USDA TARGET Center Presents Ergo U!. ERGONOMICS The science of fitting the job to the worker. The...
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Transcript of USDA TARGET Center Presents Ergo U!. ERGONOMICS The science of fitting the job to the worker. The...
USDA TARGET Center PresentsUSDA TARGET Center PresentsErgo U!Ergo U!
ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS
The science of fitting the job to the worker.
The study of designing equipment to reduce fatigue, discomfort and injury.
Allows the worker to feel comfortable, healthy and more productive at work.
What You Will LearnWhat You Will Learn
Ergonomic techniques that will reduce your risk for repetitive stress injury.
How to properly set up your work space.
Exercises you can do at the workplace.
How to obtain reasonable accommodations.
Ergonomic Program BenefitsErgonomic Program Benefits
Reduce Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs).
Decrease worker’s compensation costs and absenteeism.
Increase worker productivity and morale.
Basic Ergonomic PrinciplesBasic Ergonomic Principles
Adjustable workplaces to accommodate to the needs of the individual.
Maintaining good posture and neutral positions.
Incorporating mini-breaks and task variety into your workday.
Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.
The Workplace: The Workplace: Yesterday and TodayYesterday and Today
Incidence of Workplace InjuriesIncidence of Workplace Injuries
An estimated $15 billion is spent yearly on ergonomically related injuries.
The USDA spent $3,187,566 on CTS in 1996 alone.
Increased Incidence of RSIs Increased Incidence of RSIs correlates with Increased PC usecorrelates with Increased PC use
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) and work musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD)
Defined by excessive wear and tear on the body caused by continuous use over time without adequate rest.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
RSI causes damage to tendons, nerves, muscles, and connective tissue primarily in the arms, hands, neck, and back.
You can help prevent RSIs with knowledge and practicing healthy work habits.
Risk Factors for Risk Factors for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Performing one task for more than 4 hours a day.
Maintaining a static, awkward position or performing forceful, repetitive tasks.
Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, & obesity.
Job dissatisfaction, stress, and depression.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) CausesCauses
Awkward Postures
Vibrations
Force
Repetitive Tasks
Inadequate rest or infrequent breaks.
Awkward PosturesAwkward Postures
Overhead reaching
Bending at the back
Twisting
Outstretching arms or legs
Turning neck
Gripping
Crouching shoulders
Slouching
Keeping wrists bent
Physical Symptoms of Physical Symptoms of Repetitive Strain InjuriesRepetitive Strain Injuries
Pain
Tingling
Numbing
Cold hands or feet
Unexplained fatigue
Muscle weakness
Loss of function
Nocturnal wakening due to pain
Aching
Anatomy of Anatomy of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Anatomy ofAnatomy ofCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Typical Symptoms ofTypical Symptoms ofCarpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness in fingers and forearm.
Tingling in hand, especially thumb.
Aching and burning sensation.
Hand falling asleep frequently.
Frequently dropping items.
Shoulder or forearm pain.
Avoiding Avoiding Carpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome
Keep hands and wrists relaxed and in a neutral position by adjusting keyboardheight and angle.
Align wrists with the forearm and keep arms at 90 degrees.
Keep keyboard low. Consider anadjustable keyboard tray.
Avoiding Avoiding Carpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome
Place mouse next to keyboard to avoid stretching arm to reach.
Rest hands on lap when not typing or using mouse.
Consider Voice Recognition Software and other adaptive strategies.
Avoiding Avoiding Carpel Tunnel SyndromeCarpel Tunnel Syndrome
Avoiding Back, Neck and Avoiding Back, Neck and Shoulder PainShoulder Pain
Adjust chair to support lower back curve.
Sit with buttocks in back of chair rather than the edge to maximize back support.
Shorten seat pan or move forward the backrest so there is no pressure behind the knees.
Avoiding Back, Neck and Avoiding Back, Neck and Shoulder PainShoulder Pain
Get up and stretch every half hour.
Vary your chair adjustments throughout the day.
Roll shoulders and neck during the day.
Keep arms at 90 degree angle when typing.
Avoiding Back, Neck and Avoiding Back, Neck and Shoulder PainShoulder Pain
Avoid twisting, bending, and heavy lifting.
Move entire body rather than just neck. Remember your eyes move independently from your neck.
Don’t rest phone on neck.
Do not bend at the waist, use your quads.
Avoiding Back and Leg PainAvoiding Back and Leg Pain
Lower chair or use footrest to avoid feet from dangling.
Don’t keep legs propped up in a straight position under your desk.
Minimize slouching and excessive arching.
Stretch legs and stand up every 30 minutes.
Avoiding Back and Neck PainAvoiding Back and Neck Pain
Avoiding back and leg painAvoiding back and leg pain
Causes of Eye StrainCauses of Eye Strain
Viewing computer screen for extended periods of time without a break.
Dusty screen or anti glare filter.
Computer screen more than an arm’s length away from user.
Bright, fluorescent lighting, or poor natural light.
Preventing Eye StrainPreventing Eye Strain
Blink hard periodically and move eyes side to side to keep eyes moist.
Vary tasks so you take breaks from looking at computer.
Close blinds if there is a glare on computer screen.
Place document holder in comfortable position to prevent shifting focus.
Consider an anti-glare filter.
Keep computer screen clean and an arm’s distance away.
Preventing Eye StrainPreventing Eye Strain
What’s wrong w/ this Picture?What’s wrong w/ this Picture?rightright
Stress and RSIsStress and RSIs
Controlling StressControlling Stress
See tech delays as opportunities to catch up, not as hassles.
When waiting for a download, take a deep breath and close eyes.
Maintain a balanced perspective.
TAKE LUNCH!
Controlling StressControlling Stress
Provide input at work. Be assertive, not aggressive or submissive.
Keep a log of daily events and stress level.
Find where your body carries stress.
Exercise!
Train To Be an Office Athlete!Train To Be an Office Athlete!
Ergonomic Products AvailableErgonomic Products Available
Ergonomic Products AvailableErgonomic Products Available
General Advice to Avoid InjuryGeneral Advice to Avoid Injury
Listen to your body! If it hurts, don’t do it.
Use larger muscles for repetitive tasks.
Maintain an active life outside of work.
Exercise and keep a good weight.
Get regular check-ups and eye exams.
Give yourself time to change work habits.
General Advice to Avoid InjuryGeneral Advice to Avoid Injury
Maintain a healthy perspective and positive attitude.
Keep visual reminders to self on ergonomic principles and techniques.
Recognize symptoms early and act!
See a doctor, don’t treat yourself
Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable Accommodations
“An employer is required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified, disabled employees unless doing so would cause undue hardship.”
This includes: job restructuring, acquiring or modifying equipment, and reassignment.
Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable Accommodations
An employer does not have to eliminate an essential function of the job.
An employer does not have to purchase equipment requested if an equally effective alternative found.
Only employees with a documented disability are covered by the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.
Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable AccommodationsUSDA policy:
“When in doubt, accommodate!”
Early accommodations can prevent disability and increase productivity.
59.6% of accommodations cost $100 or less. Only 6% cost over $1,000.*
Accommodations can be made at no cost.
Steps for Determining Steps for Determining Reasonable AccommodationReasonable Accommodation
Consult with person requesting help.
Identify possibilities for accommodating.
Obtain technical assistance, if needed.
Determine job needs and alternatives.
Implement most effective accommodation.
Periodically review effectiveness.
Central FundingCentral Funding
There is help available to purchase RA.
Each mission area is required to establish a central fund to purchase reasonable accommodations for people w/ disabilities.
Contact your DEPM or TARGET Center to find out more on central funding.
TARGET CenterTARGET Centerwww.usda.gov/oo/target.htmwww.usda.gov/oo/target.htm
Provides education & demonstrations of assistive technology and ergonomics.
Ergonomic ResourcesErgonomic Resources
www.ergoweb.com
www.ergometrics.com
www.osha-slc.gov/sltc/ergonomics
www.sechrest.com
General ResourcesGeneral Resources
USDA TARGET Center (202)720-2600 or www.usdagov/oo/target.htm
Job Accommodations Network 1-800-232-9675 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu.
Disability and Federal Government
www.disability.gov