Ergonomics and its public health importance

Ergonomics and its public health importance

Moderator

Dr . Amit Kumar Sahu

Presented by

Dr.surendra babu

Pg 2nd year 17-10-2014 1

Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is derived from Greek words

Ergos = work

Nomos = law

The term Ergonomics was coined in a conference at Stockholm in 1961

“Fitting the job to the worker rather than fitting the worker to the job”

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Definition

• Integrates knowledge derived from human sciences to match jobs, systems, products and environment to physical and mental abilities and limitations of people

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Training in ergonomics involves designing of machines, tools equipment

and manufacturing processes ,layout of places of work methods of

work and environment in order to achieve greater efficacy in both man

and machine

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Advantages of ergonomics

Increased savings

Fewer employees experience pain

Improved productivity

Increased morale

Reduced absenteeism

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Human characteristics of ergonomics

Anatomical :• The design of good work station ,tools , machines and table chairs

should be adjustable to individual differences in the body size

• Anthropometric characteristics

• Industrial work stations must be user friendly

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Physical work capacity

• The physical work capacity is at peak between 20 to 30 years

• The work task must be designed to fit the capacities of range of people

• The human system should not be taxed to 100%

• norms of weight to be lifted by men ,women and children is fixed in the industry

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Sensory capability

• The vision, hearing and touch are important factors in perception of environment for quick response to signals

• In Ergonomics the response by sense is quick if we adopt a principle of contrast the alarm bell

• Warning signs

• For easy perception alarm buttons are of red colour and easily accessible

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Typical ergonomic problems found in work space are due to

Design of tasks : work demands are too high or too low Badly designed machinery guards slow down work

Manual handling :The load has to be lifted from floor or above shoulders Frequent lifting Awkward postures Time pressure Improper gripping

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Work station layout

Items that are used frequently are out of convenient reach

Inappropriate work surface height for tasks

Inadequate space under work surface for legs

Inadequate lighting

Managing the working day

Not enough time between shifts

Poor scheduling of shifts

Employs working excessive overtime

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Current focus of ergonomics is to minimise the work stressors ,both physical and environmental to reduce the bodily harm

• The basic work stressors that promote repetitive or cumulative injuries are

a. Repetitive tasks

b. Forceful movements

c. awkward movements & postures

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WORK RELATED MUSCULO SKELETAL DISORDRS

• Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD)

Or

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

Or

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

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• Repetition

• Awkward postures

• Static postures

• Cold temperatures

• Forceful extension

• Vibration

• Poor work station design

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Ergonomic stress areas

Hip

Knee

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symptoms of WMSD

• Muscle fatigue or pain

• Aching

• Burning

• Numbness

• Stiffness

• Tingling

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Signs of MSD

• Decreased range of motion

• Loss of function

• Deformity

• Cramping

• Loss of color

• Decreased grip strength

• Loss of balance

• Swelling

• Redness

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WMSD may progress in stages from mild to severe

Early stage

Intermediate stage

Late stage

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Musculo skeletal disorders

Carpal tunnel syndrome • Repetitive movements and arm vibration are main causes

• Clinically diagnosed carpel tunnel syndrome has been reported to occur in textile industries

• Wasting of muscles of hand occurs if untreated

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Tendinitis : it is due to inflammation or irritation of a tendon

Tenosynovitis : an inflammation or irritation of tendon sheath

Low back disorders : these include pulled or strained muscles, ligaments ,tendons or raptured disks

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Ergonomic improvements

There are 3 types of ergonomic improvements

Engineering improvements

Administrative improvements

Training

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ENGINEERING improvements

•Workstations

• Tools/equipment

• Facilities

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WORKSTATIONS

The objective is to:

• Fit the workstation to the employee

• Reduce awkward positions

This can be done by using two methods:

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WORKSTATIONS CONT.

Standard Way

• Adjustable workstation

• Adjustable chair

• Foot rests

• Adjustable monitor

• Document holder

Innovative Way

• Cut legs off the desk

• Add blocks

• Thick book

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TOOLS

• Longer/shorter and thicker/thinner handles

• Repetitive motion

• Power tools

• Electric stapler

• Electric knife

• Electric drill

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TOOLS CONT.• Awkward positions

• Bent or curved handles

• Extensions or add-ons

• Headphones

• Step stool

• Forceful exertions

• Soft-touch keyboards/buttons

• Lifting devices

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TOOLS CONT.

Static positions

• Anti-fatigue mats

Vibration

• Anti-vibration materials

• Anti-vibration mounts/handles

• Anti-vibration gloves

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Facilities :

Lighting /glare

Temperature

Noise

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Prevention of MSD

• Work smarter not harder ,this can be achieved by following principles

• Work in neutral postures

• Reduce excessive force and repetition

• Keep everything in easy reach and proper heights

• Keep warm

• Minimise static unsupported postures

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Proactive ergonomics

Proactive ergonomics emphasises the prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders through recognising ,anticipating, and reducing risk factors in the planning stages of new system of work or work places

A proactive approaches include

Designers receive training in ergonomics

Decision makers planning new processes

Design job strategies

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Use appropriate tools for work

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Ergonomic Work station

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References

AFMC WHO text book

Text book of community medicine by sunderlal 3rd edition

Oxford text book of public health

www.OSHA.com

www.orosha.com

www.hsa.ie

Park text book of preventive and social medicine 21st edition

Cumulative trauma disorders in office workers by James E. MCgreevy

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