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What is Ergonomics?
ergonomics \, rg-go-'nm-iks
What is Ergonomics?
Common Definitions
ergonomics \, rg-go-'nm-iks
Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker. The better the fit the higher the level of safety and worker efficiency. Fitting the
Task to the Human ~ Grandjean 1990
Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity and human performance by fitting products, tasks, and environments to people.
ErgoWeb.com
MSDs can happen to anyone from office workers and industrial employees to athletes and hobbyists
Before
Improved
Common MSDs:
Before
Improved
Tendonitis, Epicondylitis (Tennis or Golfers Elbow), Bursitis, Trigger Finger, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Back Strain
Excessive repetition of movements can irritate tendons and increase pressure on nerves
Adjust the back rest to provide firm support to the small of the back
Holding the same position or using the same muscles for extended periods of time
Static postures, or positions that a worker must hold for long periods of time, can restrict blood flow and damage muscles
Static Postures =
Before: Mechanic maintains a static posture holding arms and hands elevated while repairing aircraft
Ergonomic Improvement: Creeper supports mechanic and brings him closer to the task
Cold Temperatures
Working in environments below 68 degrees can cause nerve damage.
Working in cold temperatures can adversely affect a workers coordination and manual dexterity and cause a worker to use more force than is required to perform a task
Pushing / pulling with more than 20 pounds of initial force for more than 2 hours per day Pinching (pencil type grip) an unsupported object weighing 2 or more pounds per hand for more than 2 hours per day Gripping an unsupported object weighing 10 pounds or more per hand for more than 2 hours per day
Before: Sailor is exposed to vibration above ACGIH TLV guidelines Ergonomic Improvement: Lower vibration tool reduces vibration to safe levels
Before: Worker rests his wrists on the sharp tray edges. His wrist is extended into a non-neutral posture.
Ergonomic Improvement: Worker rests her wrists and forearms on a padded surface. Wrist and forearms are in a neutral position.
Ergonomic Improvement: Tool handle is formed to fit the workers hand which requires less grip strength or force and a more user-friendly tool
Stress on the job, quotas, peer pressure, boredom, conflicts with co-workers and supervisors, deadlines, and even a lack of control over what you do can contribute to (but not cause) MSDs
Age and Gender Hobbies Previous Injuries Physical Condition Medical conditions (diabetes and arthritis)
Before
Improved
NAVOSH website- Contains success stories of ergonomic interventions throughout the Navy
www.navosh.net/ergonomics
DoD Ergonomic Working Group - Contains Guide to Setting up an Ergonomics Program and many other tools
chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/ergowg/index.htm
NIOSH- order many free ergonomic documents including Elements of Ergonomics Programs and Cumulative Trauma Disorders in the Workplace
www..cdc.gov/niosh/