DITHM EXAM - WEEK 6 - Posture and Ergonomics

Question 1

What factors may have an impact on posture?

Answer 1

Biomechanics and their anatomical variances

Muscle Strength:
-Imbalance /hypertonicity/hypotonicity

• Chronic health changes
  Diabetic neuropathy
• Acute/Chronic trauma
• Lifestyle
  Sedentary lifestyles, ‘text neck’
• Vestibular system
  Vestibulospinal reflex
• Visual system
• Nervous system
  Proprioception
  Changes in central and/or peripheral nervous system i.e
  Parkinsons, MND

Question 2

What are the three pillars of ergonomics?

Answer 2

1. Human Factors
2. Task Design
3. Machine Design

Question 3

What are the most common causes of workplace injuries?

Answer 3

• Repetitive motion 63%,
• Placing, grasping or moving objects 20%
• Repetitive use of tools 8%
• Typing /key entry 9%.

Question 4

What are the most common types of workplace injuries?

Answer 4

• Soft tissue 28.6%
• Trauma to muscle and tendon 20.6%
• Trauma to joints and ligaments 14.1%
• Trauma to muscle 6.9%
• Dislocations 2.6%

Question 5

What lifting techniques can be used with manual handling?

Answer 5

1. Lift and carry heavy loads correctly by keeping the load close to the body and lifting with the thigh muscles.
2. Never attempt to lift or carry loads if you think they are too heavy.
3. Pushing a load (using your body weight to assist) will be less stressful on your body than pulling a load.
4. Use mechanical aids or get help to lift or carry a heavy load whenever possible.
5. Organise the work area to reduce the amount of bending, twisting and stretching required.
6. Take frequent breaks.
7. Cool down after heavy work with gentle, sustained stretches.
8. Improve your fitness – exercise regularly to strengthen muscles and ligaments, and reduce excess body fat.
9. Warm up cold muscles with gentle stretches before engaging in any manual work.