Ergonomics

Toby Sainsbury

Zettl Group Safety Talk

9-15-06

Summary

• Ergonomics in the work place

• OSHA

• UCB

• LBNL

• Zettl Group

Ergonomics General

• Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to people.

• The discipline encompasses a body of knowledge about physical abilities and limitations as well as other human characteristics that are relevant to job design.

• Essentially, ergonomics is the relationship between the worker and the job and focuses on the design of work areas to enhance job performance.

• Ergonomics can help prevent injuries and limit secondary injuries as well as accommodate individuals with various disabilities, including those with

musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

OSHA

• Cal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) = Cal DOSH (Department of Occupational Health and Safety)

• http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/

• Protects workers and the public from safety hazards through its Cal/OSHA, elevator, amusement ride, aerial tramway, ski lift and pressure vessel programs, and provides consultative assistance to employers.

• Ergonomics@Work

• Ergonomics@Work is the campus ergonomic program for faculty and staff. The website provides information about the program, classes and workshops; and links to educational materials.

• http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/facstaff/ergonomics/index.shtml

• Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to people. It focuses on designing workstations, tools, and job tasks for safety and efficiency. Effective ergonomic design coupled with good posture can reduce employee injuries and increase job satisfaction and productivity.

• Requirements:

– Ergonomics training for employees

– Identifying, treating, and tracking work-related repetitive motion injuries

– Providing worksite evaluations of jobs that have caused repetitive motion injuries

– Modifying worksites that have caused repetitive motion injuries

• What are common ergonomic risk factors?

– Repetition

– Awkward Body Postures

– Force

– Contact Stress

– Vibration

– Heat

• Common Symptoms

– pain

– numbness and tingling

– stiffness or cramping

– inability to hold objects or loss of grip strength

What are individuals responsibilities?

• Faculty and Staff

• Participate in ergonomics training and problem-solving.

• Implement ergonomic recommendations.

• Choose tools, furniture, and equipment that fit your job tasks and your body.

• Listen to your body and adjust your workstation furniture and accessories to support comfortable postures.

• Think before you lift, get help if necessary, and follow safe lifting guidelines.

• Vary your job tasks throughout the day, take frequent short stretch breaks when performing highly repetitive tasks, and perform simple stretches.

• Exercise, including walking and climbing stairs, to build stamina and muscle tone.

• Report work-related injuries to your supervisor promptly.

• Supervisors

• Learn about ergonomic risk factors and how to prevent them.

• Provide ergonomics training and encourage input in ergonomic problem-solving.

• Support your department's computer workstation evaluator.

• Contact the campus Ergonomics Specialist for a worksite assessment of non-computer jobs involving ergonomic risk factors.

• Provide ergonomic workstation furniture and tools.

• Promote frequent, short rest breaks and alternative work activities for staff performing highly repetitive tasks.

• Encourage staff to report symptoms early.

• Send injured employees for medical treatment, report injuries promptly, and implement work restrictions and workplace modifications.

• Seek assistance on ergonomic issues from campus resources when necessary.

• Ergonomics Training Programs – Contact Ergonomics@Work at 642-8410 for a current workshop schedule

• Treatment for Repetitive Motion Injuries– Occupational Health Clinic at University Health Services, Tang Center, by calling 642-6891

• Tracking Repetitive Motion Injuries – Call the campus Workers' Compensation Program at 643-9316.

• Ergonomic Worksite Evaluations – Ask your supervisor or Department Safety Coordinator for the name of the computer workstation evaluator for your department.

• Making Ergonomic Modifications – Call UC Furniture at 1-877-722-9090 toll free to schedule a visit to the on-campus showroom to try out adjustable chairs,

tables,and keyboard trays prior to purchase. Call the campus Ergonomics Program at 642-8410 to find out more about the financial loan program for the purchase of ergonomic furniture and accessories.

– For more information: Call 642-8410 or email ergotf@uhs.berkeley.edu

What does UC Berkeley's Ergonomic Program provide?

Ergonomics at LBNL

• Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.

• Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

• The four main contributing causes of these injuries are quick, repetitive actions, awkward position, use of force, and lack of rest.

• Minimization of repetitive tasks and awkward body positions can help to prevent such injuries from occurring.

Ergonomics Policy at LBNL

• Identification of Ergonomic Issues

– Repetitiveness of a task

– Posture and movement of the limbs and whole body as a task is performed

– Physical strength required for a task

– Design and use of tools

– Design and layout of the work area or equipment

• Benefit of Ergonomic Hazard Identification

– Improved safety and health in the workplace

– Improved employee morale and job satisfaction

– Improved productivity

– Improved quality of work

– Improved competitiveness in the marketplace

– Reduced probability of accidents and errors

– Reduced absenteeism and employee turnover

– Reduced medical and workers' compensation costs associated with cumulative trauma disorders

http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH17.html

Cumulative Trauma Disorders • Risk Factors

– Repetition

– Excessive Force

– Awkward Posture or Position

– Prolonged Activities

– Localized Pressure (Mechanical Stress)

– Vibration

– Temperature (Cold)

• Common Disorders

– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

– DeQuervain's Disease

– Lateral Epicondylitis

– Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

– Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

– Tendonitis

– Tenosynovitis

– Trigger Finger

– White Finger

Cumulative Trauma Disorders • Prevention

• Good body posture

• Engineering controls

• Administrative Controls– Job enlargement

– Job rotation

– Work breaks

– Training.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

• LBNL Resources:

•Ergonomic Display Center is located in Building 75B, Room 110B.

• Ergonomic furniture and accessories: Procurement, ext. 4216.

• Lighting and space renovation: Facilities Department Work Request Center, ext. 6274.

• Health Concerns or Computer Glasses: Health Services, ext. 6266.

• Work Place Evaluations: https://isswprod.lbl.gov/Ergo/Login.asp

• You may also work through your supervisor or contact either your Division Safety Coordinator or your EH&S Division Liaison. To find out who your EH&S Division Liaison is, go to "Who to Call" from the EH&S Division home page.

Zettl Group

• Ergonomic Considerations

– Lighting

– Seating (Office)

– Seating (Laboratory)

– Temperature

– Vibration

– Repetition

– Equipment Layout and Orientation

Zettl Group

Zettl Group

Conclusions:Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards within the Zettl Group

• Identify

• Treat – Change situation through engineering and administrative means– Correct Posture– Environment– Safety Equipment

• Prevent– Training, UCB-EHS, LBL-EHS etc

– http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/ergo/

– http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/facstaff/ergonomics/index.shtml