevented
Accommodate your eyes
Use computer eyewear when appropriate Placement of reference material and monitor distance should be comfortable for your eyes
Periodically focus on object 20 feet away Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Ergonomic STRESSORS
If your office is near a noise source, close your door, or wear ear plugs Besides causing ear damage, constant noise can create extra muscle tension in the body causing fatigue and making it easier for ergonomic injuries to occur.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Temperature
People are more prone to ergonomic injuries in cold environments. Muscles and other tissues are more tense, because of decreased circulation. Dress appropriately Do some warm up exercises, such as stretching your hands, to loosen your finger muscles before keyboarding.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
A task can require a moderate amount of force to be applied to very small muscles
Examples:
Dragging and dropping with the mouse Gripping the sides of the mouse or phone tightly Pounding on the keyboard Grasping thick file folders Stapling or stamping Opening 3-ring binder Lifting heavy manuals with one hand
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Resting wrists on the desk edge while typing or using mouse Leaning elbows on hard chair or armrests or work surfaces Sitting in chair that places pressure on the backs of the thighs
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Even if these do not occur in your work environment, what about home activities?
CONTINUE
Workplace Ergonomics
Office Ergonomics-
WORK PLACEMENT
Position equipment so that your body is in a comfortable and natural position most of the time while you are working. Dont place things so you have to reach, twist or bend continually Place work at monitor height or place in path of monitor Listen to your body. If you cannot focus or often feel tired or uncomfortable, you are probably not working in a good position. See what you can do to make your work more comfortable for you.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can influence ergonomic stress.
Lighting
Noise
Temperature
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Use computer eyewear when appropriate Placement of reference material and monitor distance should be comfortable for your eyes
Periodically focus on object 20 feet away Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Periodically focus on object 5 feet away Blink eyes rapidly if they feel dry
Ergonomic STRESSORS
If you work near a constant noise source, such as generators or fans, close your door, or wear ear plugs.
Besides causing ear damage, constant noise can create extra muscle tension in the body causing fatigue and making it easier for ergonomic injuries to occur.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
If you use equipment which makes loud noise, wear ear plugs. EH&S can help you find some which are comfortable and appropriate Use of most power equipment, machinery, lawn mowers, and blowers should require ear plugs.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Temperature
People are more prone to ergonomic injuries in cold environments because circulation is slowed down and muscles and other tissues are more tense. Dress appropriately
Ergonomic STRESSORS
A task can require a moderate amount of force to be applied to very small muscles
Examples:
Pushing the same button over Gripping the sides of the phone tightly Pounding a hammer using your wrist muscles Grasping a screwdriver with only a couple of fingers Lifting heavy items with one hand
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Leaning elbows on hard chair or armrests or work surfaces Sitting on a seat that places pressure on the backs of the thighs
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Ergonomic STRESSORS
HOME-OFFICE CONNECTION
What happens off the job may influence stress, discomfort, or pain during the workday and vise-versa.The two are intertwined.
Hobbies and recreational activities (golf, sewing, gardening, etc.) may cause repetitive motion injuries, which may then be complicated on the job.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
Psycosocial Stress
Any interactions, job tasks or personal problems which cause psychological or social stress cause increased muscle tension, which can make injury more likely. Be aware of these additional stresses and compensate for them by taking extra breaks and being especially careful when under extra pressure.
Ergonomic STRESSORS
INDIVIDUAL STRESSORS
People face different stresses and have different abilities to in cope. We dont live a vacuum,
life stresses can adversely Employees vary in physical condition. effect the wellness of an individual and contribute to Some individuals are also dealing with ergonomic stressors. chronic illnesses or disabilities
Solutions
Solutions
Avoid REPETITION
Performing the same or similar motions repeatedly for extended periods without time for rest and recovery can lead to discomfort or trauma. Examples:
Keyboarding, mousing, and 10-keying Flipping through files & paperwork Extended reading or writing Punching or stapling Pruning or clipping Painting Hammering
Solutions
The length of time spent at a task without breaks, shifts in position, or stretches is more important than the actual task. The longer the uninterrupted duration of a task, the more potential for discomfort or injury
Our bodies are designed to do work. But the result on the body of doing a repetitive task for 2 hours verses 6 hours straight is very different.
Solutions
Static positions are your enemy! Whenever you think of it, change position Small frequent stretches go a long way in preventing MSDs.
Stretch Break
WSU- TC has purchased this software for all faculty, staff, and students to use if they wish.
To download this program, go to http://www.tricity.wsu.edu/ctc/Files/Stretchbreak.exe Choose 'Open' when prompted to do so. Press 'Ok' and 'Next' until the installation is finished.
Stretch Break (default) interrupts you every 30 minutes- suggests three varied stretches which take a total of 1 minute to complete. You cannot believe how much better you feel afterwards. You can cancel the stretches as soon as they come on the screen, choose the amount of time you work before being interrupted ( between 10 minutes and 3 hours) and decide which of the many exercises you want to include, and how many you want to do at each break. Such programs are one of the best preventions of ergonomic injuries at a computer workstation. Even if you choose not to do the exercises, you will be reminded to shift position, etc periodically so that your muscles do not become unduly stressed. Most computer related injuries occur because of projects which engage persons for a substantial length of time.
Solutions
Organize tasks around built in breaks Eye breaks - blink to moisten eyes every 5-10 minutes. Every 15 minutes or so look away from the screen to distant part of room. Micro-breaks - between burst of activity rest the hands, neck and shoulders in a relaxed straight posture. Rest breaks - every 30-60 minutes take a brief 5-minute break and engage in another activity.
Solutions
Solutions
Examples:
Reaching up and over Slouching or leaning forward in the chair Leaning forward or bending over work Holding heavy items in position Lifting, pushing pulling Turning head side to side to view the monitor Cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder Typing with bent wrists
Solutions
Holding hands in place Keeping the head still while reading Sitting still for long periods of time Sitting upright without back support
Solutions
Solutions
Solutions
Solutions
Get a firm grip on what you are lifting and be sure you are on solid footing Squat when lifting something from below the waist. Keep heels down and feet shoulder-width apart and turned out Keep the load close to your body Turn your whole body in the direction you want to move- avoid twisting when lifting Keep your knees bent and lean in the direction of the movement Let your legs and body weight do the work Squat to set loads down
Individualize Solutions
People come in all shapes and sizes- what works for one person may or may not work for another. Ergonomics is a puzzle to be put together for each individual. What works today may or may not work later. We all change due to time and other circumstances.
Individualize Solutions
Individuals must take responsibility for their own ergonomic problems. Think about possible MSDs BEFORE you have discomfort!
Look at your daily work tasks Identify one or more risk factors Review & rethink your work activities/tasks (including those outside of work) For a Free WORK STATION ASSESSMENT Contact your supervisor and Lezlie Couch
http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/ohs/ohs-ergo.htm
WSU ergonomic fact sheet
Let supervisors know when there is a problem Discuss concerns and possible solutions with your supervisor Adjusting work schedules
Recommend and/or implement solutions. Try something and if it doesnt feel comfortable, discontinue and try something else!
As time passes, try to notice if the problem has truly been eliminated.
Let your supervisor know how well the controls are working.
REMEMBER!
Rearrange work areacontrol your environment, use the right equipment in the right position, keep work within reach
Change work habitspractice and use correct procedures, avoid repetition and long duration of a single task take frequent breaks
Look up & away from your work frequently Change your chair position occasionally
At WSU-TC, more people are injured and more work time is lost by slips, trips, and falls, than by any other means.
Hazards that can lead to slips, trips and falls are often
overlooked, even though they cause many injuries ranging from minor cuts and sprains to disabling injuries and even death.
SLIP Hazards
A slip occurs when there is too little friction or traction between footwear and a walking surface. Common causes of slips are:
Slippery floor surfaces Liquid, moisture or ice on the floor, Food, trash or other small objects Oil or grease on the floor Footwear without nonskid soles
Trip Hazards
A trip occurs when a persons foot contacts an object or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, and they are thrown off balance. Some common causes of tripping are:
Unsafe stairway conditions or use Floor Hazardous level floor or conditions hidden steps such that aspassageways may not be obvious Electrical or changes telephone cords that cross and aisles protruding nails, holes or loose boards, loose carpet and rugs Furniture that creates obstacles
Insufficient lighting for Elevator walking cars or that working do not areas level off at Materials stored in passageways, aisles and stairways the same height of the floor stopped at Desk or file cabinet drawers left open, objects protruding into passageways and aisles
Fall Hazards
In addition to falls as a result of slips and trips, you may be injured if you fall from an elevation. Some causes of falls are:
Not sitting on 4 square of a chair Carrying large or too many items that prevents seeing where
you are going
Clean up all spills immediately WITHOUT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES, Mark spills and wet areas ANY OTHER PREVENTIVE MEASURES (SUCH AS INSTALLING SPECIAL NO-SLIP FLOORING, EXPENSIVE SHOES OR TRAINING ON WALKING Mop or sweep debris from floors TECHNIQUES AND SAFE FALLING) Remove obstacles from walkways and always keep NEVER BE FULLY EFFECTIVE. them free WILL of clutter Secure mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat Always close file cabinets or storage drawers Cover cables that cross walkways Keep work areas and walkways well lit Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches
Keep both hands free for balance rather than in your pockets.
Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles or studded shoe pullovers for walking on icy surfaces
Use sidewalks walkways that have been cleared of ice and snow.
In Conclusion
Take responsibility for the safety of your work area. Report unsafe situations or conditions to
Facilities (Jerry Massey 2-7216 )or EH&S (Lezlie Couch 2-7163)