Occupational Ergonomics 2005

8/8/2019 Occupational Ergonomics 2005

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The Science of

Ergonomics


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ObjectivesObjectives

Introduce ergonomics & define commonIntroduce ergonomics & define commontermsterms

Review basic anatomyReview basic anatomy

Identify common musculoskeletal disordersIdentify common musculoskeletal disorders

Define scope of the problemDefine scope of the problem


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Workplace SafetyWorkplace Safety

Electrical Safety

Fire Prevention

Hazard Communication

Personal Protective Equipment

Chemical Safety

Asbestos Control

Confined Space

Medical & First Aid


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Ergonomics Defined

Early 1700s, Ramazzinis study of ill-effects of poorposture & poorly designed tools on the health ofworkers

Greek Words Ergon = work, Nomikos = law

Ergonomics Study ofWork Laws


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What Is Ergonomics?

Modern Definition

Science of fitting workplaceconditionsandjob demandstothe capabilities of the working

population


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What Is Ergonomics?What Is Ergonomics?

Ergon work

Nomos laws of

Ergonomics is thelaws of work that

define the limits to

human capability.


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Ergonomics is the science ofimproving employee performanceand well-being in relation to the

job tasks, equipment, and

the environment.

Ergonomics is a continuous improvement effort

to design the workplace for whatpeople do well, and designagainst what people dont dowell.


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Ergonomics is fitting the job to the person.


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Applying Ergonomics

1. Study, research, & experimentation

Evaluate human traits/characteristics weneed to know for engineering design

2. Application & engineering

Design tools, machines, shelter,

environment, work tasks, and jobprocedures to fit and accommodate thehuman


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Ergonomics

Human Machine

Work Environment

Utmost Goal: Humanization of Work

Design withE & E: Easeand Efficiency


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The Basics ofErgonomics


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INDUSTRIAL

ATHLETE

SKILL

WILL

COACHING

GREAT EQUIPMENT


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Occupational Ergonomics

Optimize worker well-being

Optimize productivity

Minimize workplace stress factors Minimize medical/workers compensation

costs

Increase Company Profitability


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Occupational Factors AffectingThe

Worker..

Physical Hazards

Chemical Hazards

Biological Hazards


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Physical Hazards

Heat Stress/Cold Stress

Noise

Illumination

Ventilation

Vibration

Radiation

Falling, Tripping, Slipping


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Chemical Hazards

Liquids

Solids Gases

Dusts

Fumes

Mists

Fibers


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Biological Hazards

Needle Stick Injuries

Blood BornePathogens

AIDS

Anthrax

Tuberculosis Rabies

Hepatitis


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Where Does Ergonomics Fit In?Where Does Ergonomics Fit In?

Physical Hazards

Chemical Hazards

Biological HazardsErgonomics

Human Machine

Work Environment

3

3

3


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Common Ergonomic Terms

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Repetitive Motion Disorders

Work-Related MusculoskeletalDisorders (WMSDs)


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Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Bodily injuries or physical ailments that

have developed gradually over periods ofweeks, months, or even years as theresult ofrepeated stresses on a particular

body part

Source: (Erdil & Dickerson, 1997)


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Repetitive Motion Disorders

A variety ofmuscular conditions that result fromrepeated motions performed in the course ofnormal work or other daily activities.

RMDs may be caused by: overexertion

incorrect posture

muscle fatigue

compression of nerves or tissue

too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion

friction caused by an unnatural or awkward motion such as twistingthe arm or wrist

Source: (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke )


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Examples of

Repetitive Motion Disorders Carpel tunnel syndrome

DeQuervains disease Raynauds syndrome (white finger)

Tendinitis

Tenosynovitis Trigger finger


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Musculoskeletal Disorders

An MSD is an injury or illness of

Muscles

Nerves Tendons

Ligaments

Joints

Cartilage

Spinal Discs

A - articular capsule

B - ligament

C - tendon (section view)

D - muscle

E - tendons


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Anterior View:Muscles & Bones


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Posterior View:Muscles & Bones


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Musculoskeletal SystemMusculoskeletal System

The Knee

Left Anterior Forearm


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Work-Related MSDs

Disorders where the work environment &

performance of work contributesignificantly

Made worse or longer lasting by workconditions


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Examples ofWMSDsExamples ofWMSDs

Lower Body Low Back Pain

Back Strain Disc Disorder

Degenerative Disc Disorders

Sciatica

Knee Disorders Foot Disorders


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Examples ofWMSDsExamples ofWMSDs

Upper Body Tension Neck Syndrome

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow)

Tendinitis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

DeQuervains Tenosynovitis Trigger Finger

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome


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Common Physical Injuries/IllnessesCommon Physical Injuries/Illnesses

A - inflammation of the shoulder tendons

B - tennis elbow

C - inflammation of the wrist tendons

D - lesion of the knee cartilage

E - inflammation or tearing of the Achilles tendon

F - spraining of the thigh musclesG -backache (due to a lesion of the ligaments or muscles)


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Scope of ProblemScope of Problem


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Why is Ergonomics Important?Why is Ergonomics Important?

FinancialFinancial

HumanisticHumanistic

RegulatoryRegulatory Public relationsPublic relations

Employee/labor relationsEmployee/labor relations

$

Human


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Regulatory AgenciesRegulatory Agencies

National Institute for Occupational Safety & HealthNational Institute for Occupational Safety & Health(NIOSH)(NIOSH)

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

Department of LaborDepartment of Labor

Workers Compensation Insurance CompaniesWorkers Compensation Insurance Companies


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Bureau ofLabor & Statistics

Number of Fatalities

Number of Non-Fatal Injuries & Illnesses

Lost Workday Cases

Injury and Illness Incident Rates

The Bureau ofLabor Statistics is the principal fact-finding

agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of

labor economics and statistics.


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Scope of the problemScope of the problem

Bureau of Labor & Statistics (BLS), 2002Bureau of Labor & Statistics (BLS), 2002

Total cases of nonTotal cases of non--fatal injuries andfatal injuries andillnessesillnesses

4,700,6004,700,600

1,436,194 Cases Involved Days Away From Work


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More about the injuriesMore about the injuries

Carpal tunnel syndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome

cases had morecases had more medianmedian

days away from workdays away from work(30)(30) than eitherthan either fracturesfractures

(29) or amputations (26)(29) or amputations (26)

Source:BLS 2002


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Musculoskeletal DisordersMusculoskeletal DisordersTotal musculoskeletal disorders 487.9 9 (1,000s)Total musculoskeletal disorders 487.9 9 (1,000s)

OccupationsOccupations Number Number MedianMedian

Days AFWDays AFW

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendantsNursing aides, orderlies, and attendants 44.444.4 66

Truck driversTruck drivers 36.836.8 1212

Laborers, nonconstructionLaborers, nonconstruction 24.924.9 88

Janitors and cleanersJanitors and cleaners 15.215.2 77

AssemblersAssemblers 15.215.2 1414

Construction laborersConstruction laborers 11.111.1 1010

Registered nursesRegistered nurses 10.810.8 66

Supervisors and proprietors, sales occupationsSupervisors and proprietors, sales occupations 9.99.9 77

CashiersCashiers 9.39.3 88

Stock handlers and baggersStock handlers and baggers 8.88.8 55

Sales workers, other commoditiesSales workers, other commodities 7.87.8 77


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Sprains, strains, and tears accounted for

over 75.8% ofthemusculoskeletal

disorders that resulted in days away from

work in 2002.

Carpal TunnelSyndrome accountedfor

over 4.6% ofthemusculoskeletal

disorders that resulted in days away from

work in 2002.



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A majority of injured or ill

workers were 20 to 44 years old

Workers 20 to 44 had a higher

incidence of injuries or illnesses,

while workers 45 and older had a

lower incidence of injuries orillnesses than each of their hours

worked shares suggest



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Two-thirds of the injured or ill

workers weremen, well above

their 59 percent share of the

nations hours worked.

Most workers (37.2%) had atleast 1 to 5 years of service

with their employer when they

were injured or became ill.



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Workers Compensation ClaimsWorkers Compensation Claims

Texas Mutual Claims for 2002Texas Mutual Claims for 2002

26,17526,175

For 3 month period, small business policyholders

(premium less than $50,000):

Total Claims: 3,774

Strains 664 (18%)

Sprains 424 (11%)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 17 (0.45%)


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Workers Compensation CostsWorkers Compensation Costs

Total Claims:Total Claims: 3,7743,774

Total Dollar Loss:Total Dollar Loss: $28,103,240$28,103,240

StrainsStrains $5,044,619 $5,044,619 $7,597$7,597

SprainsSprains $2,549,584$2,549,584 $6,013 $6,013

Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal Tunnel Syndrome $180,232$180,232 $10,602$10,602

Total IncurredCost Average IncurredCost


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Financial BurdenFinancial Burden

In year2001, serious workplace injury & illnessescost $45.8 billion

Occupational Ergonomics 2005

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