Ergonomic Hazards and Repetitive Strain Injureies

Ergonomic Hazards and Repetitive Strain Injureies

Chapter 6

Goetsch

Definition

The science of conforming the workplace and all of its elements to the worker

Minimize physical stress associated with the workplace

Benefits of ergonomics

Health & safety for workers

Higher morale

Improved quality

Improved productivity

Improved competitiveness

Decreased absenteeism and turnover

Fewer workplace injuries/health prob

Physical stress

Sitting vs standing

Stationary vs mobile

Large vs small demand for strength

Good vs bad horizontal work area

Good vs bad vertical work area

Nonrepetitive vs repetitive motion

Low vs high contact

No negative environmental factors vs negative environmental factors

Ergonomic programs

OSHA’s Ergonomic Guidelines

Worksite analysis

Hazard prevention and control

Medical management

Training and education

Worksite analysis

Identify stressors

Starting point for corrective action

Current and future workplace conditions

Gather information

Determine jobs that need attention

Ergonomic job hazard analysis

Periodic and follow-up surveys

Information sources

Records analysis and tracking

Existing records-evidence of CTDs

Incidence rates for upper extremity disorders

Screening surveys

Identify jobs that put employees at risk

Develop checklist of job tasks

Ergonomic risk factors

Ergonomic risk factors CTD

Repetitive and/or prolonged activities

Forceful exertions

Prolonged static position

Awkward positions/posture

Continued contact with work surfaces

Excessive vibration

Cold temperature

Inappropriate hand tools

Ergonomic risk factors -Backs

Bad body mechanics

Lifting or moving excessive weight

Prolonged sitting

Lack of adjustable chairs, footrests

Poor grips on handles

Slippery footing

Ergonomic job hazard analyses

Performed by qualified person

Identify low risk factors

Workstation analysis

total hand manipulations per cycle

cycle time

total cycles per work shift

Tool check - vibration, dimensions

Posture and movements

Periodic ergonomic surveys

Identify unnoticed factors or failures

Feedback & follow-up

System for employees to identify potential problems areas

Ergonomic questionnaire

Trend analysis

Look over several years, departments, workstations

Hazard prevention & control

Engineering/design solutions - preferred

Make the job fit the person

Workstation design -average?

Design of work methods

Tool design and handles

Tools used by either hand or special left and right hand tools

Trigger strength

Handles and grips

Weight, counterbalancing

Minimal vibration

Medical management program

Ensure early identification, evaluation, and treatment of symptoms

Prevent their recurrence

Aid in their prevention

Trained health care providers

Periodic workplace walk-through

Remain knowledgeable

Identify light duty job hazards

Contact with employees

Once a month or job changes

Symptom survey

Determine areas of plant causing problems

Trained health care providers

Health surveillance

Baseline - comparison

Conditioning period follow-up

Periodic health surveillance

Employee training & education

Health care providers should participate

Encourage early reporting of symptoms

Protocols for health care providers

OSHA record keeping

Training and education

Ensure employee knowledge of ergonomic hazards

Include all affected employees

Evaluate its effectiveness

Indicators of problems

Trends in accidents and injuries

Incidents of CTDs

Absenteeism and high turnover rates

Employee complaints

Employee-generated changes

Poor quality

Manual material handling

Identifying specific ergonomic problems

General observations

Questionnaires and interviews

Videotaping and photographs

Drawing or sketching

Measuring the work environment

Possible solutions to problems

Seated repetitive work with light parts

Break the monotony

Job rotation

Height of work surface or position

Adjustable chair

Leg room

Change height and angle of work

Possible solutions to problems

Seated work with larger parts

Use technology to lift and position

Supplemental lighting

Adjustable chairs & surfaces

Possible solutions to problems

Seated control work

Adjustable swivel chairs, back support

Comfortable, convenient control locations

Control devices that meet standards

Control seat position for clear line of sight

Possible solutions to problems

Standing work

Adjustable machines and surfaces

Recess at bottom for feet

Free space around machines

Possible solutions to problems

Standing for heavy lifting and carrying

Eliminate manual lifting

Train workers

Sufficient room

PPE

Keep floors clean and dry

No manual carrying up stairs

Possible solutions to problems

Work with hands above chest

Raise the floor

Use extension arms or poles

New machine with appropriate control height

Work with hand tools

Designed for hands in rest position

Thick rather than thin handles

Enhanced gripping surfaces

Eliminate twisting

Oval shaped cross section on handles

Handles made of appropriate materials