Ergonomics Programs Flashcards
Ergonomics
The science of designing and arranging the physical environment, equipment and organization of work to most safely and effectively fit the human body of the worker
Field of ergonomics is concerned with…
- Design of the worksite
- Equipment
- Physical environment
- Organization of work
- Interaction of the worker with the job
Ergonomics considers knowledge from the following areas
- Human factors engineering
- Anthropometry
- Occupational biomechanics
- Work physiology
Human factors engineering
Aka engineering psychology or cognitive ergonomics
Focuses on:
- Perceptual and information processing requirements
- Psychomotor actions of job
Anthropometry
Looks at the worker’s body size, dimensions, or measurements when designing work space or equipment
Occupational biomechanics
Examines the mechanical properties of the human body and their responses to mechanical stressors
Work physiology
Is concerned with the responses of the body (respiratory, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems) to the metabolic demands of work
WMSDs account for greater then ——- of all occupational injuries and illnesses reported to Bureau of Labor Statistics every year
1/3
WMSDs accounted for —– of injuries and illnesses with days away from work
34%
Among major disabling injuries and illnesses, median days away from work were the highest for ——–
Carpal tunnel syndrome
——- resulted in the longest absences from work
Repetitive motion, such as grasping tools, scanning groceries and typing
Repetitive motion had a median of —- days absent from work
23
More than —– employees suffer lost workday WMSDs each year in the US
600,000
WMSDs result in an estimated —– in workers compensation and days lost
$13-20 billion
Injuries or illnesses resulting from poor biomechanics are called….
- Ergonomic injuries
2. Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)
WRMSDs typically include:
Soft tissue injuries to:
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Joints
- Blood vessels
- Nerves
Common locations of WRMSDs
- Upper extremities
- Lower extremities
- Cervical spine
- Lower back
Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders
- Pain
- Swelling
- Erythema
- Numbness
- Paresthesia
WMSDs exclude injuries from:
- Slips
- Trips
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Being struck by objects
Contributing factors for WMSDs
- Physical factors
- Environmental factors
- Work organizational factors
- Personal factors and activities outside the workplace
Examples of physical factors that contribute to WRMSDs
Physical working conditions
Examples of environmental factors that contribute to WRMSDs
- Hot/cold temperatures
- Noise
- Lighting
Work organizational factors that contribute to WRMSDs
Organizational structure of the work environment such as restrictive, high demand-low control jobs
WMSDs may result from exposure to the following risk factors:
- Awkward postures
- Forceful exertions
- Highly repetitive motions
- Repeated impact
- Heavy, frequent and/or awkward lifting
- Moderate to high hand-arm (segmental) vibration
- Whole body vibration
- Compression at pressure points, or local contact stress, that inhibits nerve function and blood flow
- Lack of sufficient rest periods or machine paced work
- Combinations of any of these conditions
Examples of awkward postures that are a risk factors for WMSDs
Working with hands above head
Examples of forceful exertions that are risk factors for WMSDs
High hand force, in gripping an unsupported object or using a pinch grip
Example of highly repetitive motions that are risk factors for WMSDs
Intensive keying
Example of repeated impact activity that is risk factor for WMSDs
Using the hand as a hammer
Equipment that causes moderate to high hand-arm vibration
- Grinders
2. Sanders
Equipment that causes whole body vibration
Driving heavy equipment
Examples of work related musculoskeletal injuries
- Muscle strains and tears
- Ligament sprains
- Joint and tendon inflammation
- Pinched nerves
- Ganglion cysts
- Degeneration of spinal discs
Conditions associated with musculoskeletal injuries
- Tendinitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Epicondylitis
- DeQuervain’s syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Sciatica
- Trigger finger
- Synovitis
- Rotator cuff syndrome
Nerve entrapment syndromes include
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow or wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome is cause by what type of nerve entrapment?
Median nerve entrapment at the wrist
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by what type of nerve entrapment
Tibial nerve entrapment at the ankle
Hand-arm vibration syndrome
- a form of peripheral nerve impairment
- thought to result from vibration such as that experienced with the use of power tools
Studies suggest that the greater the ———— the more likely it is that a worker will sustain a WMSD
Intensity, duration and frequency of exposure to physical risk factors
US workers are protected through the ——— from hazards created by not addressing ergonomic issues in the workplace
OSHA general duty clause
In 1990 OSHA developed ergonomics program-management guidelines for…..
Meat-packing plants
——- and ——— also provide a legal framework for ergonomic concerns
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Workers’ compensation laws
In 2002, OSHA developed a four pronged ergonomic strategy, including a combination of….
- Industry-specific and task-specific guidelines
- Outreach
- Enforcement
- Research
Ergonomic guidelines have been developed for the following high risk industries:
- Retail grocery
- Poultry
- Nursing homes
——– guidelines are currently being developed
Shipbuilding industry
Other agencies with ergonomic related regulations or guidelines include:
- European Union’s European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
- International Labour Organization
- American National Standards Institute
Ergonomics programs and services are designed to:
- Identify potential hazards in the work setting that may require ergonomic interventions
- Provide a framework for the development of strategies to prevent and control work related hazards
- Reduce workers’ exposures to workplace conditions or hazards that can cause or aggravate WMSDs
- Limit the costs related to WMSDs, for both company and worker
- Improve productivity and quality of production or service
- Accommodate diverse populations in the workplace
- Help the company comply with health and safety regulations
Successful ergonomics programs require….
- Management leadership and commitment
2. Worker involvement
An ergonomics program includes:
- Identifying hazards
- Developing prevention and control strategies
- Implementing health management techniques
- Training and educating employees
- Conducting a thorough program evaluation
The approach of an ergonomics program should….
Conform with existing programs and business goals as well as the facilities’ culture
Management of the organization or company should provide ——- and ——— to the ergonomics program
Overall leadership
Commitment
The role of mangement in the ergonomics program is:
- Being visibly involved in planning, developing and implementing e company’s ergonomic program
- Demonstrating commitment of time and resources
- Delineating responsibility for the various components of the program
Management responsibilities when delineating various components of the ergonomics program
- Assignment of resources
- Delegation of authority and responsibility for program components
- Assurance of accountability
- Implementation of workplace policies that value health Nd safety as important as productivity and quality
- Demonstration of concern for workers’ well being
- Inclusion of workers in all aspects of the ergonomics program
- Training of workers and encouraging their involvement on committees or ergonomics teams to identify hazards and to offer suggestions for abatement
- Providing all workers and their union representatives access to the written ergonomic program
Participatory ergonomics
Training worker’s and encouraging their involvement on committees or ergonomics teams to identify hazards and offer suggestions for abatement
The occupational and environmental health nurse may take a major role in one or all of the functions of…..
Responsibility for components of ergonomic program, delineated by management
How does the occupational and environmental health nurse take on responsibility for management deligated components of the ergonomics program?
Either as the organizational manager or through delegation of some responsibilities
The role of the worker in the ergonomics program is to:
- Report hazards found in the workplace
- Report any symptoms of WMSDs without fear of retribution
- Participate in training
- Participate on ergonomic teams and joint management/ labor safety committees
Work-site analysis
A health and safety review to identify hazards that cause WMSDs, the risk factors that pose the hazards, and the causes of the risk factors
Risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders
- Excessive force
- Repetition
- Awkward, non-neutral postures
- Extreme environmental conditions- hot or cold stress, noise or ineffective lighting
- Vibration- upper extremities or whole body exposures
- Static posture or sustained exertions
- Contact stress
- Psychosocial and work organizational issues, including pace, demand and control provided to the worker
Hazards
Those stressors and workplace conditions that pose a potential for harm or development of WMSDs
Risk factors
Elements of the job, or personal attributes, that increase the likelihood that a hazard will cause WMSDs
Factors that increase the likelihood of WMSDs
- Duration of exposure to the risk factor
2. Combinations of risk factors
Occupational health surveillance
The process of monitoring the health status of worker populations to gather data on the effects of workplace exposures and using the data to prevent illness or injury
Passive surveillance
The collection and analysis of data obtained from existing record sources that identifies the patterns of injuries and illnesses or potential WMSDs
For passive surveillance, the review of company records provides data to….
- Target work areas and work processes for further evaluation
- To prioritize jobs to investigate for hazards
Data gather through passive surveillance can be used as….
Baseline information to evaluate efforts of prevention
Passive surveillance includes the following data sources:
- Workers’ compensation records
- OSHA 300 log and supplemental records
- Accident/incident reports
- Safety meeting minutes or reports
- Equipment and tool evaluation records
- Costs related to short term and long term disability
- Group health insurance utilization reports
- Absentee and lost workday data, job turnover data
- Days away from work or days on job transfer or restriction count
- Nurse’s daily log
Active surveillance
The proactive development of methods to collect data to determine trends in WMSDs or identify symptoms that indicate risk for WMSDs
Methods to allow workers to track the symptoms they encounter during and after work, relating it to the tasks of their job
- Symptom surveys
- Worker questionnaires
- Symptom diaries
- Discomfort rating scales
- Body part map
Active surveillance method depends on….
Worker self-report
Limitations of active surveillance
Validity of information may be limited due to e dependence on worker self-report
Advantage of worker reports
The ability to identify jobs with potential risk factors for WMSDs before full-blown illness or injury occurs
The data gathered from active surveillance may be useful in….
Evaluating ergonomic interventions
Worksite hazard evaluation
Examines both job demands and human capacities
The purpose of worksite hazard evaluation are to:
- Identify hazards that may be risk factors for WMSDs
- Identify and correct the causes of the hazards
- Examine the interaction of the worker wi the job demands
The job demand evaluation examines the components of the work environment which include:
- Tools, machines and materials
- Workstation and physical environment
- Job tasks, including the organization environment in which they are performed
Job hazard analysis encompasses…
The methods used to analyze job tasks and the performance demands of jobs
Methods for job hazard analysis
Direct observation or videotaping of workers and work processes, job function lists and site surveys
Tools to assist in job hazard analysis
- Videotape
- Ergonomic checklists
- Forms
In job hazard analysis checklists are used to….
Identify common hazard sources in a timely manner, while insuring that systematic and standardized procedures are followed
Videotaping allows time and motion analysis to identify risks such as….
- Repetition
- Awkward or static postures
- To describe regular and irregular activities that are part of the job
——– are an integral part of ergonomics
Human capacities
For most job demands, the following ergonoc perameter is not well defined…..
Human capacities
Design of workstations can be complemented by use of…..
Anthropometric tables and other guidelines
When worker’s capacities are exceeded by the demands of the job…..
Performance is affected
Main types of analytical tools for job hazard analysis
- Human capacities guidelines
2. Performance measures
Methods for assessing human capacities guidelines
- NIOSH Lifting Equation
- Liberty Mutual Handling Tables
- ANSI Hand Arm Vibration Standards
- Physiologic measures such as, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption and body temperature are sometimes used the assess the effects of work demands on the body
- Subjective assessments, such as perceived exertion ratings and scales, collect information useful determine human capacity
Methods for assessing performance measures
- Time
- Accuracy
- Frequency
- Amount achieved or accomplished
- Consumption or quality use
Hazard prevention and control components
Focus on ways to reduce or eliminate the hazards associated with risk factors for WMSDs
The preferred method for controlling and preventing WMSDs
Hierarchy of controls
Hierarchy of controls
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
Engineering controls
Aim to remove the hazard or limit its risk in the work process by altering the physical work area, work tools or work process
Main considerations for engineering controls
- Tool and equipment design
- Controls and displays
- Workstation and work environment design
- Work methods and process
Consideration for engineering controls for tool and equipment design
Tool and equipment should be:
- Sized to fit the individual user
- Counterweighted to minimize the force necessary to use the tool
- Balanced, so the grip is at the center of gravity
- Designed without sharp edges
- Designed to minimize vibration and minimal rotational forces
- Designed to minimize tension on finger triggers
Consideration for engineering controls for controls and displays
- Location of controls and displays depends on: importance, frequency and sequence of use; anthropometry
- Controls and displays should be visible and accessible
- Controls and displays should be spaced to accommodate personal protective equipment
Considerations for engineering controls for work station and work environment design
Designs of workstations should consider:
- Workspace layout
- Work surfaces
- Standing and walking surfaces
- Seating
- Work fixtures
- Materials handling
- Storage
- Lighting
- Noise levels
- Temperature regulation
Considerations for engineering controls for work methods and process
Work methods and process should consider:
- Work rates
- Sequence of actions
- Job steps
Administrative controls
The policies and procedures implemented and supported by management that aim to reduce the worker’s exposure to risk factors or hazards. May also include work-practice controls
Examples of administrative controls
- Scheduling strategies to limit time of exposure to specific hazards
- Rest breaks or recovery pauses
- Training
- Tools and equipment maintenance schedules
- Scheduled housekeeping for work areas
- Providing for worker control over job pace and process
Types of scheduling strategies to limit time of exposure to specific hazards
- Job rotation
2. Job enlargement
Job rotation
Alternating a worker between two or more jobs within a single workday to minimize the expsosure to hazards. The jobs or tasks should consist of significantly varied risk factors
Job enlargement
A form of job rotation that varies the types of risk factors the worker is exposed to in different work tasks
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Provides a barrier between the worker and the hazard source
Examples of accepted PPE for exposures when ergonomics solutions do not entirely remove the hazard include the following:
- Vibration attenuation gloves
- Ear plugs or noise reduction devices
- Anti-fatigue insoles
- Knee pads
- Temperature control clothing
- Eye protection
Examples of items that are not considerd PPE
- Wrist supports or splints
2. Back belts
Classification of wrist supports or splints
Are considered immobilization devices; they may be included in medical treatment as part of the health management program
Efficacy of back belts
Multiple studies have concluded that there is no evidence that back belt use reduces the incidence of injury or low back pain
WMSDs
Work related musculoskeletal disorders
