Chapter - 3 cont…
ERGONOMICS
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Out line
• Define ergonomics
• Establish ergonomics in the
workplace
• Introduce basic skills in the
recognition & control of
occupational ergonomic hazards
• Introduce ergonomic exercises.
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Why ?
To minimize injuries due to chronic physical
and psychological stresses, while
maximizing productivity and efficiency
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ERGONOMICS DEFINED
• Ergonomics is the science of
fitting the job to the worker.
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Cont…
• E rgonomics is the science of fitting jobs to
people. Ergonomics encompasses the body of
knowledge about physical abilities and
limitations, as well as other human
characteristics, that are relevant to job
design.
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Cont…
• Ergonomic design is the application of this
body of knowledge to the design of the
workplace (work tasks, equipment,
environment) for safe and efficient use by
workers.
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Cont…
• Good ergonomic design makes the most
efficient use of worker capabilities while
ensuring that job demands do not exceed
those capabilities.
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BIOMECHANICS
The science of measuring the amount
of force put on the muscles and
joints of people when working in
different positions.
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BIOMECHANICS CONT.
• STATIC - Holding one object or body part in
one position for an extended period. EX.
Standing or sitting in a parking booth or at a
microscope.
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BIOMECHANICS CONT.
• DYNAMIC - An activity created by the
rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the
muscles. EX. Walking
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ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS
WORKERS - what they bring to the job
TOOLS - what they bring to the worker
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ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS
TASKS - what the worker must do
ENVIRONMENT- the conditions
surrounding the worker and the tool
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ERGONOMIC FOCUS
The Task
The Tool
The User /Operator
The Work
Station and
Environment
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RESULTING INJURIES ARE CALLED:
• Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD),
Or
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI),
Or
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
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HOW SERIOUS ARE
MSD
• MSD account for:
– 1/3 of all lost day injuries each year
– These injuries cost business $15-20 billion in
worker’s compensation each year
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COMMON CAUSES:
• Repetitive and/or prolonged activities
• Awkward postures/positions for an extended
time
• Static postures
• Vibration
• High/low Temperatures for an
extended time
• Forceful exertions
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ERGONOMIC STRESS AREAS
Hip
Knee
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SIGNS OF MSD
• Decreased range of • Decreased grip strength
motion • Loss of balance
• Loss of function • Swelling
• Deformity • Redness
• Cramping
• Loss of color
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WHAT CAN WE DO?
• Administrative controls
• Work practice controls
• Engineering controls
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ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
• Employee rotation/job task expansion
• Physical adjustments to the work pace
• Redesign of work methods
• Alternative tasks
• Breaks
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WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS
• Safe & proper work techniques & procedures
• Training
• Physical conditioning period
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POSTURE & ANGLES
• Whether your tasks are performed while
sitting or standing, always maintain proper
posture & angles--and avoid:
Awkward positions, and
Extreme reaches for materials
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BODY ANGLES
• HEAD
• SHOULDERS
• ELBOWS
• HANDS
• WAIST
• LEGS
• FEET
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SITTING POSTURES
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MORE ANGLES…
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MORE ANGLES…
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ENGINEERING CONTROLS
• Workstations
• Tools/equipment
• Facilities
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WORKSTATIONS
The objective is to:
• Fit the workstation to the employee
• Reduce awkward positions
This can be done by using two methods:
35
WORKSTATIONS CONT.
Standard Way Innovative Way
– Adjustable – Cut legs off
workstation – Add blocks
– Adjustable chair – Build foot rest
– Foot rests – Thick book
– Adjustable monitor – Build platform
– Document holder
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TOOLS
• Use of Force or of grip-strength
– Longer/shorter and thicker/thinner handles
• Repetitive motion
– Ratcheting mechanism or gears
– Power tools
• Electric stapler
• Electric knife
• Spring-loaded returns
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TOOLS CONT.
• Awkward positions
– Bent or curved handles
– Extensions or add-ons
– Headphones
– Support equipment overhead
– Step stool
• Forceful exertions
– Soft-touch keyboards/buttons
– Lifting devices
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TOOLS CONT.
• Static positions
– Anti-fatigue mats
• Vibration
– Anti-vibration materials
– Anti-vibration mounts/handles
– External support
– Anti-vibration gloves
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FACILITIES
• Lighting/glare
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FACILITIES
• Temperature
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FACILITIES
• Noise
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ERGONOMICS PROGRAM
• Essential elements:
– Management Leadership and employee
participation
– Hazard information and reporting
– Job Hazard Analysis and Control
– Training
– MSD Management
– Program evaluation
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