Ergonomics & Material Handling Program

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with designing according to human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

The field is also called human engineering, and human factors. Ergonomic research is performed by those who study human capabilities in relationship to their work demands. Information derived from these studies contributes to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments, ergonomic risk factor analysis and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people.

Basics of Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements of a system . . . that applies theory principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being . . . ergonomists contribute to design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities, and limitations of people."— International Ergonomics Association

Ergonomics means fitting the workplace to the worker by modifying or redesigning the job, workstation, tool, or environment. Ergonomics draws from the fields of engineering, and medical and health sciences to optimize the work environment. By identifying ergonomic hazards that can result in an injury or illness, and correcting these hazards, employees can be provided a healthier workplace. Some of the factors evaluated in an ergonomic analysis are:
• Repetitiveness of a task
• Posture and movement of the limbs and whole body as a task is performed
• Physical strength required for a task
• Design and use of tools
• Design and layout of the work area or equipment

While the primary goal of ergonomics is to minimize employee exposure to ergonomic hazards that lead to Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) and related injuries and illnesses, the benefits of ergonomics are:
• Improved safety and health in the workplace
• Improved employee morale and job satisfaction
• Improved productivity
• Improved quality of work
• Improved competitiveness in the marketplace
• Reduced probability of accidents and errors
• Reduced absenteeism and employee turnover
• Reduced medical and workers' compensation costs associated with cumulative trauma disorders.

Ergonomics is an ongoing process, not just a quick fix. Continued awareness and cooperation among responsible groups is essential to an effective ergonomics program.

This area of the Safety Library offers a combination of resources and tools to help maximize your comfort and safety. Ergonomics is a combination of good habits, work practices and optimizing the environment. There is no magic bullet and every person and situation possesses unique challenges for making all the pieces fit together.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is not a diagnosis, but a group of health problems with similar characteristics. CTDs are soft tissue disorders (e.g., muscles, tendons, joints, nerves) caused by wear and tear from repetitive motion. CTDs usually occur in the upper body in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrists, and hands. It is important to prevent CTDs because they can lead to serious and/or permanent injuries. CTDs are also referred to as repetitive motion injuries, repetitive strain injuries, repetitive trauma disorders, and overuse injuries.

Ergonomic Risk Factors - Several factors, usually in combination, contribute to the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder due to the stress on muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves. The presence of these factors in a job, process, operation, or work environment may not necessarily cause a problem, but they do increase the risk of developing a CTD.

Repetition - Tasks that require high repetition rates require more muscle effort and less recovery time, which can lead to fatigue and stress. Examples of repetitive tasks are typing (faster than 60 words per minute), sorting, and flipping through files.

Excessive Force - Examples of tasks in which it is possible to use excessive force are stamping, stapling, grasping large file folders or books, and hammering into a hard surface.

Awkward Posture or Position - Examples of awkward postures or positions are using the shoulder and bending the neck to hold the telephone to the ear, turning the head to the side to read, bending the back in a forward/stooped position, reaching over the shoulder, and bending the wrists. Employees should always strive to maintain a neutral wrist.

Prolonged Activities - Holding a position without movement for prolonged periods causes fatigue and requires a long recovery time. Examples of prolonged activities are standing or sitting for hours at a time, computer operators grasping the mouse for long periods, holding elbows away from the body while typing, and grasping a hand tool for an extended period of time.

Localized Pressure (Mechanical Stress) - Too much pressure on muscles, tendons, and nerves can decrease blood-flow circulation. Over time, constant localized pressure can cause an injury. Examples are pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, and resting forearms and wrists on sharp or hard edges (e.g., work surface corners, hard arm rests).

Vibration Ergonomic Hazards - Working with vibrating tools or equipment for extended periods of time can potentially cause damage to the nerves in the arms, hands, and wrists.

Temperature (Cold) - Working in cold may also contribute to developing CTDs. Cold temperature can result in a loss of sensory feedback, which reduces manual dexterity.

Common Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - This condition involves compression or pinching of the median nerve that runs through the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness, or tingling in the first three fingers and the base of the thumb. An aching sensation and wrist pain (mostly at night) is also typical of many cases.

DeQuervain's Disease - This disorder is marked by inflammation of the extensor tendon sheath at the back of the thumb. Symptoms include pain and difficulty in movement, especially making a fist.

Lateral Epicondylitis - Also known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Symptoms include point tenderness over the bone near the outside of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive forceful grasping.

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - This condition can result from prolonged vibration stress to the fingers and hands. Symptoms include paleness in the fingers, pain, numbness, and loss of finger dexterity.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis - An inflammation of one or more of the four rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder. Symptoms include pain and limited movement of the shoulder.

Tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the hand and wrist due to excessive use. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and weakness when using the affected body part.

Tenosynovitis - An inflammation of the tendon and sheath surrounding a tendon upper extremity. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the hand or arm.

Trigger Finger - This condition results when the tendon of a finger is sufficiently swollen so that the tendon becomes locked in the sheath. This will cause a snapping and jerking movement when attempting to move the finger.

White Finger - This is also referred to as the vibration syndrome or Raynaud's Phenomenon. This disorder occurs when blood vessels in the fingers are damaged, especially from using vibrating tools in cold weather. Symptoms include paleness in the fingers, tingling, and a sense that the finger is "on fire".

Prevention of Ergonomics CTDs

Prevention is the key to reduce or eliminate the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder. Prevention includes the use of good body mechanics, good ergonomic design (engineering controls), and the use of administrative controls. Early intervention makes a difference for employees who experience symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or tenderness in the fingers, hands, or arms or muscle pain in the back, shoulders, or other parts of the body from lifting or other body motions. It is important for employees to report early signs and symptoms of work-related CTDs to their supervisor and/or to the Health Services Group for evaluation.

Good Body Posture - Using good body (neutral) posture is important for minimizing the risk of developing a CTD. Equipment, tools, and furniture are an important part of the work environment. Since frequent use of these items does have a significant impact on job performance and overall health, good body posture is essential when equipment, tools, and furniture are used.

Ergonomics Engineering Controls - Engineering control measures should be addressed as the first line of defense to eliminate or reduce ergonomic hazards that employees are exposed to. It is important to design out the problem when this approach is feasible.

Administrative Controls - Administrative controls that can be used effectively are:
• Job enlargement. Have employees perform more parts of a job rather than one specific task repeatedly.
• Job rotation. Cross-train employees to perform other jobs. Rotate employees in jobs that use different muscle groups, if possible.
• Work breaks. Have employees take frequent short breaks from repetitive tasks throughout the day.
• Training. Training provides information for mitigating ergonomic hazards, strategies to improve a workstation layout, and stress-reduction exercises.

Principles of Ergonomics

Neutral Wrist - It is important to maintain a neutral wrist to minimize the potential for developing a CTD, whether the operator is sitting while conducting a task (e.g., working at a computer workstation) or standing (e.g., using a hand tool). The workstation should be designed so that a neutral wrist position can be maintained.

The Ergonomic Work Envelope - The work envelope is the zone in which an employee performs most routine tasks, whether repetitive movements (e.g., typing at a keyboard) or less frequent movements (e.g., lifting). Work should be arranged to be within easy reach and usual work located within 30.5 cm (12 inches) of the operator. Frequently used materials should be located within 45.75 cm (18 inches) maximum of the operator. Such an arrangement reduces potential stress to the back, shoulders, and arms by avoiding awkward postures and positions.

All materials in the members area for this topic index

Program Material

Programs (written)
(7)
 Ergonomics Back Injury Prevention For Health Care Workers   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Job Zone Hazards   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Material Handling   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Non Powered Tools   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Qa   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Safety Program   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Trg Info   Download  MS-WORD
Fact Sheets
(20)
 Ergonomics AA New Ergo Reg   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lift Anal Ws   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Ana Expl   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Assumptions   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Coupling   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Equation   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Frequency   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Hands   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Shoulder Hip   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Proactive Egonomics   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Program Standard   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Reg Appendix A   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Reg Appendix B   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Reg Appendix D1   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Reg Appendix D2   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Reg Appendix E   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Table 1   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Tools Chart   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics X Tool Lifting   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics X Tool Strain   Download  MS-WORD

Forms & Documents

Checklists
(14)
 Computer Work Station Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Cautionzones2   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Computer Ws   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Lifting Analysis Calculator   Download  MS-WORD
 General Risk Analysis Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Hand Tool Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Hazard Identification Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Job Hazard Zone Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Lab Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Material Handling Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Physical Risk Factor Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Program Development Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Task Analysis Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Workstation Evaluation Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
Forms
(14)
 Assignment Of Ergonomic Program Coordinator Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Company Policy Review Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Equipment Issue Log Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Form Trg Sup   Download  MS-WORD
 Hazard Control Log Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Lifting Analysis Explanation Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Lifting Analysis Worksheet 02 Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Lifting Analysis Worksheet Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 MSD Hazard Control Report Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 MSD Symptom Locations Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 MSD Symptom Report Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 MSD Symptom Survey Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Nerve Conduction Motor Latency Evaluation Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Training Certificate Ergonomics Form   Download  MS-WORD

Training Material

Articles
(1)
 Video Display Terminals Safety Article   Download  MS-WORD
Guides
(4)
 Ergonomics For Electricians   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Manual Material Handling Improvement Guide   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Safety Managers Office Guide   Download  MS-WORD
 Material Handling Ergonomics Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
Handouts
(6)
 Ergonomic Controls Training Handout   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Posture Training Handout   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Program Training Handout   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Risk Training Handout   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic SDS Training Handout   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Signs Training Handout   Download  MS-WORD
Management
(2)
 Management White Paper Lifiting And Moving Material   Download  MS-WORD
 White Paper Ergonomics Management Safety Brief   Download  MS-WORD
Outlines
(2)
 Ergonomic Plans Training Outline   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomics Training For Supervisors Outline   Download  MS-WORD
PowerPoints
(7)
 Back Safety and Proper Lifting PowerPoint Spanish   Download  MS-PPT
 Back Safety and Proper Lifting PowerPoint   Download  MS-PPT
 Back Safety and Safe Lifting 2   Download  MS-PPT
 Ergonomics 2   Download  MS-PPT
 Ergonomics Managers PowerPoint Spanish   Download  MS-PPT
 Ergonomics Managers PowerPoint   Download  MS-PPT
 Material Handling 10 Hour   Download  MS-PPT
Talks
(8)
 Ergonomic Back Exercise Talk   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Back Safety Talk   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Back Utilities Talk Spanish   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Back Utilities Talk   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Backinjury Prevention Talk   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Carpel Tunnel Talk   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Computer Ws Talk   Download  MS-WORD
 Ergonomic Hazards Talk   Download  MS-WORD
Videos
(1)
 Ergonomics   Download  OnLine

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