Office Ergonomics: Principles and Practice in a Multi-Tiered System

Office ErgonomicsPrinciples and Practice in a Multi-Tiered System

Objectives

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54British Consulate , Chicago IL

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Myths that travel…

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• Office Ergonomics: Elementary

• Listen to People; Issues Disappear

• Sit-Stand Desks Should be Universal

• Doctor’s Rx are Unimpeachable

• New Equipment Drives Copycats

• Stretching Feels Good

British Consulate , Chicago IL

Dispelling Myths with Truth

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• Office Ergonomics: Not Elementary

� Changing Demographics

� Complex WC Claims- Symptoms Don’t Match Case

� Special Cases

� Doctors’ Misdirected Rx



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• Listen to People, Then Solve Puzzle

� Interview is Vital

� What Experience Says

� Insights on Attitude & Risks

� Keys to Fixes



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• Sit-Stand Workstations: Proceed with Care

� Pressure to Install

� Percentage of Use

� Who Uses Them?

� Optimizing an Investment



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• Doctors’ Recommendations are Fallible

� Nerve Conduction Testing Concerns

� Surgical Rx

� Wrist Splint Limits

� Shotgun Ergonomics Hardware



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• New Equipment: Drives Resistance

� Operators Often Skeptical

� Client History & New Equipment

� Management is the Challenge

� ‘Doctors’ Orders’ Conundrum



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• Stretch Exercises Do Not Feel Good

� Stretching Naturally Uncomfortable

� Sensations Help Gauge Stretch

� Proper Stretches Necessary

� The Stretch ‘Test”


Best Practice Tool Examples

April 28, 2016


• Cardinus Software

− Work Safety Plus

− Manual Handling Plus

− Healthy Working – Computers, Smartphones, Tablets

− SitStandCoach Desk Use

− CtrlWork for Rest Breaks

− AltMouse: Keyboard Shortcut Training

Multi-Tiered Ergonomics System

April 28, 2016


Tier One- Software - Employee Training & Evaluation Component- Auto-Generated recommendations

Tier Two- ESIS Follow-up via email or phone- Remote phone assessment performed (as needed)

Tier Three- Onsite evaluation

Emerging Issues & Consequences

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False Symptoms of CTS

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• Postural Issues

• Slumped Torso

• Neurovascular Compression

- - Zacharkow

Postural Deviation

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British Consulate , Chicago IL 67

• Impaired Associates Use ~15% More Force

• Fatigue Can Contribute to Injury

• Dehydration May Be Linked to Muscle Tears

Postural Deviation

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Postural Deviation - Slump

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Neurovascular Compression =

False CTS Diagnosis

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Mouse Rest Trauma Avoidance

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• Is It Needed?

• Placement

Nerve Conduction Testing

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• Not Practical

• False Positives

• False Negatives

• Case History

- Risk Management Magazine

The Physical Conditioning Challenge

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• Wrist Band Trauma

• 250 Kg. Operator – Chair Collapse

• Multiple Organic Issues

• Eighth Circuit Ct. Ruling

MPI: What is It?

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• Illnesses: Out of Control

• Case History

• Ergonomics & IH Link

• Outcome: Full Recoveries

What Benefit, These Modifications?

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500 – 1000 Lux Common & Accepted

Readings Here < 50 Lux

Success for the History Books

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• Success in a Multi-Tiered Ergonomics System

- Implemented Cardinus Software

- Utilized ESIS-Trained Trainers

- Supervisor-guided Evaluations

- ESIS Intervention with Higher Challenges

- Design Stage Input: ESIS & Client

- CFO Review: Millions Saved

Best Practices: Multi-Tiered Ergonomics System

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• Quality Ergonomics Training

• Good Software Systems

• Ergonomics Evaluations

• Program Overview

• Specialist Assistance

• Guidance: Design & Setup

• Engage Employees

• Metrics

• Program Review

Capabilities Demands

Can Exercise Balls Function as Chairs?

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- Disc Pressures- Stability

- McGill

Kneel Chairs

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For Review:

- Contact Stress- Stability- Support- Dual Seating

Treadmill Workstations

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Factors of Interest

• Productivity & Error Rate

• Cognitive Function

- BYU Study

• Space Factor

• Injury Potential

“2000 Yr. Old Treatment To Decompress Spine; Eliminate Pain”- Ad Quote

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The Ultimate Workstation?

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Exercise Factors

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• Differentiating Exercises

• Programs’ Consequences

• What Companies?

• Current Interest

Business

Office Ergonomics: Principles and Practice in a Multi-Tiered System