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Ergonomics

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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.

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Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace

• Reduce the risk of CTD• Increase productivity• Increase safety• Improve quality of work• Decrease fatigue and error

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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

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Most Common CTDs

• Carpal tunnel syndrome• Low back pain• Neck pain• Tendinitis

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Risk Factors for CTDs

• Force• Repetition• Awkward Postures• Static Postures• Contact Stress• Temperature Extremes• Vibration• Psycho-social Issues

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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

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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.

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Risk Factors : AWKWARD POSTURES

• Deviation from the “neutral” body position.

• Awkward posture puts stress on muscles, tendons and joints.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??

Improve body posture

• Maintain proper posture at all times.

• Maintain the natural “S” curves of the spine.

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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

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Sitting posture

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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.

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How can we avoid CTDs?

• Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can.

• The best zone for lifting is between the shoulders and your waist.

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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.

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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 .

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Check the environment

• Check lighting, noise and temperature.

• Check work pace and stress levels.

• Check work processes.

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Get In Shape

• Strengthen your stomach muscles, lose a little weight, increase your flexibility.

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Thank you…