WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS

Let’s Do it “FAST”

ProBE Plus Forum 14 April 2015

Heidi Tan

Principal Occupational Therapist

Department of Occupational Therapy

Email: Heidi_Tan@ttsh.com.sg

Workplace Ergonomics….

Where do I begin?

Know the

common

WMSDs

You already know the process

Hazard

Identification

Risk

Assessment

Risk

Control

Risk

Management

(NIOSH, 1997)

What are

the risks?

“That takes too long!

I need to assess the risks FAST!”

F

A

S

T

Force

Awkward Postures

Static Postures

Time (Duration and Repetition)

Office Ergonomics

Don’t just “SAT” there

1. Static posture

2. Awkward

posture

3.Time

(how long?)

How to reduce Static posture

over long Time?

Walkstation

Alternatively….. Keep changing your work posture!

What about Awkward postures?

The Neutral Posture

Taken from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html

Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Which posture is the best for

computer work?

Is there a perfect ergonomic chair?

Basic features to look for in chairs

From Code of Practice of Office

Ergonomics:

–Seat height (35-50cm)

–Seat depth (38-43cm)

–Seat width (min 48cm)

–Backrest height/tilt (100-120°)

–Armrest (adjustable/removable)

–Seat surface (Permeable and non-

slippery material )

Input devices with an

ergonomic twist

Self improvisations to

improve postures

Don’t forget to make space around

the workstation

Manual Handling

Reduce the “FAT” load

2. Awkward

posture

1. Force

3. Time

(how frequent?)

Reduce Force

& Frequency

Using Mechanical

Devices

How about handling people?

Ri Man

Better still, Automate!

Automated Guided Vehicle

to transport food to wards

Good lifting posture?

Learn from the weight lifters.

Don’t forget to check

the environment!

Should I recommend Back Belts

as a PPE?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH (1994) reported insufficient scientific evidence that wearing back belts protects workers from the risk of job-related back injury.

After a 2 year study on 9,377 workers, NIOSH (2000) also found no significant difference between the rates of back injuries among workers who wore back belts every day compare to those who never wore back belts or wore them infrequently.

They recommend that usage of back belts should be based on a voluntary decision, and not a mandatory job requirement.

For the more serious …….

Gather an Ergo Assessment Tool Kit

http://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg

Study the Code of Practice on

Ergonomics

Read up the Workplace Safety and

Health Council Resources https://www.wshc.sg

Published January

2014 by WSHC

Start an ergonomics program in

your organisation

What is the outcome you wish to

achieve?

Reference from https://www.wshc.sg

Reduce

prevalence of

MSDs?

Improve

productivity?

Improve staff

morale?

Recap:

“FAST” Workplace Ergonomics

F

A

S

T

Force

Awkward Postures

Static Postures

Time (Duration and Repetition)

Thank you!!