Ergonomics

BY-

DR APARNA PRADHANB.P.T,M.P.T(NEURO)

EX PHYSIOTHERAPY CONSULTANT JEHANGIR,NOBLE,CARE

ACME PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICKALYANI NAGAR

What is “Ergonomics”?

Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work.

Ergonomic principals adapt work to a specific person by designing tasks & tools or equipment to fit the individual to prevent injuries to the musculoskeletal system. acmephysiotherapy.webs.com

An “MSD” is an illness or injury that affects one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system

Bones Muscles Tendons Ligaments Cartilage Nerves Blood vessels

Other common terms for “MSDs”are: Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD’s) Repetitive strain injures (RSI’s) Repetitive motion injuries (RMI’s)

When not diagnosed and treated these can cause inconvenience permanent pain and disability.

What are the risks of ignoring ergonomic principles?

MSDMusculoSkeletal Disorders

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What are MSD’S?

MSD’s are injuries caused by sustained exposure to stressors or repetitive motion ,may affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, circulation, or nerves for example- working long hours on computer.

Some are:Back painNeck painCarpel tunnel syndromeTrigger fingerTennis elbow

Back pain

Most common work-related injuries Two types of situations cause back pain while on the job:•Non-accidental injury-•Pain result of normal activities and requirements of the task. Poor body mechanics (such as slouching in an office chair)

Major contributors to these injuries.

• prolonged activity, • repetitive motions• fatigue This may occur from sitting in an office

chair or standing for too long in one position

Accidental injury results-

when an unexpected event triggers injury during the task. A load that slips or shifts as it is being lifted slip fall hitting one’s head on a cabinet door accidents can jolt the neck, back and other

joints with resulting muscle strain or tearing of soft tissue in the back.

ARE MSD’S PREVENTABLE?

They are preventable and reversible

….. if identified early. The treatment depends on the stage of MSD.

If the condition cannot be reversed, treatment can turn into a pain management situation.

Exercise plays a large role in preventing MSD’s.

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BACK PAIN PREVENTION

• Review your Work Area

•Ergonomic Rule #1

Work Comfortably!If most of your work is done in an office continue If most of your work is done outside of an office continue

Minimize Minimize Awkward Awkward PosturesPostures

Use “Neutral Posture” at the Computer & Other Use “Neutral Posture” at the Computer & Other EquipmentEquipment

Next

Neutral posture:

• Back supported by the chair back

• Ears, Shoulders, Elbows, Hips vertically aligned

• Elbows, hips, knees bent at near-right angles (90o – 105o)

• Feet flat on the floor or footrest

The basic neutral position should be utilized a majority of the time .

BASIC NEUTRALBASIC NEUTRAL

Next

STRETCHES & BREAKSSolutions

Static positions are your enemy!

Whenever you think of it, change position

Small frequent stretches go a long way in preventing MSD’s.

Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place

Use a good CHAIR

Front edge of seat pan curves down

Five feet for base-most stable

Height adjustable On rollers

Seat pan adjustable horizontally and tilts

Backrest is provides good lower back support

Arms adjustable

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Desks

Work Surface Depth Location of Frequently Used Devices Should be Located in

Repetitive Access Zone

             

                                               

Recommended Zones for Workplace Components

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Office Ergonomics- The right equipment, the right place

MOUSE POSITION

NO!

Mouse should be close to the keyboard and the same height or slightly higher

Locate the mouse to avoid reaching

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AVOID LONG DURATION OF SAME TASK

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Our bodies are designed to do work. But the result on the body of doing a repetitive task for 2 hours verses 6

hours straight is very different.

Solutions

Forward tilt posture:

Raise the chair height a few inches and tilt the front downward slightly (8o - 10o)

Back ReliefBack Relief

Opens hip angle allowing legs to support some weight.

Not recommended if you have knee or foot problems.

May be used occasionally throughout the day by most people;

but is not recommended for long periods at a time. Next

Reclining posture:

Lean back 10o - 20o into the chair's backrest and put your feet out in front of you.

Lower Body ReliefLower Body Relief

Opens hip and knee angles to help relax back muscles and promotes blood circulation. Leaning back too far can result in an awkward neck posture.

May be used occasionally throughout the day by most people; but not recommended for long periods at a time.

Next

Adjust your chair to achieve a neutral position – keep trying, it is an ongoing process!

Fix (or have fixed) a malfunctioning chair

Use a lumbar cushion for additional support or if chair lacks adequate back support or seat is too deep

Pad armrests that are hard or that have square edges

Remove armrests if they contribute to awkward postures

Use a foot rest or keyboard platform to help achieve neutral position if necessary

Minimize Awkward Minimize Awkward Body PositionBody Position

Next

Adjust Your Chair

Full-time users: Use separate keyboard and mouse Position screen for optimal viewing

Occasional users: Position laptop for neutral wrist position Angle screen to minimize bending at the back & neck Modify your position regularly, especially if feeling discomfort Limit time spent on a laptop computer if you can’t relieve awkward

postures

Laptop ComputersLaptop Computers

Next

Good ergonomic postures are difficult with a laptop

Who can Help?

IF STILL PAIN PERSIST

PHYSIO EXCERSICE MANUPILATION INSTRUMENTS- I.FT,U.S,TRACTION,T.E.NS COUNCELLEING ERGONOMIC ADVICE POSTURAL CORRECTION

ORTHO MEDICINES INJECTIONS SURGURY

Who can go to physiotherapist?

1.Individuals with pain receive physio to improve function and structural correction.

2.Individuals without any dysfunction receive physio to improve health and wellness and to prevent impairments.

Questions?Questions?

Am I at risk for a MSD?

Do you

…perform frequent repetitive motions?…bend at the waist or twist when lifting objects?…grasp tools with your fingers?…forget to take breaks while working?…feel like you are under stress?…have to stretch to reach your work?…forget to adjust your work area to fit your task?

The more you answered “yes”, the greater your risk.acmephysiotherapy.webs.com

FOR MORE DETAIL YOU CAN VISIT –

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THANK YOU