Introduction to Ergonomics and Repetitive Strain Injuries

Transcription

1 Introduction to Ergonomics and Repetitive Strain Injuries Laura H. Weems Safety and Environmental Health Officer

2 What is ergonomics? What do you think ergonomics means? What is a repetitive strain injury? Who can become injured? Is ergonomics only for work related activities? How can using the principles of ergonomics help you?

3 Ergonomics is the Study of Work Ergo = Work nomics = Study of Goal is to fit the workplace to the worker & not try to fit the worker to the workplace

4 What is a RSI? WMSD? CTD? RSI = Repetitive Strain Injury WMSD = Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder CTD = Cumulative Trauma Disorder All are groups of physical problems that affect soft tissues (muscles, tendons, nerves) & joints

5 Why should we care about ergonomics and CTDs? What do you think? They affect: Workers well-being Morale Productivity Safety Quality of life Ability to perform

6 ERGONOMIC Program Objectives To enable Coast Guard personnel to: Identify risk factors Assess the level of risk Reduce the risk Monitor the situation

7 Why Now? Increase in service and high-tech jobs Aging work force Reduction in worker turnover Increase in ergonomic hazards Increasing numbers of workers with WMSDs/CTDs/RSIs

8 Injuries cost the companies too... Approximately 24% of all workplace injuries are back injuries Average cost of a single back injury was $26,000 in 1996 Average cost of all other injuries was $19,000 (Army Safety Center) Decreased productivity costs 8-10 times more than health care costs

9 Regulatory Guidelines Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 29 CFR Ergonomics Program Standard California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5110, Repetitive Motion Injuries Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

10 OSHA Standard -requirements Employers must: screen jobs for risk factors set up an ergonomic program provide training and information implement controls to reduce the risk of WMSDs evaluate effectiveness of controls

11 History of Ergonomic Design Started primarily when armies had to design uniforms and equipment for soldiers Application - 5th to 95th percentile Not all humans are designed alike

12 History of Ergonomic Design- Exercise Example- Make the comparison with our own shipmates: Height Eye height Elbow height Vertical grip reach Forward grip reach

13 OSHA s ergo risk factors Repetition Awkward or static posture Vibration Forceful exertion Contact stress Cold temperature

14 Risk factors (continued) Repetition High force > Low force High repetition > Low repetition

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16 Risk factors (continued) Awkward posture refers to moving joints towards maximum range of motion (last 10% of range) holding awkward postures for extended time (ex. holding arm straight out for 5 min) static posture (sitting at desk) includes all joints and muscles (wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, back)

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19 Risk factors (continued) Vibration Localized vibration (power hand tool) Can increase grip force Can exacerbate RSIs Can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome Whole body vibration (truck driver) Affects entire body, primarily spine and intervertebral disks

20 Risk factors (continued) Forceful exertion - Hand and arm Primarily a concern with hand tools and hand power tools Hand force is function of tool weight, size of grip area, and power setting/force used Pinching is more harmful than grasping

21 Risk factors (continued) Forceful exertion - Lifting and manual material handling Overall exertion depends on technique experience individual anthropometry level of fitness & flexibility Need to look at all factors of lifting (size, weight, height, characteristics of object)

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23 Risk Factors (continued) Contact stress Decreases circulation to extremity Can cause trauma to affected area Limits flexibility and mobility of muscles and tendons Often seen with people improperly using wrists rests and improperly sized hand tools (ie. pliers, wrenches)

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25 Risk factors (continued) Cold Temperatures Decreases circulation to extremities, especially hands and fingers Protective clothing may inhibit work Causes fatigue Can exacerbate injuries due to vibration

26 Red Flags Hazards!

27 Red Flags Employee or home-made changes to the workplace Important warning signs of problems

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30 Reducing the risk Stay near neutral while working Work within your reach Have a stable base Organize your work area Pick the right tools for you Prepare for the climate Eat right and exercise/stretch Monitor yourself

31 How do you know? Signs Decreased range of motion Decrease grip strength Loss of muscle function Deformity Symptoms Pain Numbness Tingling Burning Cramping Stiffness

32 What do you do? Seek medical attention The earlier it is detected, the better chance you have of recovery Ignoring problems can cause long term &/or permanent disability Change what you are doing Inform your supervisor, get their help Slow down and let your body rest

33 What do you do? (con t) Seek assistance from your safety and health professionals Help determine causes or contributing factors to illness/injury Evaluate work station and make recommendations for improvement Provide job specific training Provide information on illness/injury

34 Ergo-Challenge What s Wrong with This Picture?

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38 Any Questions?