Transcript Ergonomics

Ergonomics
ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
What is Ergonomics?
• “Ergonomics is an applied science concerned
with the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks
that match the physiological, anatomical, and
psychological characteristics and capabilities of
the worker.” Vern Putz-Anderson
• “The Goal of ergonomics is to ‘fit the job to the
person,’ rather than making the person fit the
job.” Ergotech
• “If it hurts when you are doing something, don’t
do it.” Bill Black
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Evolution of Ergonomics
• Dates back to Ramazzini 1700’s
• Gained significance during WWII for airplane
cockpit layout
• Progressed slowly until the 80’s and 90’s with
the advent of the computer and more efficient
workplace design
• Now, guidelines are in place and greater use
of technology
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Why do we care about
Ergonomics?
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Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs)
Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries
MSDs
Contact with Objects
Workplace Violence
All Other
Transportation Related
Falls
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Survey, 1996
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MSDs Cost Twice the Average
Workers’ Compensation Claim
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
MSDs of the Back
Upper Extremity
MSDs
Average Claim
Average Costs per Claim ($)
Source: Workers’ Compensation data from Insurance Companies 1993
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Types of Injuries
• Muscle pain
• Repetitive motion
injury
• Joint pain
• Cumulative trauma
disorder
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Musculoskeletal
disorder
• Restricted motion
• Repetitive stress injury
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Target Regions
• Back
• Upper extremities
• Lower extremities
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Multidisciplinary
Nature of Ergonomics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Engineering Psychology
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Anthropology
• Biomechanics
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Types of Problems or Mismatches
• Physical Size
• Endurance
• Strength
• Manipulative
• Environmental
• Cognitive
From David Alexander, 1986
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Physical Size
• Clearance
• Reach
• Equipment Size
• Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
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Endurance (Capacity for Work)
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Environmental
• Noise
• Lighting
• Thermal
• Chemical
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Cognitive
• Machine Pacing
• Shift Work
• Morale
• Psychosocial
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Strength
• Force Requirements
• Male/Female
• Manual Materials Handling
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Benefits of Ergonomics
• Decreased injury risk
• Increased productivity
• Decreased mistakes/rework
• Increased efficiency
• Decreased lost work days
• Decreased turnover
• Improved morale
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Goals of Intervention
• Tolerable
• Acceptable
• Optimal
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Ergonomic Controls
• Engineering
• Administrative
• Work Practices
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Other Issues
• Aging workforce
• Universal design
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What does the worker need to
know from this presentation?
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