WSH ppt - final (on mel)

Chalking It Up

Workplace Safety and Health 1Ergonomics 1Group MembersBak Fong NingEunice ChuaLam Man Pan AnnaTan Yu JieTong Ji FengXia Dong 2

Scope (Part 1)

Scope (Part 2)

What is ergonomics?The branch of science that is concerned with the achievement of optimal relationships between workers and their work environment

WorkerWork environmentErgonomicsWhat is ergonomics?Deals with the assessment of the humans capabilities and limitationsWork and environmental stressStatic and dynamic forces on the human body structureVigilanceFatigueDesign simulation and design of workstation and tools

What is ergonomics?A multidisciplinary science which draw heavily from other fields of study like: MathematicsBiological sciencePsychological sciencePhysics

What does ergonomics do?Goal: To adapt work to individuals rather than individuals to workBy developing knowledge that results in efficient adaptation of work methods to the individual physiological and psychological characteristics

What are the reasons for ergonomics?Achieve an optimal relationship between people and their work environment.Reducing occupational injury and illness reduction, Containing workers' compensation costs, Improving productivity of the workers, Improving work quality,Reducing absenteeismComplying with the government regulations.

How we conduct a ergonomic study?

Background information of ergonomics hazards

Occur when type of work, body position and working conditions put strain on ones bodyHardest to spot because strains on a persons body or harm from these hazards not always immediately noticedShort-term exposure result in "sore muscles" the next day or in days following exposureLong term exposure result in serious long-term injuriesIntroduction of ergonomic hazardWorkplace conditions that pose risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system of workerIncludes repetitive and forceful movements, vibration, temperature extremes, and awkward postures that arise from improper work methods and improperly designed workstations, tools, and equipment14Examples of Ergonomic hazards :Poor lightingImproperly adjusted workstations and chairsFrequent liftingPoor postureAwkward movements, especially if they are repetitiveRepeating the same movements over and overHaving to use too much force, especially if you have to do it frequently

Symptoms of poor ergonomicsCumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) are a class of musculoskeletal disorders involving damage to the nerves of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back. The more frequently occurring occupationally induced disorders in this class include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).CTDs are caused when workers are required to perform keyboard-intensive tasks without breaks or alternative work.

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What Regulator says?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the federal government lists ergonomics as a key factor in preventing musculoskeletal injuries in the workspace.

OSHA expresses concern over poor design of furniture that does fit the task, and ineffective safety devices: anything that might precipitate an injury.

Stress through prolonged sitting can be resolved to a great extent with an increased awareness of correct posture.

Three basic sitting positions can promote a healthy posture: the torso may be positioned slightly forward, upright, or slightly reclining and always with both feet resting comfortably on the floor or on a footrest

Ergonomic analytical toolsProvide job prioritization for intervention, quantification of activities associated with increased risk of injury, or recommendation for a load weight limit for liftingUsed by examiner to determine which analytical tool is best for evaluation of the identified risks based on the understanding of the tools application, strengths and weaknesses

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)Assesses the risk of cumulative trauma, disorder through posture, force, and muscle-use analysisOvako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS)Provides intervention, prioritization based on posture and loads Repetitive Motion Evaluation Analyses posture, repetition, and discomfort to reveal the performance of high risk motions

Observation Analysis of the Hand and Wrist Quantifies hand exertions associated with risk factors of pinch grip, high force, wrist flexion/extension/ulnar deviation, power tool exertion, and use of hand to strike object Utah Back Compressive Force Model Evaluates the risk of low back injury for a one-time lifting task based on lumbar disc compressionUtah Shoulder Moment Model Evaluates the risk of shoulder injury for a onetime lifting task comparing task moment to an individual's capacity

NIOSH Work Practices Guide (1981) Evaluates the risk of a lifting task based on NIOSH parametersRevised NIOSH Lifting Equation (1994)Evaluates the risk of a lifting task based on expanded NIOSH parametersLiberty Mutual Tables Based on psychophysical experimentation, determines the maximum acceptable weight for a lifting/lowering task, push/pulling task, and carrying task given selected job characteristics. Tables are accessible from the Lifting/Manual Material Handling Job Review and Analysis Options

Amsterdam Master's in Medical Anthropology (AAMA) Metabolic Model Evaluates the risk of physical exertion strain for a taskAnthropometry Analysis Determines proper workplace dimensions for various body sizesDetailed Checklist For Computer Video Display Terminals (VDT) Workstation Risk Analysis Presents the recommended characteristics of a VDT workstation

Potential Ergonomics Hazard (BLK 34-06-02)Improper design of computer workstation Excessive overhead lightingImproper design of facilities (tables and chairs)Lifting and moving of tables or chairsLong period of time standingLong period of time sittingContinuous writing with hand or typing on a laptop/computerTripping of electric cordUnclean air conditioner and ventilators

Possible control measuresEngineering controlAdministrative control

Engineering controlImproper design of computer workstation Use of foot restPosition the chair and desk such that the knee and forearms are 90 angles, with wrist straight and feet flat on the floor or foot restPosition the computer such that the top of the screen is at or just below the eye level, and the viewing distance is a safe distance away from the user eyesExcessive overhead lighting Use of adjustable tasks lights ambient lightingUse of anti-glare whiteboard

Improper design of facilities Use of flexi-chair (changing seat inclination) or rocking mechanisms (swivel chair with height adjustment)Use of height adjustable working table or inclined topLong period of time sittingUse of adjustable stool with a backrestAdjust the chair height such that the feet rest comfortably on the floor or foot rest

Long period of time standingUse of anti-fatigue matContinuous writing with handUse of better grip penTripping of electric cordsUse of cable protector or floor cord coverUnclean air conditioner and ventilatorsInstall new unit ventilators and air handlers or regular cleaning and maintenance of ventilation system

Administrative controlLifting and moving of tables and chairsRequest for help when lifting or moving heavy objectsLong period of sitting and standing, and continuous writing with hand Taking short breaks in between the work schedule

Potential Ergonomics Hazard (BLK 35 Laboratory)Long period of time sittingLong period of time standingRepetitive pipettingImproper design of facilities (fume hoods, biosafety cabinet, laboratory workbenches)Improper design of computer workstationMoving of heavy objectsCompact work surfaceExcessive overhead lightingsPersonal laboratory equipmentStress Possible Control Measures Engineering controlAdministrative controlPersonal protection equipment (PPE)Work practice controls

Engineering controlLong period of time sittingUse of adjustable lab stool with backrest Adjust chair height such that the feet can rest comfortably on the floor or footrestTilt the chair seat forward to prevent leaningKeep frequently used items within arm reachLong period of time standingUse of anti-fatigue matPlace one foot on a small stool and alternate to reduce pressure to the back

Use of adjustable lab stool with backrest to provide support and promote food postureElevate chair according to working height to avoid working with arm elevated

31Repetitively pipettingElevate chair according to working heightUse of light-weight pipette or electronic or latch-mode pipette Use of multi-finger controlUse thin-walled pipette tipsWork the pipette with arm close to body to reduce strain on shoulder

Use an electronic or a latch-mode pipette to replace manual plunger-operated pipette as it reduce the need for excessive thumb force and repetitionUse of multi-finger control help to distribute the force among several fingers rather than continuously using the same finger

32Improper design of facilities (fume hoods, biosafety cabinets and laboratory workbenches)Position materials in fume hood as close as possible to avoid extended reaching Apply padding for arm and wrist to restLights in fume hood must be working properly. Replace bulbs when necessaryUse ergonomically designed chairs with proper back support, seat angle and height adjustabilityUse foot rest Removal of drawers under workbenchesUse turntable to store equipment to avoid extend reaching and twistingProper design of stool or benches such that it is not too high for most users to useRegular maintenance of workstation, chairs and equipmentEnsure that the user shoulder muscles or tendon does not work to reach forward or out to side, otherwise, further alteration of workstation is neededEnsure that the keyboard and input device (mouse) is at the same level and in front of the computer, and the height of the keyboard and input device should allow the user to position their forearms and hands parallel to the floorAdjust monitor contrast and brightness for maximum personal comfort of user

Improper design of computer workstation Provide fully adjustable seating Place monitor such that the top of the screen is near or at eye level to allow the eye to naturally gravitate towards the center of the screen Provide foot rest for user to change leg position through the day Use of padded wrist restUse of padded wrist rest for keyboard and input devices to prevent the user wrist from coming into contact with the work surface when the arms are at rest

34Moving of heavy objectsUse handling equipment (lifts or hoist) to avoid manual handlingPush instead of pullUse sliding motion or lateral transfers instead of lifting the loadDecrease the weight of load and allow more frequent trips of moving lighter loadPivot the feet instead of twisting the back when lifting the loadCompact work surfaceEnsure work surface is large enough to allow free leg movementEnsure the height of work surface allow the forearms to be parallel to the floor when working, avoid having shoulder elevatedExcessive overhead lightingsUse a task tamp when neededAdministrative controlLong period of time sitting and standing, repetitively pipetting, improper design of facilities (fume hood, biosafety cabinet and laboratory workbench), improper design of computer workstation, and moving of heavy objectsTake short breaks in between the work scheduleMoving of heavy objectsOptimize work shift scheduling to minimize extended work loadAsk for more people to assist moving load

Ensure mini-breaks in between for every 20 to 30 minutes of usage of computer. Mild hand exercise or stretches could be done during the short breaks

36Personal protection equipment (PPE)Personal laboratory equipmentSafety gogglesGloves

Work practice controlRepetitively pipettingIntroduce worker education and awareness sessionsImproper design of computer workstationEarly reporting of signs and symptoms of ergonomic concernsTraining for user on ergonomics hazard and control strategies

Control items for Laboratory Deluxe goggles (S$15.12)

Crag work boot (S$185.76)

Edge protector 0.762m (S$23.24)

Adjustable work benches 0.762m x 1.524m (S$1249.58)

Vinyl Cover seat with adjustableheight (adjustable from 0.508m to 0.686m in height) (S$577.19)

Safety fatigue mat 0.102m x 1.524m (S$738.08)

Wireless ergonomic multimedia keyboard and mouse (S$64.68)

Control items for ClassroomFloor cord cover 7.62m (S$49.75)

Fully ergonomics design with smooth nylon mesh back and genuine leather seat pan chair (S$150)

Anti-glare whiteboard (S$11.00)

Wireless ergonomic multimedia keyboard and mouse (S$64.68)

44 = S$3114.15

How to improve work ergonomicallyKnow the current working condition of the workplaceGet compared with the legislation or COP Identify the potential factors which may cause injury to the workers and list them outGive suggestions to make changes regarding the unsuitable factorsWhen all details of every area in the workplace is considered, examined and actions have been done, work is improved ergonomicallyHaving proper chair-height adjustment can help keep the wrists in a flat position, and the control of both backrest angle and seat-pan forward-tilt further aids in relaxation and the reduction of muscular tension while helping proper hand arm orientation.

What you can do to improve Indoor Air Quality1. Apply good ventilation system2. Choose suitable ventilation system. (LEV system for workplace with gaseous pollutants produced by fixed origins with high concentration)3. Monitor the air quality constantly.4. Clean the duct or other ventilation system components regularly.

How to pick your perfect chair?Chair is the most important piece of furniture. Without a comfortable, supportive chair, you would not be an efficient worker. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause poor posture and reduce circulation of the blood, which often results in severe back pain. An ergonomic chair should provide your back, especially your lumbar region (lower back) with support. A quality chair should have an adjustable lumbar supportUsers should be able to move the back rest forward, reducing the seat pan depth, to ensure that people with shorter legs receive proper back support while still being able to rest their feet on the ground or foot rest. They should be able to adjust the back support forward or backward to accommodate the curvatures of the spine and properly support their body weight.How to pick your perfect chair?Important that the seat height be adjustable.A footrest also can help improve comfort for a shorter user who is working at a fixed-height work surface.A good ergonomic chair also allows adjustment of both the back-tilt angle and seat pan depth while seated. Seat pan (the surface on which you actually sit) should have a soft front edge, ensuring that there are no pressure points to hurt the underside of the thighs.Perfect chair should allow users to sit upright with arms hanging straight down from the shoulders and with the elbows bentAllow users to sit flat on the chair with knees bent and feet flat on the floor or foot rest and it should support the users back in an upright position.

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How to adjust the Classroom and Laboratory to fit you?

a) Adjust your chairArm positionRaise your forearms to be parallel with the floor while maintaining a 90 degrees elbow bend.Adjust your chair to achieve this position. Keep the wrist straight as an extension of your forearms.Foot supportMove your feet forward until your knees are at a 90 to 110 degrees angle. Your feet should rest firmly on the floor with 3-6 inches (7.62cm-15.24cm) of leg room between your lap and desk.If you do not have a footrest and cannot adjust your chair height or your feet don not touch the floor, use a phone book or a 3-ring binder as a quick and easy footrest.

How to adjust the Classroom and Laboratory to fit you?

BackrestSit in your chair with the backrest snugly against your lower back. You should be able to place your hand easily between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat pan. If you cannot do this, you may be able to achieve improved support by placing a pillow between your seat and lower back to restore natural curvature.

Flow chart on adjusting the chair to fit you

Designing the productive seating in Classroom and Laboratory

Seat Pan HeightIdeally, adjustable 40cm- 53cm from the floor to the top of the seat pan.Seat Pan DepthMaximum seat pan depth 38cm-44cmAlso provide a waterfall forward-sloping front edge on the seat panSeat Pan WidthMinimum seat pan width 46cm

Seat Pan SlopeAdjustable 0 to -10 degreesSeat Back TiltMinimum range 0 to 15 degreesSeat Back HeightMinimum seat back height 36cm

Designing the productive seating in Classroom and Laboratory

Seat Back WidthMinimum seat back width 30cmArmrest HeightBetween 15cm 17cm above the centre height of the seat panArmrest LengthMinimum armrest length 15cmArmrest WidthMinimum armrest width 5cmArmrest separationBetween 46cm and 56cm.

What are the practical solutions?Maintaining ergonomic seating in workplaceCheck whether workstation is set up well. Keyboard, monitor, and persons posture should be on straight line to avoid seating discomfortsTo not look up at the screen. Adjust chair to look down at screen insteadDesktop to be at convenient height with enough space for computer and papersChair to give good support to users back with height-adjusting optionsKeyboard and mouse mat to have good-wrist rest

56Ergonomic seating- elbow angleEnsure that head and torso are in-line with head slightly bent forward, facing towards the front, and balancedEnsure that elbows are close to body and bent between 90 and 110 degrees

Ensure that head and torso are in-line with head slightly bent forward, facing towards the front, and balancedEnsure that elbows are close to body and bent between 90 and 110 degrees57Ergonomic seating- Footrest Feet supported by a footrest or relaxing on floorEnsure back supported fully while leaning back or sitting in vertical positionSeat well padded to support hips and thighsEnsure that knees and hips in almost same height with feet slightly forward

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What is the Design furniture for change?

Seat design Basic size and shape of any seat determined largely by anthropometric considerations: Seat height should not be greater than popliteal height of a small user (5th percentile)Seat depth (from front edge to the backrest) should not be greater than the buttock-popliteal length of a small user (5th percentile)Seat breadth between arm rests should give clearance for large user (95th percentile hip breadth or elbow-elbow breadth plus leeway). Seat breadth little less than hip breadth for seats without arm rests *popliteal: back part of the leg behind the knee joint

: of or relating to the back part of the leg behind the knee joint

59Backrest designed to support weight of users trunk. Backrest extend upwards, at least into shoulder region of user

Backrest angle determined by purpose of the seat. Angle of 100 to 110 from horizontal generally suitable for working chairs and 110 to 120 for rest chairs. Seat surface should be horizontal in a working chair or tilted backwards (by an angle of 5 to 10) in a rest chair

Clearance between thigh and underside of table for freedom of movement

Clearance between back of legs and front edge of seat

Shod feet flat on floor

Chairs Should be stable throughout full range of postures that user adopts Five-point base of support suitable for rotatable chairsSeat surface should be substantially flat No part more than 25mm higher than any otherUpper surface of front edge resilient or roundedSeat to be padded or upholstered Upholstery materials permeable to air and water vapourBackrest of office chair should provide:Adequate support for office worker in lumbar regionSpace for bottom and movements of shoulder bladesPermit arm and elbow movementLumbar region : of or pertaining to the loin or loins62Tables length of desktop, table or worktop should be some multiple of 100mm and width, some multiple of 50mm Preferred sizes are as follows:Length of the desktopWidth of the desktop120060012008001600800Working posture of person sitting at writing desk determined by:the height of the seatthe height of the desk lesser degrees of adjustment adequate in real practice

Conclusion

Deals with interaction of technological and work situations with human beingBasic human sciences involved are anatomy, physiology and psychologyBasic anatomyBasic anatomy is based on improving physical 'fit' between people and things they useDifficult to achieve as need to consider range in human body sizes across populationPhysiologyWork physiology addresses energy requirements of the body and sets standards for acceptable physical work rate and workload, and for nutrition requirements. Environmental physiology analyses impact of physical working conditions - thermal, noise and vibration, and lighting - and sets optimum requirements accordinglyPsychology Concerned with human information processing and decision-making capabilitiesIncreasing automation, while dispensing with human involvement in routine operations, increases mental demands in terms of monitoring, supervision and maintenance

ReferencesWeb-linkshttp://safety.uchicago.edu/tools/faqs/ergonomics.shtml#heading1http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hse/ergonomics/lab_ergo.htmhttp://safety.dri.edu/LabSafety/Appendix_F.pdfhttp://employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/OHS-WSA-handbook-laboratory-workers.pdfhttp://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndSafety/Ergonomics/atwork/Pages/lab1.aspx

NotesMr Andrew Ngs notes on Occupational ErgonomicsBooksHuman Factors in Design, contributors Jim Sage, Alan GoodierErgonomics: How to design for ease and efficiency, By K.H.E KroemerA resource guide for ergonomicsA guide to methodology in ergonomics: Designing for Human Use, By Neville A.StantonIntroduction to ergonomics, By R.S. BridgerOccupational ergonomics: Principles and application, By F. Tayyari and J.L. SmithGuidelines/ Code of Practice/legislationOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Anthropometry AnalysisOvako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS)NIOSH Work Practices Guide (1981)Amsterdam Master's in Medical Anthropology (AMMA) Metabolic ModelWeb-linkshttp://safety.uchicago.edu/tools/faqs/ergonomics.shtml#heading1http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hse/ergonomics/lab_ergo.htmhttp://safety.dri.edu/LabSafety/Appendix_F.pdfhttp://employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/OHS-WSA-handbook-laboratory-workers.pdfhttp://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndSafety/Ergonomics/atwork/Pages/lab1.aspxhttp://www.ucalgary.ca/safety/system/files/LabErgonomics.pdfhttp://www-ehs.ucsd.edu/ergo/mcergo/Healthcare_Ergo_Guidelines.pdfhttp://www.oemc.us/necoem/0612Landaub.pdfhttp://www.labmanager.com/?articles.view/articleNo/1070/article/Laboratory-Ergonomicshttp://www.ehow.com/list_7608150_ergonomically-correct-things-classroom.htmlhttp://lohp.org/docs/projects/sash/1teachersandparaeducators.pdfhttp://www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/classroom-hazard-hunthttp://umanitoba.ca/faculties/kinrec/bsal/miniu/summer/backpacks.pdf http://www.uksafetystore.comhttp://www.safecomputingtips.com/ http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/mbergo/schoolguide.html http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/what-ergonomicshttp://www.beyondtheofficedoor.com/adjustable-height-table.phphttp://ergonomicsnews.usernomics.com/2007_10_01_archive.htmlhttp://designmuseum.org/design/page75806http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/DOD/UFC/ufc_3_120_10.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomicshttp://www.toolingu.com/definition-850150-19154-ergonomic-hazard.htmlhttp://www.valuecreatedreview.com/design.htmhttp://www.ehow.com/info_8292064_safety-issues-laboratory.htmlhttp://www.njsbga.org/Classroom_Safety.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics#Applications http://www.ergoworkinggroup.org/ewgweb/SubPages/ProgramTools/StudiesAssesRepo/Navy%20Assesments/ErgoRiskRpt_Hospital.pdfhttp://www.singaporeofficefurniture.com/ergonomics-chair

67BooksHuman Factors in Design, contributors Jim Sage, Alan GoodierErgonomics: How to design for ease and efficiency, By K.H.E KroemerA resource guide for ergonomicsGuidelines/ Code of Practice/legislationOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Anthropometry Analysis