Ergonomics

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with
the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks that
match the physiological, anatomical, and
psychological characteristics and capabilities of the
worker. Vern Putz-Anderson
The Goal of ergonomics is to fit the job to the
person, rather than making the person fit the job.
Ergotech
If it hurts when you are doing something, dont do
it. Bill Black
ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Evolution of Ergonomics
Dates back to Ramazzini 1700s
Gained significance during WWII for airplane
cockpit layout
Progressed slowly until the 80s and 90s with the
advent of the computer and more efficient
workplace design
Now, guidelines are in place and greater use of
technology
ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Why do we care about Ergonomics?

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs)

Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries
MSDs

Contact with Objects

Workplace Violence

All Other

Transportation Related

Falls
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Survey, 1996

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

MSDs Cost Twice the Average

Workers Compensation Claim
0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

MSDs of the Back

Upper Extremity
MSDs

Average Claim

Average Costs per Claim ($)

Source: Workers Compensation data from Insurance Companies 1993

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Types of Injuries
Muscle pain

Repetitive motion
injury

Joint pain

Cumulative trauma
disorder

Swelling
Numbness

Musculoskeletal
disorder

Restricted motion
Repetitive stress injury

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Target Regions
Back
Upper extremities
Lower extremities

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Multidisciplinary
Nature of Ergonomics
Anatomy and Physiology
Engineering Psychology
Engineering
Medicine
Anthropology
Biomechanics
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Types of Problems or Mismatches

Physical Size
Endurance
Strength
Manipulative
Environmental
Cognitive
From David Alexander, 1986
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Physical Size
Clearance
Reach
Equipment Size
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

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Endurance (Capacity for Work)

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Environmental
Noise
Lighting
Thermal
Chemical

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Cognitive
Machine Pacing
Shift Work
Morale
Psychosocial

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Strength
Force Requirements
Male/Female
Manual Materials Handling

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Benefits of Ergonomics
Decreased injury risk
Increased productivity
Decreased mistakes/rework
Increased efficiency
Decreased lost work days
Decreased turnover
Improved morale
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Goals of Intervention
Tolerable
Acceptable
Optimal

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Ergonomic Controls
Engineering
Administrative
Work Practices

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Other Issues
Aging workforce
Universal design

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

SanitationToolsandProcessExercise
Describetools
AwkwardPosturesDuringSanitation
Accessibility
Maintainability

Whataresomeofthemostdifficulttasks
JobSafetyAnalysis

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

What does the worker need to

know from this presentation?

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM