Transcript Ergonomics
Unlocking the potential Training for managers & supervisors What is Ergonomics the science of fitting jobs to people. – Ergonomics uses knowledge of physical abilities, limitations & human characteristics that apply to job design. Ergonomic Design considers the tasks, equipment & environment to provide efficient use of worker capabilities while ensuring that job demands do not exceed those capabilities Proper ergonomics can Improve Efficiency Increase Production Capability Reduce Workplace Injuries Lower Workers’ Comp Costs Reduce Absenteeism Muscular Skeletal Disorders Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an injury or illness to soft body tissue such as: • Muscles • Nerves • Tendons • Ligaments • Joints • Cartilage • Spinal Discs MSDs include Strains & Sprains Soreness or Pain Carpal tunnel syndrome Connective tissue disorders Muscular Skeletal Disorders MSDs are medical conditions that develop gradually over a period of time MSDs do not typically result from a single instantaneous event. MSDs are caused by • Bending • Climbing • Crawling • Reaching • Twisting • Overexertion • Repetitive Exposure Risk Factors Risk Factors are the elements of workstation design or employee action that can result in Muscular-Skeletal Disorders • Environmental Factors • Activity Factors Environment Risk Factors Heat or cold Lighting Vibration Tool design Noise Activity Risk Factors Static or awkward postures Improper gripping Improper lifting Repetitive Motion Heat & Cold Heat effects blood circulation & causes cramps, burns/rashes and general discomfort. Cold effects the body's blood circulation, causes hypothermia, loss of flexibility, distraction and poor dexterity. Comfortable temperature range • 68 to 74 degrees • Humidity 20 – 60% Vibration Excessive vibration causes pain to muscles, joints and internal organs Soft tissue trauma to the hands, arms, feet and legs. Lighting Under & over lighted areas causes: • Headaches • Muscle strains • Fatigue • Eye strain Poorly lighted areas also contributes to trip & fall hazards & poor coordination Tool design Handle shape Control type Control location Vibration Impact Pressure Noise Noise peaks above 100 decibels cause: • Headaches • Increased blood pressure • Muscle tension & fatigue • Irritability & distraction Force & Exertion Forceful exertions place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints Factors • Weight • Bulkiness • Speed Posture Prolonged standing - varicose veins, back stress, pooling of blood in legs Sitting without back support - low back stress Seat too high - decreased circulation, (legs dangling over end) bruises Posture Shoulders rounded - Upper/lower back stress, respiratory distress Leaning forward - Lower back stress Arms extended or over-reaching - Stress to arm muscles, upper back stress Posture Elbows "winged" - Joint stress at shoulder, poor use of bicep muscles Stepping backwards - Loss of balance, displaced gravity, muscle stress Locking knees - Stress to back of knee, poor blood circulation Bent Wrist – excessive force when gripping Repetition Frequent & prolonged repetition of the same movements cause muscle fatigue and stress Factors that increase repetition hazards • Number of cycles per minute • Force required • Posture Gripping Factors that increase gripping hazards • Bent wrist • Surface area • Surface friction • Vibration • Type of grip Lifting Factors that increase lifting hazards • Weight • Size • Repetition • Twisting • Bending • Reaching • Method Hazard Controls Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Work Practice Controls Engineering Controls Re-design of work station Re-design of tools Lighting modification Vibration control Noise Control Automation Mechanical Lifting Material Flow Administrative Controls Employee rotation Job task enlargement Adjustment of work pace Redesign of work methods Alternative tasks Rest breaks Work Practice Controls Work techniques & procedures Conditioning period Training Lifting techniques Personal Protective Equipment Checklists Basic Screening Tool General Risk Analysis Computer Work Stations Hand Tool Analysis Hazard Identification Task Analysis Workstation Evaluation Program Elements Management Leadership Employee Participation Hazard Identification Hazard Information Medical Management Program Evaluation Recordkeeping Management Leadership Assign responsibilities Provide authority, resources & information Examine existing policies Take action to correct problems Communicate regularly with employees Hazard Identification Reports of signs, symptoms & hazards Recommendations from employees & supervisors Records review of existing safety & health records Routine facility safety & health inspections Information & Training Signs & symptoms Importance of early reporting Specific hazards & controls Reporting MSDs & hazards How to recommend control methods Protective Measures Ergonomics program & their role OSHA standard requirements Employee Involvement Report of signs, symptoms & hazards Hazard control recommendations Access to information MSD Management Prompt response Work restrictions or other measures Prompt access to a health care professional Written Medical Opinion Medical Follow-up Program Evaluation MSD records Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Work Practice Controls Opinions Recordkeeping Reports of MSD or hazards Responses to employee reports Job hazard analysis Hazard control records Ergonomics program evaluation MSD management records Program Forms MSD Symptom Survey MSD Survey Location New Equipment Survey Task Hazard Prevention Worksheet Job Hazard Analysis Job Task Steps MSD Sign/Symptom Report MSD Hazard Controls Log Hazard Control Report Thank you for your attendance!