Ergonomics

Question 1

What are WMSDs?

Answer 1

Work-Related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders, aka

1. cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)
2. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
3. Overuse injuries

they are generally soft-tissue injuries that occur gradually

Question 2

what are some symptoms of WMSDs?

Answer 2

1. discomfort
2. pain
3. numbness, tingling
4. burning
5. swelling
6. change in color
7. tightness, loss of flexibility

Question 3

what causes WMSDs?

Answer 3

1. Hand intensive work
2. forceful exertion - requires force exerted one hand >10lbs
3. stationary/awkward positions
4. segmental vibration
5. lifting - frequent (>once/hour) handling >20lbs or occasional (>once/shift) handling 40lbs or more
6. pushing or pulling loads that are hard (exertions greater than 40lbs) to move or stop
7. awkward motions - includes one or more of the following:
   
   1. full arm reaches
   2. twisting or bending of the back
   3. wrist bent at or near max ROM
   4. working with one or more hands above chest height
8. repetitive motions - task that is repeated 4x/min or more

Question 4

what is meant by segmental vibration?

Answer 4

exposure to vibrating tools or work objects >2 hours continuously or over 50% of the work cycle

Question 5

what is ergonomics?

Answer 5

the science and practice of designing jobs and workplaces to match the capabilities and limitations of the human body

it means “fitting the job to the worker”

Question 6

What are the goals and benefits of ergonomics?

Answer 6

1. Provide max productivity with minimal cost
2. Maintain health and productivity of workers at an optimally safe level
3. Benefits
   
   1. decrease injury rate
   2. improve quality of work
   3. improve QOL
   4. reduce fatigue and discomfort

Question 7

list alternatives to lifting

Answer 7

1. use carts, hand trucks, hoists, conveyors or other mechanical assistances
2. slide objects instead of lifting them
3. store heavy items where individual will not have to bend or reach to lift them
4. use ladders to get items down from high shelves

Question 8

list some ways to reduce low work

Answer 8

1. raise and/or tilt the work for better access
2. use a stool for ground level work
3. use tools with longer handles
4. alternate between bending kneeling, sitting, and squatting

Question 9

list some ways to reduce high work

Answer 9

1. use an elevated work platform or rolling stairs
2. use tools with longer handles
3. limit overhead storage to infrequently used items
4. bring the work down and tilt for easier access

Question 10

list some ways to reduce reaching

Answer 10

1. keep items within close reach → design reach distance for the shortest worker
2. remove obstacles
3. use gravity racks

Question 11

list ways to reduce repetition

Answer 11

1. arrange work to avoid unnecessary motions
2. let power tools and machinery do the work
3. spread repetitive work out during the day
4. take stretch pauses
5. rotate task with co-workers if possible
6. change hands or motions frequently

Question 12

a power grip is _________ than a pinch grip

Answer 12

5x stronger

Question 13

list ways to reduce grip force

Answer 13

1. grip with the whole hand, not just the fingertips
2. pick up smaller loads
3. use carts or hand trucks instead of carrying
4. keep tools in good working order
5. use lighter tools or tool balancers
6. use two hands
7. keep your wrists straight

Question 14

list ways to avoid a pinch grip

Answer 14

1. pick objects up from the bottom using whole hand
2. attach handles or use lift tools
3. build up handles on small tools to reduce grip force

Question 15

list ways to reduce vibration

Answer 15

1. use low vibration tools if available
2. maintain tools
3. use anti-vibration gloves or tool wraps

Question 16

common lifting injuries occur when you:

Answer 16

1. bend at the waist → can add 10x the amount of force to the spine
2. lift an object that is too heavy
3. do not keep the object close to your body

Question 17

list lifting principles

Answer 17

1. remain close to the object
2. use short lever arms for better control and efficiency
3. maintain your COG close to the object’s or pt’s COG
4. widen your BOS and position feet according to the direction of movement you will use to perform the activity
5. use the larger stronger muscles of your body → legs, trunk, arms
6. avoid twisting when you lift → rather turn and pivot
7. when possible: push, pull, roll, or slide an object rather than lifting it

Question 18

what is the golfer’s lift?

Answer 18

1. utilized for light objects that can be easily lifted with one UE
2. face the object to be lifted with one foot slightly forward of the other
3. shift weight onto forward leg and flex the hip and knee lowering the body
4. the NWB LE is extended to keep the spine from flexing
5. pick the object up and return to upright position

Question 19

list tips for ergonomics

Answer 19

1. adapt the workplace to the worker - not vice versa
2. support work in the way it is done
3. optimize support for the primary task
4. provide appropriate user control
5. emphasize ease of use
6. provide for personalization of space
7. train people in the proper use of equipment

Question 20

list 3 common faults that may occur with prolonged sitting

Answer 20

1. the rounded spine → a flexion fault
2. the arched spine → the too much extension fault
3. the side slouch → the high hip/high shoulder fault

Question 21

describe the rounded spine: a flexion fault

Answer 21

• forward-head on neck position
• pressure on isolated segments of the spine
• round and compromised spinal position
• shoulders rounded forward
• little support from abdominal and spinal muscles
• pelvis tipped back in compromised position
• glutes turned off

Question 22

describe the arched spine: too much extension fault

Answer 22

• pinched facet joint
• LBP/tight muscles/decreased circulation/disc degeneration
• tight psoas and hip flexors
• pelvis tipped forward in a compromised position

Question 23

describe the side slouch fault

Answer 23

• LBP
• compromised breathing mechanics
• loss of mobility
• muscle imbalances
• tissue restrictions

Question 24

list some workstation modifications for a pt with forward head posture

Answer 24

1. move monitor closer
2. increase monitor height so that visual field is at or slightly below the top of the monitor

Question 25

list some workstation modifications for a pt with elevated shoulders/hypertonic upper traps

Answer 25

1. lower keyboard or increase chair height

Question 26

list some workstation modifications for a pt with frequent headaches

Answer 26

1. move keyboard closer
2. take frequent rest breaks to reduce eye strain

Question 27

list some workstation modifications for a pt with eye strain

Answer 27

1. utilize an anti-glare screen
2. move monitor closer

Question 28

list some workplace modifications for a pt with carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 28

1. adjust keyboard and mouse to allow for neutral wrist position (overextended wrist position will make symptoms worse)

Question 29

like some workplace modifications for a pt with epicondylalgia

Answer 29

1. utilize a trackball mouse or touch pad
2. arrange keyboard and mouse to ensure neutral wrist position is achieved

Question 30

list some workplace modifications for a pt with back pain made worse with sitting/with symptoms that extend into the legs

Answer 30

1. utilize lumbar roll to increase lordosis (can buy a lumbar pillow or roll up a towel to place in the small of the back)

Question 31

list some workplace tips to promote better ergonomics

Answer 31

1. take frequent breaks throughout the day
   
   1. get up from the chair and move around several times a day (even just for 30 seconds)
   2. this helps reduce eye strain and muscle tension
2. roll the shoulders backwards
3. rotate the head from side to side
4. stretch forearms and legs
5. perform frequent posture checks