Energizing Ergonomics

Using ergonomic principles to reduce and eliminate injuries

Do you believe?

The principle behind ergonomics is that by fitting the job to the employee through

– Adjusting a workstation

– Rotating between jobs

– Using mechanical assists

injuries can be reduced and ultimately eliminated!

Repetitive Motion

Definitions

– Repeating the same motions every few seconds or repeating a cycle of motions more than twice per minute for more than 2 consecutive hours in a workday

– Using an input device, such as a keyboard and/or mouse, in a steady manner for more than 4 hours total in a workday

Typing all day

Using a calculator all day

Using a copier or stapler all day

Simple Stretches

If a computer is used for long periods during the workday, you can reduce the chances of injury by taking short rest breaks (30 seconds – 2 minutes) after each hour of work.

– Doing simple stretches while sitting at your desk will reduce strain and allow your body to relax

– Computer Stretches

Stretching Routines

There are different stretching routines for different situations:

– Hand, arm, shoulder, and neck

– Hand, wrist, and forearm

– Lower back

– Neck and shoulder

– Standing

Controls

Use feasible work practice or administrative controls

– Workstations

– Rotating employee job duties

Recommend PPE, work practice, or administrative controls where other controls are not feasible.

– Step stools

– Key pad holders

– Document holders

– Monitor lifts

AccessoriesItem Description

1 Contour Wrist Pad2 Wrist and Mouse Pillow3 Wrist Pads4 Keyboard manager with gliding mouse tray5 Monitor Lift6 Standard Keyboard Drawers7 Anti-Glare Filter8 Monitor Viewclip9 Adjustable Keyboard cover/copy stand10 Adjustable footrest11 Soft feel Wide Body retractable ballpoint pen12 Automatic Pencil13 Chair14 Sit-Stand Chair15 Comfortzone"Back Cushion"16 Ergodyne Proflex 4020 Wrist Support17 Werner Platform Ladder18 Anti-Fatigue Mats19 Screen Cleaner20 Folding Handle Platform dolly

Adjustments

Adjustments

– Floor- Work Height (24” 31”)

– Glare

– Eyes-Screen (24”-31”)

– Knee-Desk (15”)

– Seat width (20” w/ rests)

– Seat-Under desk (7”)

– 90 degrees (All joints)

– Toe space (3”)

– Foot flat

– Seat-Desk (8”-12”)

Group Exercise

– My back hurts (Chair, feet, back support, employee twisted)

– My head and eyes hurt, I have headraces (glare from window, monitor too far/close)

– My hands/wrists hurt (Not in shake hand position, no support)

– My neck/shoulder hurts at the end of the day (phone on shoulder, monitor position)

Worksite Evaluation

Talking with employees and their representative about the tasks the employees perform

Observe the employees performing the job to identify the risk factors in the job

Training During Orientation

Provide training during NEO

– Assess jobs

– Do controls exist?

– Monitor controls are still in place, functioning, and being used

– Determine whether new hazards exist

– Take steps to reduce hazards

Signs & Symptoms

Provide prompt responses to employee reports of signs and symptoms

– Physical findings

Decreased range of motion

Deformity

Decreased grip strength

Loss of muscle function

Physical indicators

– Pain Burning

– Numbness Cramping

– Tingling Stiffness

– Symptoms do not include discomfort

Back Safety - Lifting

Keep your bowling ball over your pencil

Use your legs to lift, not your back

Size up your load, plan, then move

Never lift anything over 50 pounds alone

Questions & Answers

Thank You!