ERGONOMICS AND
PREVENTION OF
MSD’s
DR MANYA TAHIR
MBBS,MPH,MHPE
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR COM MED
Ergonomics
‘Ergonomics’ is derived from two Greek words
Ergon meaning work
and
Nomos meaning principles or laws
Ergonomics = The Laws of Work
Definitions
Ergonomics is the science of “designing the job
to fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker
to fit the job.”
Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary approach
toward adapting the manmade environment
around man, rather than man around the
environment.
Definitions
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship
between the employee and the work place. It
is a developing body of knowledge whose
goal is to provide and maintain a healthy
“user friendly” environment
Ergonomics is essentially fitting the
workplace to the worker. The better the fit
the higher the level of safety and worker
efficiency.”
.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Application of ergonomics principles to work
practices allows prevention and control of
musculoskeletal injuries arising from
repetitive or forceful movement or/and
maintaining awkward or constrained
postures.
Benefits of Ergonomics
Decreased injury risk
Increased productivity
Decreased mistakes/rework
Increased efficiency
Decreased lost work days
Decreased absenteeism
Improved morale
Ideally, Ergonomics……..
Makes the job safer by preventing injury
and illness.
Makes the job easier by adjusting the job
to the worker.
Makes the job more pleasant by reducing
physical and mental stress.
Saves money $$$
Ergonomic Related Injuries
MSD’s (musculoskeletal disorders)
MSDs are not usually caused by acute trauma, but
occur slowly over time due to repetitive injuries to
the soft tissues.
MSD’s can affect
Muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints
and spinal disks.
MSDs can happen to
Anyone
from office workers and industrial
employees to athletes.
Work-Related MSDs
MSDs that are caused or made worse by work
methods and environment. They occur when the
physical capabilities of the worker do not match the
physical requirements of the job.
Common MSDs:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Neck and Back injuries
Strains/Sprains
Tendonitis,
Epicondylitis (Tennis or Golfer’s
Elbow),
Trigger Finger,
Bursitis,
Risk factors and causes of MSD’s
Repetition
Force
Awkward Posture
Static Posture
Contact Stress
Temperature Extremes
Vibration
Psycho Social
PREVENTION
AND
CONTROL
Office Ergonomics
By applying ergonomic
principles to the office
setting, risk factors are
minimized, productivity is
increased, and overall
workplace quality is
improved.
The workstation must be
adjusted to promote a neutral
position while a person
works.
Correct the Environment
Check lighting, temperature and noise.
Check work place and stress levels.
Check work processes.
Improve Posture and Habits
Modify wrist/hand motions
Improve neck and back postures
Industrial Ergonomics
By applying ergonomic principles in industrial
settings, a safer, healthier and more productive work
environment can be developed
Employees and employers need to know how to
minimize risk factors by choosing the best tools and
work techniques for a given task.
Engineering Techniques
Engineering techniques
are the preferred
mechanism for
controlling ergonomic
hazards. This may
entail redesigning the
work station, work
methods, and tools to
reduce the demands of
the job, such as
exertion, repetition, and
awkward positions.
Work Station Design
Workstations shall be easily adjustible to accommodate the worker performing the
task.
Appropriate initial design of the work station or work area.
Improving the design of the existing work area or equipment.
Providing necessary equipment and accessories.
Adjusting the work station layout and equipment.
Administrative Control
Controls such as:
Rotating personnel to jobs
with dissimilar physical
requirements
Establishing work/rest
schedules
Training personnel to use
appropriate work methods
when engineering controls
are not feasible
Training workers in work
methods.
Limiting extended work
hours.
Providing mini-breaks.
Work Smarter, Not Harder!
Harder
Work in neutral Use proper lifting
postures techniques and lift
Reduce excessive aides
force & repetition Ask for assistance
Keep everything in with difficult tasks
easy reach and at
Take micro-breaks
proper heights
Keep warm (stand, stretch,
change tasks)
Minimize static
unsupported Maintain a
postures and comfortable
pressure points environment
LIFTING DO’S AND DON’TS
DO:
Keep a good grip.
Push rather than pull.
Maintain clear vision between
the object and your
destination.
When lowering an object, try
and keep the
natural curve of your back.
DON’T:
Lift above shoulder
height.
Catch falling objects.
Lifting
Size up the load
If too heavy for
one person, get help!
Lift together or use
mechanical assistance
