ergonomic and office safety overview connie grondona, rn, ms health services finance network...
TRANSCRIPT
Ergonomic and Office SafetyOverview
Connie Grondona, RN, MS
Health Services
Finance Network Presentation
7/21/05
Employee Responsibilities
• Promptly report ergonomic concerns/discomfort to supervisor.
• Report to Health Services for medical assistance.
• Request ergo evaluation when you move and/or to identify at risk conditions.
• Properly utilize ergo accessories.
• Use safe ergonomic work practices.
Tendonitis
• Normal tendon glides smoothly in a tendon sheath• When under pressure, the capillary flow to the sheath is
temporarily interrupted• When blood supply returns, swelling occurs
Carpal Tunnel, inside of Wrist
• Inside view of right wrist• Yellow nerve crosses
under flexor retinaculum• Nerve has to share the
space with nine tendons and tendon sheaths
Cubital Tunnel, or ‘Funny Bone’
• The ulnar nerve passes by the inside of the elbow through a fibrous tunnel
• Swelling can put pressure on the ulnar nerve
• Symptoms are felt at the elbow and into the little finger
• This is called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Warning SignsWarning Signs
• Watch for:
Tingling or numbness in hands Pain: sharp, dull or burning
sensation Stiffness, reduced range of
motion in arms, wrists Clumsiness, loss of grip strength
or coordination Visual fatigue, watery eyes,
dryness
Prevention Hypotheses
• Reduce force• Neutral posture
(straight wrist)• Reduce repetitions• Ergonomic
changes• Work breaks
and/or stretching• Job rotation• General Health
Ergonomic Workstations
BAD
BETTER
Adjustable Accessories
Ergonomic Risk Factors
• Awkward positions
• Static postures
• Repetitive motion
• Forceful exertion
• Contact pressure
Reaching Risk Factors
• Elbow
• Arm/Wrist
• Shoulder
• Back
• Elbows in• Face the
object you are reaching for
Ergo Chairs & Accessories
Features/Adjustments:• Height• Seat pan (width/depth)• Backrest height• Backrest tilt• Backrest tension• Armrests• Casters
Monitor Accessories
• Screen height at eye
level (exception:
bifocals and trifocal
lens wearers).
• about arms length
away
• Room lighting -avoid
backlight, shadows or
reflective glare
• Flat Panel-lighter
easier read
Input Devices - Pointing Devices
Notebooks, Laptops, Etc.Notebooks, Laptops, Etc.
Laptops can cause:
• Awkward arm position
• Neck flexion to view the screen
• Neck pain from carrying/transporting laptops
Fixes:
• Use docking station and external input devices
• Acquire portable devices and accessories
Telephone Use
• Telephone evaluation: reach, placement of phone, frequency of calls vs. duration of call
• Cordless unit / motorized unit• LBNL Telephone Services
Workstation Setup: Neutral Posture!Workstation Setup: Neutral Posture!
Workstation Setup: Neutral Posture!Workstation Setup: Neutral Posture!
1. Use a good chair and sit
back 2. Top of monitor 2-3" above
eyes 3. No glare on screen 4. Sit at arms length 5. Feet on floor or footrest 6. Use a document holder 7. Wrists flat and straight 8. Arms and elbows close to
body 9. Center monitor and
keyboard in front of you 10. Use a negative tilt keyboard
tray 11. Use a stable work surface 12. Take frequent micro-breaks
Online Ergo Evaluation Request Screen
Ergo ResourcesErgo Resources
Go: “A-Z” “S” “Stretchware: Computer Work Break Software”
• Download Stretchware:
• Ergo Display Center (Building 26)
• LBNL Chair and Workstation Loaner Programs
• EH&S Ergo Accessories Loaner Program
• Ergo Website and EHS Training Courses
• Consult with ergo evaluator, division liaison and/or health care professional• “Terminal” Glasses
Other Office Hazards - Electrical
Power Strips, or Relocatable Power Taps (RPTs)• Designed for computer systems (monitor, CPU, printer, scanner,
speakers, etc.) and low current equipment (< 5 amperes)
• Plug directly into wall outlets; do not connect to extension cords
• Higher powered items are not to be plugged into RPTs:
Office fans > 600 watts Copy machines Coffee pots
Microwave ovens Toasters/toaster ovens Refrigerators
Portable space heaters
Stairways and Step StoolsStairways and Step Stools
When using a step stool:
Make sure it is tall enough Place on even surface Climb facing the steps Don’t over reach
• Hold handrail
• Eyes on path
• Proper footwear
• Carry small
packages
• Watch out for debris
Materials Handling - LiftingMaterials Handling - Lifting
Summary
• Pay attention to your computer workstation
• Get an ergonomic evaluation• Try to break up keyboard work with other
duties• Report to Health Services with persistent
discomfort associated with keyboard work• Review your office area for other safety
hazards
Other Health Services Information
• B-26, open M-F, 7:30 am-4:30 pm• Medical advice, first aid and referral• Worker’s Compensation & Short Term
Disability assistance• Medical Surveillance &Voluntary Exam
Program• Flu shot clinic• Skin cancer screening clinic• Safety glasses including “terminal”
glasses