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Ergonomics PDF

Ergonomics is the study of designing work environments and tasks to fit human capabilities in order to improve safety, efficiency and reduce injury and costs. It aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders which account for 30% of workplace injuries and billions in costs annually. Ergonomic assessments identify injury risks from posture, repetition, effort and duration of tasks. Solutions include modifications to tools, equipment and workstations as well as exercise and training. Implementing ergonomic programs can significantly reduce injury-related costs and increase productivity for employers.

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485 views11 pages

Ergonomics PDF

Ergonomics is the study of designing work environments and tasks to fit human capabilities in order to improve safety, efficiency and reduce injury and costs. It aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders which account for 30% of workplace injuries and billions in costs annually. Ergonomic assessments identify injury risks from posture, repetition, effort and duration of tasks. Solutions include modifications to tools, equipment and workstations as well as exercise and training. Implementing ergonomic programs can significantly reduce injury-related costs and increase productivity for employers.

Uploaded by

api-431492912
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© © All Rights Reserved
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ERGONOMICS

BY KERI MASON
What is Ergonomics?
 Ergonomics is defined as the study of designing and arranging
things people use so that interactions are efficient and safe
“Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned
with the understanding of the interactions among human and other
elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory,
principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human
well-being and overall system performance.”

-International ergonomics association executive council, August 2000


Why is Ergonomics Important?
 Ergonomics is to help employers and employees maintain a safe
and efficient work environment
 Ergonomics help prevent work related injuries
 Ergonomics reduces cost
 Ergonomics increases efficiency and quality of work
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
 According to the CDC, U.S. companies Examples of Common Musculoskeletal
spent 50 billion dollars on direct costs of Disorders:
MSDs in 2011
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
 Tension Neck Syndrome
MSDs are the single largest category of
workplace injuries and are responsible for  Ruptured/Herniated Disc
almost 30% of all worker’s compensation  Tendonitis
costs
Other health problems:
 Eye strain
Causes Associated with MSDs
 Positions and Posture Examples:
 Repetition of the task  Lifting/pushing heavy objects
 Amount of effort required  Controlling tools (e.g.
 Duration of the task working with a jackhammer
causes strong vibrations
throughout the workers
body)
Non-Fatal Work Incidences (2011-15)
Prevention
 Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
 Lifting braces, safety gloves, protective eye glasses, etc.
 Stretching
 Modification of tools
Stretches
For MSDs:
 Side and diagonal neck stretches
 Hand and finger massage
 Blinking/Yawning (in order to produce tears to lubricate the eyes)
 Foot rotations
 Wrist stretches
 Back stretches
For further information:
https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndWellness/Ergonomics/Pages/exercises.aspx
Cost of Implementation

An example for one company:


 Total Ergonomics Program Costs: $25,050.00
 This cost includes the ergonomics tools and assessments
 Total Cost Savings: $4,547,223.00
 This cost includes both direct and indirect cost savings
Cites
 https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/  https://ergo-plus.com/workplace-ergonomics-
benefits/
 https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/ergonomics  https://ergo-plus.com/cost-justify-ergonomics/
 https://medlineplus.gov/ergonomics.html  https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction_gen
eralindustry/Ergonomics_PPT_v-03-01-17.pptx
 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh2.pdf
 https://dimensions-ohs.com/2017/07/22/ergonomic-
 https://ergo-plus.com/musculoskeletal-disorders-
assessment-case-study/
msd/
 https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndWelln
ess/Ergonomics/Pages/exercises.aspx#eye

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