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ERGONOMICS
11/13Image courtesy of mkprosopsis.com
What is ERGONOMICS?
Definition:er·go·nom·ics (ûr'gə-nŏm'ĭks): an applied
science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.
Goal of Ergonomics:Identify tasks that create unhealthy stress
on your body.Prevent injuries by adjusting the way you
perform your job.
Defining ERGONOMICS
The most simple definition is: “Fitting the job to the worker”.
The practice of adapting products and processes to human characteristics and capabilities in order to improve people’s well-being and optimize productivity.
We must understand:What tasks are being performedWho is performing the tasksWhat is being used to perform the tasks
Components of a Work Station
Chair Seat Height, Seat Angle, Seat Depth,
Backrest Height, Backrest Angle, Armrests
Work surface Primary, Secondary & Reference Zone
Keyboard/Mouse Monitor
Distance, Height, Location & Angle
Telephone Environment
Lighting, Air Quality, Temperature, Space & Noise
Accessories Document Holders, Footrests,
Keyboard Trays & Glare Screens
Why do we HURT??
Most common factors:Poor postureLack of movement
As employees of the University, it is important that you take responsibility for yourself. If you notice something set-up wrong in your
workstation or are feeling pain or discomfort due to working, you need to report it to the Safety Office right away!
Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs)
What are MSDs?Serious injuries caused by excessive or
repetitive physical demands placed on your body over long periods of time.
MSDs can affect any body part that is placed under excessive or repetitive amounts of stress.
How serious are MSDs in the workplace?
Serious injuries caused by excessive or repetitive physical demands placed on your body over long periods of time.
MSDs can affect any body part that is placed under excessive or repetitive amounts of stress.
1 out of every 3 MSDs are serious enough to result in lost time from work.
MSDs are the most common workplace injury.
Image courtesy of whsm.com
Common MSDs
Raynaud’s syndromeCarpal tunnel syndromeTrigger fingerTendonitisHerniated spinal disc
Warning Signs and Symptoms of MSDs
Warning SignsWeakened grip strengthDecreased range of motionLoss of muscle function
SymptomsPainNumbnessStiffnessBurning or tingling Image courtesy of stackful-dev.com
When should I report my symptoms?
When in doubt, report your symptoms to the VCSU Safety Office- especially if:
Pain is severePain becomes worse over timeSymptoms include numbness or tinglingYour injury keeps you up at night
File an “Initial Incident Report” and make an appointment to see your DMP.
Report any MSD risks and recommendations to the VCSU Safety Office.
Common Causes of MSDs
Heavy lifting Moving heavy objects can damage your spine or strain muscles.
Tight/strong gripping Tight gripping can strain the muscles and tendons in your hands.
Repeated motions If you do not let your body rest, any repeated motion can cause MSDs.
Awkward positions Examples: working with your hands over your head, bending your neck
or back, kneeling or squatting.
Vibration Use of power tools can damage blood vessels in your arms and hands.
Contact Stress Working with tools can cause contact stress. Examples: pliers that are
not padded and tools with finger grooves.
How can I prevent MSDs?
Look for alternate ways of liftingIncrease your grip strengthTake control over motions and how often
you make themMake simple equipment adjustmentsTaking precautions to reduce vibrationsWearing proper clothing (padded gloves)
ERGONOMIC Exercises
ERGOCISING!There is software available to download on
your computer that you can set-up for a “Stretching Reminder” every 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
These exercises give you a break & reduce pain based on your specific ailment.
You can find the software at http://ergocise.com.
Summary
ERGONOMIC practices can help to reduce workplace injury, but cannot be effective working alone.
You need to take personal responsibility and protect yourself while on the job!
Image courtesy of University of Wisconsin
