Ergonomics

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

 What is Ergonomics?
• “Ergonomics is an applied science concerned
with the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks
that match the physiological, anatomical, and
psychological characteristics and capabilities of
the worker.” Vern Putz-Anderson

• “The Goal of ergonomics is to ‘fit the job to the

person,’ rather than making the person fit the
job.” Ergotech

• “If it hurts when you are doing something, don’t

do it.” Bill Black
ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
 Evolution of Ergonomics
• Dates back to Ramazzini 1700’s

• Gained significance during WWII for airplane

cockpit layout

• Progressed slowly until the 80’s and 90’s with

the advent of the computer and more efficient
workplace design

• Now, guidelines are in place and greater use

of technology

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Why do we care about
Ergonomics?

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs)
Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries
MSDs

Contact with Objects

Workplace Violence

All Other
Transportation Related

Falls

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Survey, 1996

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

MSDs Cost Twice the Average
Workers’ Compensation Claim
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

MSDs of the Back

Upper Extremity
MSDs

Average Claim

Average Costs per Claim ($)

Source: Workers’ Compensation data from Insurance Companies 1993

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

 Types of Injuries
• Muscle pain • Repetitive motion
injury
• Joint pain
• Cumulative trauma
• Swelling disorder

• Numbness • Musculoskeletal
disorder
• Restricted motion

• Repetitive stress injury

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Target Regions

• Back

• Upper extremities

• Lower extremities

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

 Multidisciplinary
Nature of Ergonomics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Engineering Psychology
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Anthropology
• Biomechanics

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Types of Problems or Mismatches

• Physical Size
• Endurance
• Strength
• Manipulative
• Environmental
• Cognitive

From David Alexander, 1986

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Physical Size

• Clearance

• Reach

• Equipment Size

• Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Endurance (Capacity for Work)

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Environmental

• Noise

• Lighting

• Thermal

• Chemical

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Cognitive

• Machine Pacing

• Shift Work

• Morale

• Psychosocial

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Strength

• Force Requirements

• Male/Female

• Manual Materials Handling

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Benefits of Ergonomics
• Decreased injury risk

• Increased productivity

• Decreased mistakes/rework

• Increased efficiency

• Decreased lost work days

• Decreased turnover

• Improved morale

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Goals of Intervention

• Tolerable

• Acceptable

• Optimal

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Ergonomic Controls

• Engineering

• Administrative

• Work Practices

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Other Issues

• Aging workforce

• Universal design

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

Sanitation Tools and Process Exercise

• Describe tools
• Awkward Postures During Sanitation
– Accessibility
– Maintainability
• What are some of the most difficult tasks
• Job Safety Analysis

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM

What does the worker need to
know from this presentation?

ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM