Ergonomics and Workplace Injury Prevention Flashcards
what is ergonomics
the study of the interaction between individuals and their jobs
preparing the treatment area
surfaces, instruments, equipment, patient’s dental chair, clinician’s chair
reviewing the patient’s record
review medical and dental history
review the recent progress notes
anticipate appointment procedures or new record making
upright position
initial position from patient receptor
semi-upright position
back of the chair is reclined at a 45 degree angle
ideal for patients with cardiovascular, respiratory or vertigo issues
supine position
brain and heart are at the same height
back of the chair is parallel with the floor
ideal for circulation
trendelenburg position
brain is tipped back lower than the heart
back of chain is tipped back and down
back of chair is less than parallel with the floor
some medical emergencies
why do we want to achieve and maintain a neutral working position
health of the clinician
service to be performed
effect on the patient
clinician-patient positioning
distance: patient’s mouth should be in line with clinician’s elbow, 15-22 inches from clinician’s eyes to patient’s mouth
selection: practical to what you are doing
flexibility: move yourself and the patient to maintain NWP
treatment area
patient’s mouth
work area
dental chair, patient, tray, clinician and room for 2nd DH/DA if needed
equipment to help maintain an ergonomic practice
instrument handle: weight, diameter, taper and texture can change the pinch force
gloves: well fitted
foot pedal control: keep heel on floor at all times
instrument handles
optimal weight is 15g or less
optimal handle diameter for instruments and mirrors is 10 mm
work layout to help maintain an ergonomic practice
clean space
tray distance: within arms reach
tray set up
work process organization to help maintain an ergonomic practice
clinician - patient position: maintain NWP
NWP: loupes
access to what you need: suction, air/water syringe, tray, light
instrumentation to help maintain an ergonomic practice
correct working stroke
grasp and fulcrum
sharp instruments
carpal tunnel
when the median nerve is compressed causing pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm
dequarvain’s tenosynovitis
painful inflammation of tendons in the wrist and lower thumb
caused by overuse and repetitive workplace tasks, bending the hand back or to the side, hand twisting, forceful gripping
thoracic outlet syndrome
compression of the brachial nerve plexus, between the neck and shoulder causing pain in neck, shoulder or hand, numbness in arm or fingers
caused from tilting the head forward and continuously reaching up
can cause permanent neurological damage
ulnar nerve entrapment
painful disorder of the lower arm and wrist caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, repeatedly bending the hand up, down, or from side to side at the wrist, holding the little finger away from the hand
pronator syndrome
painful disorder of the wrist and hand caused by compression of the median nerve by the pronator muscle from holding the lower arm away from the torso of the body
tendinitis
a painful inflammation of the tendons of the wrist caused by repeatedly bending the hand up, down, or from side to side at the wrist
extensor wad strain
painful disorder of the fingers as a result of injury to the extensor muscles caused by extending the fingers independently of each other
thoracic outlet syndrom
painful disorder of the fingers, hand, and or wrist due to compression of the brachial nerve plexus and vessels caused by tilting the head forward, hunching the shoulders forward, continuously reaching overhead
rotator cuff tendinitis
painful inflammation of the muscle tendons in the shoulder region caused by holding the elbow about waist level and holding the upper arm away from the body
prevention of workplace injury
no finger pulling
NWP
handle designs
proper positioning
regular rest breaks
chair-side stretching
ergonomic risk factors
prolonged awkward position
force grip
static positions
poor physical fitness
repetition
insufficient rest
the purpose of functional movement exercises
maintain muscle health through strengthening and lengthening
support the natural curves of the spine
obtain flexibility and balance within the musculoskeletal system
help maintain good posture
create a safe body structure for injury prevention
develop a base for further body strength and conditioning
other work related injuries in dental hygiene
needle stick exposure
latex sensitivity: dermatitis to anaphylactic shock
eye injuries
eye injury prevention
careful, deliberate techniques and instrument management
eye protection for both dental team and patients
