ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

Provide basic training regarding the identification, evaluation, and control of ergonomic exposures and hazards.

This will include:The role of ergonomicsErgonomics-related injuries and

their causesProper workstation arrangementControlling ergonomic hazards

The word Ergonomics comes from the Greek words “Ergos”--(work) and “Namos”-- (natural law).

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICS Definition:

Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary approach toward adapting the manmade environment around man, rather than man around the environment.

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

Definition: Ergonomics is the study of the

relationship between the employee and the work place. It is a developing body of knowledge whose goal is to provide and maintain a healthy “user friendly” environment. Properly applied, ergonomic principles support each person's desire to find a zone of individual comfort.

Definition: Ergonomics is the study of how

human beings relate to their work environment. The result of ergonomics is the adaptation of the workstation design and work tools to suit the individual performing a particular job function. The application of ergonomic principles to workstation design can result in increased effectiveness, work quality, health and safety, and job satisfaction.

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

Why should we be interested?

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

The Worker (%)

Men..........................34Women......................65

Under 25 years.............1125 to 54 years...............8055 years and over...........7

Under 1 year of service...181 to 5 years..................355 years or more.............36Not reported.................64

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS(Repetitive Stress Injuries)(Repetitive Stress Injuries)

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS(Repetitive Stress Injuries)(Repetitive Stress Injuries)

Affected Body Part

Other37%

Shoulders6%

Hands6%

Wrists51%

ERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

Other

Other Services

Health Services

Food Stores

Wholesale, Retail Trade

Food Products

Apparel

Transportation Equip.

Electronic Equip.

General Manufacturing

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Other

Other Services

Health Services

Food Stores

Wholesale, Retail Trade

Food Products

Apparel

Transportation Equip.

Electronic Equip.

General Manufacturing

Percent of Total CTDs in US Industry

MANUAL HANDLINGMANUAL HANDLINGMANUAL HANDLINGMANUAL HANDLING 91% of the total cost of Nelco

Product’s WC claims for 4/93 through 4/94

Only 42 % of the frequency This means when MH losses occur, they are

usually very severe and costly

OCCUPATIONAL BIOMECHANICSOCCUPATIONAL BIOMECHANICS

Definition:Biomechanics uses laws of physics

and engineering concepts to describe motion undergone by the various body segments and the forces acting on these body parts during normal daily activities.

CUMULATIVE TRAUMA CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS (CTD’s)DISORDERS (CTD’s)

Definition: Disorders that are caused or aggravated by repeated exertions or movements of the body.

ERGONOMICS-ERGONOMICS-RELATED INJURIESRELATED INJURIES

Strains/Sprains (difference?)

Low Back Pain (LBP)

Herniated DiscTendinitisTenosynovitis

EpicondylitisThoracic Outlet SyndromeDeQuervain’s SyndromeGanglionic CystsCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Eye Fatigue

CAUSES OF CAUSES OF ERGONOMIC- RELATED ERGONOMIC- RELATED

INJURIESINJURIESPostureForceRepetitionLow temperatureContact pointsVibration

CUMULATIVE TRAUMACUMULATIVE TRAUMA Most back injuries are the result of

everyday wear and tear rather than a single traumatic event. The cause is generally not a single lift but damage done over time.

Causes: Repeated twisting Awkward postures Heavy lifting Prolonged vibration

CUMULATIVE TRAUMACUMULATIVE TRAUMA

Once back pain is experienced, the chances of it recurring increase greatly.

Back injuries from slips, trips, and falls can sometimes be prevented by good housekeeping. Proper storage of material and regular cleanup of debris can improve access not only for workers, but for materials handing equipment.

To reduce back injuries on the job, a preventive program is necessary. An effective program should cover factors such as anatomy, work place posture, lifting techniques, ergonomics, and exercises.

Ramazzini in 1700’s wrote: Manifold is the harvest of diseases

reaped by craftsman... As the...cause I assign certain violent and irregular motions and unnatural postures... by which... the natural structure of the living machine is so impaired that serious diseases gradually develop. (Tichauer, 1978)

ANATOMYANATOMY

SPINAL COLUMN AND MUSCLES

SPINAL COLUMN AND MUSCLES

Made up of bones called vertebrae Divided into five areas:

Cervical (neck) Thoracic (upper back) Lumbar (lower back) Sacrum Coccyx

The spine provides protection to the spinal cord

The spinal cord has nerves that branch off and send messages to various parts of the body as well as bring back information on conditions throughout the body

VERTEBRAE AND DISCS

VERTEBRAE AND DISCS

Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine.

Provide support Offer protection

Intervertebral Discs are made up of two parts.

Outer part (fibrous ring) Inner part (soft, gel-like center)

The discs are firmly attached to vertebrae, so cannot “slip.”

If outer fibrous ring gets damaged, part of the gel part can start protruding out, called a disc protrusion or herniation.

VERTEBRAE AND VERTEBRAE AND DISCSDISCS

80-85% of people over 30 have protruded or herniated discs. However, the majority do not have pain. Why?

Many theories exist, but the most widely accepted is that pain is felt when a protrusion or herniation occurs at the point where the nerve exits the spinal column.

Age has an effect. Degenerative disc disease May cause flattening and hardening of discs and

wears on the facet joints

SPINAL DISCS UNDER LOADS

SPINAL DISCS UNDER LOADS

Discs are continually being compressed by the effects of gravity.

our upper body loads we might be carrying

Discs may become damaged when: carrying uneven loads (compression) or twisting combined with carrying (torsion)

SPINAL MUSCLESSPINAL MUSCLES Movement controlled by muscles

contracting and relaxing. Rope-like ligaments join bone ends to

support and strengthen joints and prevent abnormal movements

Interwoven sheath of muscle and ligaments across abdomen and lower back provide support. For this reason, it is important to keep them in good condition.

WORKPLACE POSTURE

WORKPLACE POSTURE

Dynamic vs. static Back muscles vs. stomach muscles

back--short, small very strong stomach--large, broad when imbalance occurs, back muscles can become

overloaded. thus, important to maintain health and good posture by

using stomach muscles. Unbalanced pelvis stomach protruded pelvis tilted down back curve increases stresses lower back makes back vulnerable to injury tightening stomach muscles will straighten pelvis, lowing

spine

CORRECT POSTURECORRECT POSTURE Natural alignment, follows natural curves. Lordosis (sway back)

inward curve neck low back

outward curve (kyphosis) in upper back jams vertebrae together causes lower back muscles and ligaments to tighten and

leads to low back pain

Kyphosis (flat back) puts extra pressure on front of discs may contribute to low back pain

Keeping spine aligned reduces everyday stresses on the back and minimizes the effects of the normal aging process on the spine.

H = The horizontal distance When H is increased, the crane’s

capacity to lift the load is decreased. This is true with our bodies as well It is critical to lift and carry the load as

close as possible

LIFTINGLIFTING

HH

PROPER LIFTINGPROPER LIFTING Plan your move

– Size up the load and make sure your path is clear.– Get help as needed.– Use a dolly or other materials handling equipment if possible.

Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot slightly ahead of the other.

Get as close to the load as possible. Tighten your stomach muscles as the lift begins. When lifting, keep your lower back in its normal

arched position Pick up your feet and pivot to turn. Don’t twist

your back. Lower the load slowly, maintaining the curve in

your lower back.

LIFTING GRIPLIFTING GRIP Use entire palm, not just the

fingertips.

LIFTING DO’S AND DON’TS

LIFTING DO’S AND DON’TS

DO: Push rather than pull. Keep a good grip. Maintain clear vision between

the object and your destination. When lowering an object, try and keep the

natural curve of your back.

Place the load on the edge (tailgate) and push it back.

DON’T: Lift above shoulder height. Catch falling objects.

TWISTINGTWISTING

Repeated twisting of the lower back during lifting (or shoveling) is a common mistake. It can contribute to lower back pain and disability. Instead, lift your feet and turn you whole body.

Lifting and placing palletized/stacked materials– lift object with feet and body in same direction– pick up feet and turn with feet and body

together– don’t twist

MORE LIFTING TIPSMORE LIFTING TIPS Transferring weight

– pull object towards you while transferring your weight to the lift side

– lift only to the level required– shift your weight to the other leg while pushing

the object into position.– do not twist

Lifting heavy bags– put one knee down against bag– pull bag up leg– rest bag on edge of knee– stand upright– pull bag to waist height

LIFTING OVER BARRIERS

LIFTING OVER BARRIERS

Many back injuries result from repeated use of poor lifting techniques. Often a simple change in how we use our body to perform routine tasks can prevent back injuries and make work easier at the same time.

One-handed lifts– Lifting with the back rounded and knees straight places

great stress on the spine, making the lower back more susceptible to injuries

Two-handed lifts– Again, avoid rounding the back– Move the object as close to the body as possible– Bend at the hips, while keeping the back in the normal

arched position

MATERIALS HANDLING

EQUIPMENT

MATERIALS HANDLING

EQUIPMENT Different types of equipment have

been designed and manufactured to lift and move loads of various shapes, sizes, and weights. This equipment can not only save time and labor---it can save your back!

Rollers, wheelbarrows, carts, dollies, and rolling tables and scaffolds can be used to handle material efficiently and reduce the risk of back injury.

WORK TECHNIQUESWORK TECHNIQUES Benches

For bench work the right height is vital to reduce the risk of back injury or pain. Ideally the bench (work surface) should keep the work between waist and shoulder height.

Tools Choose the proper tools for the job and

repair or discard badly worn or damaged tools.

Never use cheater bars for extra leverage on a wrench. Use the right length of wrench.

ERGONOMICS TRAINING

PRESENTED BY

DIPLOMA9494