ERGONOMICSDR.RAKHSHINDA AMBREEN

LECTURER CHS,JMDC

OBJECTIVES

By the end of the session students will be able to: Define ergonomics Differentiate between micro and macro ergonomics Describe different domains of ergonomics Identify different risk factor associated with ergonomics Classify ergonomics related injuries Explain different recommendations to avoid injuries related to

ergonomics.

What is ergonomics?“The term “ergonomics” originates from the Greek words:ergon - work and nomos - custom, law.

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

Organizations responsible for ergonomics

International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) International Ergonomics Association (IEA) International labor organization (ILO)

Different types of ergonomics

Micro ergonomics

working with tools, machines and other equipment. “human-machine” interface

Macro ergonomics

organizational and work-system design ---relevant personnel

technological and environmental variables

It examines the interactions and interdependence of all facets of the working environment and considers the way organizations are managed

Domains of ergonomics

Physical ergonomicshuman anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. relevant topics include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, heavy work, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, noise, thermal conditions and vibration, safety and health, as these relate to work. Cognitive ergonomicsmental process .e.g. mental workload, decision‑making, skilled performance, human‑computer interaction, human error, work stress and training

Continued…

Organizational ergonomicssocio‑technical systems, including their organizational structures, policies and processes. relevant topics include human system considerations in communication, human resource management, work design, design of work schedules, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work models, virtual organizations, tele-work and quality management

Physical ergonomics

Types of Injuries

• Muscle pain

• Joint pain

• Swelling

• Numbness

• Restricted motion

• Repetitive stress injury

•Repetitive motion injury

•Cumulative trauma disorder

•Musculoskeletal disorder

CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS

A type of illness which relates to the cumulative effect of micro-traumas that result from repetitive or static work, forceful exertions or awkward postures. n Examples: è Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis è Carpal Tunnel Syndrome è Shoulder, Neck, Back and Leg Discomforts CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS (CTD’s) 

EFFECTS OF ERGONOMICS RELATED INJURIES

Two classifications of ergonomic injuries Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s) –

exposure driven Strains/Sprains – instantaneous (event

driven) Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s)

Injury to soft tissue caused by prolonged exposure to multiple ergonomic risk factors

Typically develop in small body segments (i.e. fingers, wrists, elbows, and neck)

Continue… Examples of CTD’s

Tendon disorders: Inflammation of tendon and/or tendon sheathing caused

by repeated rubbing against ligaments, bone, etc. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Nerve disorders: (Hands arm vibration syndrome) Compression of nerves from repeated or sustained

exposure to sharp edges, bones, ligaments, and/or tendons

Carpal tunnel syndrome Neurovascular disorders: (Hands arm

vibration syndrome) Compression of blood vessels and/or nerves from

repeated exposure to vibration or cold temperatures Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (white finger

syndrome)

Continue…

Strains & Sprains Injury to connective tissue caused by single forceful event:

lifting heavy objects in awkward position Common to large body segments (i.e. back, legs, and

shoulders) Risk of injury increases with the presence of multiple risk

factors

Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs)Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries

Source: Bureau of Labor

MSDs

Contact with Objects

Transportation Related

Falls

All Other

Workplace Violence

Statistics Annual Survey, 1996

Healthcare ergonomics

Reason for MSD among healthcare workers

patient care such as lifting turning, bending reaching overhead, etc.) many of these injuries can be attributed to traditional office and factory

injuries. resulting from poor posture and alignment with computer workstations

(which are being used increasingly) and being subjected to long periods of standing in a stationary position such as during surgery and other longer procedures and treatments.

Ergonomics for schoolStudies have revealed that 72 per cent of primary and 64 per cent of secondary school children report back and/or neck pain at school, with the majority of cases unreported (Webb 2013).Studies over the last decade show 13-50 per cent of 11-17 year old have experienced back pain (cited Gardner & Kelly 2006, Vaughan et al 2007).Pupils who experience back pain are more likely to experience it as an adult (Salminen et al 1999, Croft et al 2001, Jones and Macfarlane 2009).

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Musculoskeletal problems among teachersMusculoskeletal problems were found to be the leading cause of ill-health retirement in Irish school teachers affecting 10 per cent of teachers (Maguire and O’Connell 2007).Low back pain was reported by 40-45 per cent of nursery and primary school teachers (Pillastrini et al 2009, Hashim and Samad et al 2010).Low back pain, neck and shoulder pain are in the top 10 most frequently reported health complaints amongst teachers (Chong and Chan 2010).There is evidence of knee osteoarthritis from prolonged kneeling and squatting (Coggan et al 2000, Klussmann et al 2010).

School furniture ergonomics

Should suit the age group Desks should be of Minus type Chairs should be provided with proper back rest. • avoid postural deformities like Kyphosis and

Scoliosis

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Benefits of ergonomics

Benefits of ergonomics for teachers include: Reduced costs associated with sickness absence, including staff retraining Improved productivity Improved safety and wellbeing.Benefits of ergonomics for children include: More comfortable children More attentive and focused pupils Better listeners and better learners Good habits for later on in life.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Impact of MSDs in the WorkplaceWork related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2013, MSD1 cases accounted for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases

Example:Carpal tunnel syndromeTendinitisRotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder)Epicondylitis (affects the elbow)Trigger finger-musicians, industrial worker, smokersMuscle strains and low back injuries

.

Types of Problems or Mismatches

Physical Size

Endurance

Strength

Manipulative

Environmental

Cognitive

From David Alexander, 1986

Physical Size

Clearance

Reach

Equipment Size

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Endurance (Capacity for Work)

Environmental

Noise

Lighting

Thermal

Chemical

Cognitive

Machine Pacing

Shift Work

Morale

Psychosocial

Strength

Force Requirements

Male/Female

Manual Materials Handling

Other Issues

Aging workforce

Universal design

Other Issues

Aging workforce

Universal design

Office ergonomics

ERGO REMINDERS

Correct & Incorrect Techniques

Occupational Health (objectives) as the:

• Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mentaland social well-being of workers in all occupations• Prevention among workers of departures from health caused by theirworking conditions• Protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting fromfactors adverse to health• Placing and the maintenance of workers in an occupational environmentadapted to their physical and mental needs

Therefore Occupational Health services deal with:1. Health promotion and maintenance (Primary Prevention or wellpeople care)2. Prevention of disease and injury, or workers’ return to full work dutiesafter injury or illness (Secondary Prevention or threatened people care)3. Some treatment or workplace modification for residual disability (TertiaryPrevention or sick people care)

Conclusion

THANK YOU………..

REFERENCES

• ERGONOMICS GUIDELINES FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE IN INDUSTRIALLY DEVELOPING COUNTRIES 2010

• SCHOOLBAG WEIGHT AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/research/schoolbags.htm