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