The Science of Ergonomics

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The Science of

Ergonomics

Dr. Dibyendunarayan BidMPT; PGDSPTPrincipal I/cThe Sarvajanik College of Physiotherapy, Rampura,Surat


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If we want tochange theresponse . . .

We need to

change thecircumstances!


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What will be discussed?

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomic Statistics

The benefits of an Ergonomic program Ergonomic related injuries and their causes

Identifying Ergonomic Risk Factors

Office Ergonomics

Industrial Ergonomics Control Strategies to minimize risk

What you can do to prevent injury?


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What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplaceconditions and job demands to the capabilities ofemployees. ( U.S. Dept.of Health)

Ergonomic principles are used to improve thefit between the worker and the workplace.

A practical approach to Ergonomics considersthe match between the person, the equipmentthey use, the work processes and the workenvironment.

A persons capabilities, physical attributes and


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Ergonomics Defined Early 1700s, Ramazzinis study of ill-effects of poor

posture & poorly designed tools on the health ofworkers.

Greek Words: Ergon = work, Nomikos = law

Ergonomics: Study of Laws of work 6


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What Is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is fitting the job to the person.

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Ergonomics

Human Machine

Work Environment

Utmost Goal: Humanization of Work

Design with E & E: Ease and Efficiency8


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The Basics of Ergonomics

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INDUSTRIAL WORKERS

ATHLETE

SKILL

WILL

COACHING

GREAT EQUIPMENT

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Applications of Ergonomics

AnatomyOrthopedicsPhysiologyMedicine

PsychologySociology

Industrial EngineeringBio-Engineering

Systems EngineeringSafety EngineeringMilitary Engineering

Computer-Aided Design

AnthropometryBiomechanicsWork Physiology

Industrial HygieneManagement

Labor Relations

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Where Does Ergonomics Fit In?

Physical HazardsChemical Hazards

Biological Hazards

Ergonomics

Human Machine

Work Environment

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The benefits of an ergonomic program

Decreased injuries & illnesses .

Increased efficiency at work.

Increased physical well being.

Decreased absenteeism.


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Ergonomic related injuries

May be called:CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders)

RSIs (repetitive stress injuries)RMIs (repetitive motion injuries)

Which are all considered:

MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders)

MSDs can affect muscles, tendons, nerves, joints andspinal disks.


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Common types of MSDs

Tendonitis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tennis Elbow Neck and Back injuries

Strains/Sprains

Bursitis Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Trigger finger


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Risk factors and causes of MSDs

Repetition

Force

Awkward Posture Static Posture

Contact Stress

Temperature Extremes Vibration

Psycho Social


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Identifying Risk Factors

Conditions or circumstances that increase thechances of developing a MSD.

The likelihood of developing an injury isdependent on the frequency and duration ofexposure to risk factors.

Both occupational and personal risk factorscan affect an individuals well being at home or

work.


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Repetition

Occurs when the same or similar movementsare performed frequently.

Repetition can also occur when different tasksare performed if those tasks have the samemovements.

Injury may result from repetition when thetissues do not have adequate time to recover.


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Force Force is the amount of physical effort required by a

person to do a task or maintain control of tools orequipment.

A pinch grip produces 3-5 times more force on thetendons in the wrist than a grip with the wholehand.

With excessive force the muscles are contractingmuch harder than normal, this can lead to stress onthe muscles, tendons and joints.


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Awkward Posture

Is a deviation from the neutral bodyposition.

A neutral body position is safest and mostefficient position in which to work.

Awkward posture puts stress on muscles,tendons and joints.


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Static Posture

Static posture occurs when one position isheld for a prolonged period of time.

The muscles will become fatigued from alack of blood flow during a static posture.

This fatigue can lead to discomfort andeven injury.


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Contact Stress

Contact stress is caused by any sharp orhard object putting localized pressure on a

part of the body.

Contact stress will irritate local tissues andinterfere with circulation and nervefunction.


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Temperature Extremes

Extreme cold constricts bloodvessels and reduces sensitivity

and coordination of body parts.

Excessive heat can result inincreased fatigue and heatstress.


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Vibration

Exposure to vibration can occur whileusing power tools or while drivingequipment.

Vibration from power tools can placestress on the tissues of the fingers,hand and arms.

Whole body vibration from drivingputs stress on the spinal tissues.


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Psycho-social Issues

Stress, boredom, job dissatisfaction andanxiety can contribute to the possibility of

developing a MSD.

Psycho-social issues can create increasedmuscle tension and reduce a persons

awareness of work technique.


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Office Ergonomics

By applying ergonomic principles to the officesetting, risk factors are minimized, productivity isincreased, and overall workplace quality isimproved.

The workstation must be adjusted to promote aneutral position while a person works.

When adjusting a workstation, keep in mind that allof the equipment interacts. Making one adjustmentmay alter another.


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Adjusting the Workstation

Adjust the Chair.

Adjust reach requirements.

Adjust focal requirements.


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Correct the Environment

Check lighting, noise and temperature.

Check work pace and stress levels.

Check work processes.


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Improve Posture and Habits

Modify wrist/hand motions

Improve neck and back postures

Consider personal preferences


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Adjustable Platforms


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Arrange the work area

Consider the base of support.

Place equipment and materials whereappropriate.


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Choose the appropriate tools

Check the fit.

Make sure the tools match the task.


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Correct the environment

Adjust lighting, noise and temperaturewhen possible.

Check work pace.

Check work processes.


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Improve work techniques and habits

Improve postures.

Check work techniques.


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Control Strategies

The next step is to develop and implementcontrol strategies to increase quality and

productivity.

Once the risk factors and their causes areidentified, control strategies can beimplemented based on needs.


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Administrative Controls

Training workers in work methods.

Varying or rotating work tasks.

Limiting extended work hours.

Providing mini-breaks.


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What you can do to prevent injury?

Develop an Ergonomics program.

Take proper breaks.

Health and Fitness.

Be aware of your hobbies away fromwork.


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When Ergonomics are improved in the

workplace: We work smarter, not harder.

Quality, comfort and safety make us moreproductive and happy people.

Stay Healthy and Safe, Take action!!!


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Summary of Ergonomic Principles:

Position and support body inneutral

Work in reach zone

Provide correct tools, equipment

and facilitiesPromote effective work processes

Promote Health and Wellness


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Thank you for your attention!

The Science of Ergonomics

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