Ergonomic Analysis Workbook -...

Ergonomic Analysis

Workbook

Table of Contents

Ergonomic Resources ..................................................................................................... 3 Training Videos ............................................................................................................ 3 ARMS Software............................................................................................................ 3 Computer Safety Slide Rule ......................................................................................... 3 Pamphlets .................................................................................................................... 3 Training CDs ................................................................................................................ 3 Safety and Health Handbooks...................................................................................... 3 Job Safety Analysis ...................................................................................................... 3

Instructions for Conducting Office Ergonomic Evaluations.............................................. 4 Purpose........................................................................................................................ 4Method ......................................................................................................................... 4Tools ............................................................................................................................ 4 Final Report.................................................................................................................. 4Furniture and Equipment Purchases ............................................................................ 4

Office Job -Site Questionnaire ........................................................................................ 5 Office Workstation Analysis............................................................................................. 7 Ergonomic Evaluation Summary ..................................................................................... 8

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8Workstation Evaluations............................................................................................... 8 Other Comments.......................................................................................................... 8

Ergonomic Evaluation ..................................................................................................... 9 Examples of work surface options used to attain proper keyboard height .................... 10 Examples of alternative mice used to reduce finger and arm movement ..................... 11 Examples of keyboards with built in mousing capability to eliminate reach................... 12 Standard issue wrist rests ............................................................................................. 13 Example of height and tilt adjustable foot rest used to attain proper seat height .......... 14 Examples of phone accessories to reduce neck strain.................................................. 15 Instructions for Conducting Field Ergonomic Evaluations ............................................. 16

Purpose...................................................................................................................... 16Method ....................................................................................................................... 16Tools .......................................................................................................................... 16Final Report................................................................................................................ 16

Field Ergonomic Checklist ............................................................................................ 17 Awkward Posture ....................................................................................................... 17 High Hand Force ........................................................................................................ 18 Highly Repetitive Motion............................................................................................. 19 Repeated Impact ........................................................................................................ 19

Appendix B: Calculator for analyzing lifting operations................................................. 20 Appendix B: Calculator for Hand-Arm Vibration ........................................................... 22

Ergonomic Resources Training Videos Currently there are sixteen ergonomically related training videos in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Services video library. Safe lifting and material handling techniques, computer ergonomics, and stretching are some of the topics covered. ARMS Software This program can be loaded onto individual PCs and laptops to periodically remind users to take a mini-break and perform stretching exercises. The program keeps track of keystrokes and mouse movements and pops up a stretching video once a pre-set threshold is exceeded. The threshold can be adjusted and the user can disable the program, if desired. The master copy of this program is kept in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Services Department in Butte. Computer Safety Slide Rule This is a quick workstation setup and stretching reference that can be handed out during ergonomic evaluations, training sessions, etc. A supply of this item is maintained in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Services Resource Library. Pamphlets A fifteen page fully illustrated color pamphlet titled “The Fit Back Workout” is stocked in the Resource Library. Training CDs Two ergonomic programs have been loaded onto designated PCs at major operating locations, primarily the division operating centers. One covers back safety and the other covers computer/workstation ergonomics. These are interactive programs, which include knowledge tests. Safety and Health Handbooks Both of the handbooks contain fairly extensive sections on ergonomics. Team members should be reminded that these should be reviewed periodically. Job Safety Analysis Many of the JSAs for field tasks identify potential ergonomic hazards and should be reviewed before doing an in-depth ergonomic analysis. JSAs are kept on the intranet at the Safety, Health, and Environmental Services site.

Instructions for Conducting Office Ergonomic Evaluations Purpose

Reduce or Eliminate Ergonomic Hazards and Injuries Continuous Improvement Follow Good Business Practice

Method

Compare existing work surface heights, viewing distances, reach distances, and chair design to current recommended design criteria.

Augment work areas with accessories, such as wrist rests, foot rests, etc., where beneficial.

In some cases, observe task performance to identify and reduce risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as awkward postures, excessive repetition or strenuous lifting.

Solicit improvement ideas from employees directly involved in task performance. Provide one-on-one training to individuals on reducing risk factors directly under

their control. Tools

Job-Site Questionnaire and Workstation Checklist – if possible, provide the questionnaire to employee(s) before the evaluation is performed, to determine what parts of the body are being affected. Complete the checklist during the on-site workstation evaluation. (See Office Evaluation Forms Section.)

Ergo Slide rule – hand out one to each employee being evaluated and demonstrate its use as a reference. (See Office Handouts Section.)

ARMS Software – offer to each employee to promote rest breaks and stretching. Final Report

Issue a report of the findings and recommended corrective actions to management for appropriate action.

Use the standard format shown in the Office Evaluation Report Section. Update the corrective action table in the report as corrections are

completed. Furniture and Equipment Purchases

Involve the appropriate facilities personnel in any furniture purchase decisions. Examples of furniture and accessories to improve workstation ergonomics are shown in the Office Equipment Section.

Office Job-Site Questionnaire

Name: Job Title:

Date:

1. Computer is used: hours/day days/week Work pace: fast slow

Time at workstation: years months Type of work:

Use of Keyboard, mouse, trackball: [ ] never [ ] rarely [ ] occasionally [ ] often

2. In the past 30 days have you experienced any symptoms listed below? If no skip to # 3, if yes please circle.

Pain or discomfort in: Tingling or numbness in:

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Elbow/forearm Left Right Elbow/forearm Left Right

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[ ] morning [ ] noon [ ] evening [ ] night [ ] morning [ ] noon [ ] evening [ ] night

Do you suffer from: [ ] Blurred vision [ ] Headaches [ ] Cold feet [ ] Eyestrain

Does discomfort interfere with work or daily activities? [ ] yes [ ] no

Have you sought medical attention for the symptoms? [ ] yes [ ] no

Are your symptoms: [ ] Getting better [ ] The same [ ] Getting worse

Have the symptoms resulted in: [ ] Lost work time [ ] Prescription medications

Have any of the above symptoms caused you to awaken while sleeping? [ ] yes [ ] no

3. What type of sport or hobbies are you involved in?

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Any history of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, CTD, or other muscle conditions: [ ] yes [ ] No

Office Job-Site Questionnaire

4. Is your terminal keyboard comfortable? Yes No Ideally, your arms should form a comfortable 90-degree angle. Your arms will then hang comfortably at your side, or resting comfortably on the arm rest, this will take the strain off your upper back and shoulders.

5. Is the top of your screen higher, lower or even with your eyebrows? Higher Lower Even The screen should be no higher than eye level to minimize eye movement. You should also tilt back to the screen about 10-20 degrees for easier viewing (providing it doesn’t increase glare).

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The viewing distance should range from 18-26 inches.

7. Is your chair positioned at the proper height where you do not feel excessive pressure on your legs from the edge or back of the seat?

Yes No

8. Have you been trained how to adjust your chair to its proper position? Yes No

9. Do you occasionally take breaks? Look away from the screen every 10 minutes and focus on a distant object. Do stretch exercises at least once per hour.

Yes No

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Every 2 years is recommended (unless your doctor specifies differently). There are glasses designed for computer users available.

11. Do you use a document holder, all of the time most of the time or seldom?

All Most Seldom Never

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13. If you could change anything in your workstation what would it be?

14. Comments:

Office Workstation Analysis

For: Location:

By: Date:

Chair Adjustments: Height ____ yes ____ no Seat angle ____ yes ____ no Backrest height (tall) ____ yes ____ no Lumbar Support ____ yes ____ no Armrest ____ yes ____ no Seat angle ____ yes ____ no Backrest angle ____ yes ____ no Number of legs on chair ___ Castors ____ yes ____ no Chair padded ____ yes ____ no Water fall edge ____ yes ____ no

Monitor Proper height ____ yes ____ no Seated directly in front of monitor ____ yes ____ no (not viewing at a side angle) Font size & resolution OK ____ yes ____ no Glare Glare screen ____ yes ____ no Lighting (direct) ____ yes ____ no Lighting (indirect) ____ yes ____ no Screen contrast OK ____ yes ____ no

Keyboard Keyboard/Mouse same height ____ yes ____ no Positioned at proper height ____ yes ____ no Aligned with monitor ____ yes ____ no

Wrist rest mouse rest ____ yes ____ no Ergonomic keyboard ____ yes ____ no

Miscellaneous Adequate lighting ____ yes ____ no Noisy environment ____ yes ____ no Work posture ____ yes ____ no

Mini rest breaks every hour ____ yes ____ no Performs stretching ____ yes ____ no

Arms Software ____ yes ____ no

Comments/Changes:

(Location Name)Ergonomic Evaluation Summary

Evaluation Date:Report Date:

Introduction

An ergonomic evaluation of computer workstations was performed at the (location) on (date). The purpose of the evaluation is to provide guidance in workstation use to the employees and to enhance user comfort by correcting any workstation design defects identified. Ultimately, this is intended to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users and the attendant costs.

Workstation Evaluations

The evaluations were based on currently recommended criteria for proper workstation design and input from each employee. The immediate needs at each workstation are summarized in the attached table.

In the longer term, fully adjustable chairs should be budgeted to replace existing non-adjustable chairs in the dispatch and clerical work areas.

Other Comments

During the evaluation it was noted that employees who had previously worked in the dispatch jobs had experienced musculoskeletal pain during that time. Upon leaving those jobs, the symptoms were said to have subsided. Work pace in the dispatch area may be a contributing factor to the development of symptoms in addition to workstation design. This suggests that a job rotation program could be beneficial once the dispatch workstations have been modified with adjustable keyboard and mouse trays.

FINAL REPORT EXAMPLE

Ergonomic Evaluation (Location Name) Office Computer Workstations

Evaluation Date: Evaluation Performed By:

EMPLOYEE DEFICIENCIES EQUIPMENT NEEDED COMMENTS EST. COST DATE

COMPLETED Monitor too high. None. Took monitor off of PC and placed directly on work

surface during evaluation. 12/12/00 Joe Smith

Mouse not at same height as keyboard.

Retrofit mouse tray onto existing keyboard tray.

Currently uses mouse at desk height, which requires constant reaching.

$80 Ordered 12/13/00

SPECIFIC FINDINGS EXAMPLE

Examples of work surface options used to attain proper keyboard height

Workrite brand articulating keyboard tray with mouse tray

Mounts under desk height work surface Normally 26 inches

Computer height table

Examples of alternative mice used to reduce finger and arm movement

Logitech MouseMan Wheel – Reduces index finger movement

Thumb click with changeable functions

Scroll wheel

Logitech TrackerMan Marble Wheel – Eliminates wrist and arm movement

Thumb tracker ball moves cursor

Scroll wheel

Examples of keyboards with built in mousing capability to eliminate reach

Fentek Industries trackball keyboardContour Design roller mouse station – Note: Used with existing keyboard

ADESSO touch pad keyboard

Standard issue wrist rests

Fellows brand mouse pad with gel wrist rest

Fellows brand keyboard gel wrist rest

Example of height and tilt adjustable foot rest used to attain proper seat height

Eldon brand adjustable footrest

Examples of phone accessories to reduce neck strain

GN Netcom Wireless headset

Soft Talk telephone shoulder rest

Instructions for Conducting Field Ergonomic Evaluations

Purpose

Reduce or Eliminate Ergonomic Hazards and Injuries Continuous Improvement Follow Good Business Practice

Method

Review the JSA for the task to be analyzed, if one is available, to re-familiarize yourself with task elements before going to the field.

Once in the field, explain to the individual or crew the purpose of the visit and the types of ergonomic hazards that are of concern.

Go through the evaluation form with the team members to insure the frequency, duration, and weights are correctly identified.

Solicit improvement ideas from those directly involved in task performance. Take digital photos of team members performing task elements that exceed the

hazard thresholds checked on the evaluation form. Provide one-on-one training to individuals on reducing risk factors directly under

their control during the visit. Tools

Field Ergonomic Checklist – Complete the checklist during the on-site workstation evaluation as stated above. (See the next section.)

Digital Camera Measuring tape, scale (if object weights must be determined), goniometer (if

body angles must be measured – available at most medical supply stores). Final Report

Issue a report of the findings and recommended corrective actions to management for appropriate action.

Use a format similar to that shown in the Office Evaluation Report Section. Update the corrective action table in the report as corrections are

completed.

NWE Field Ergonomic Checklist For each "caution zone job" find any physical risk factors that apply. If a hazard exists, it must be reduced below the hazard level or to the degree technologically and economically feasible.

Movements or postures that are a regular and foreseeable part of the job, occurring more than one day per week, and more frequently than one week per year.

Hazard Exists

Job Position evaluated: Date:

No. of employees in these jobs?

Awkward Posture Comments/Observations

1. Working with the hand(s) above the head, or the elbows above the shoulders

More than 4 hours total per day

2. Repeatedly raising the hand(s) above the head, or the elbow(s) above the shoulder(s) more than once per minute


3. Working with the neck bent more than 45° (without support or the ability to vary posture)


4. Working with the back bent forward more than 30° (without support or the ability to vary posture)


5. Working with the back bent forward more than 45° (without support or the ability to vary posture)


6. Squatting


7. Kneeling


High Hand Force Hazard Exists

Comments/Observations

Pinching an unsupported object(s) weighing 2 lbs or more per hand, or pinching with a force of 4 lbs or more per hand (comparable to pinching a half a ream of paper)

8.

+ Highly repetitive motion

+ More than 3 hours

total per day

9.

+

+ More than 3 hours

total per day

10.

No other risk factors

+ More than 4 hours

total per day

Gripping an unsupported object(s) weighing 10 lbs or more per hand, or gripping with a force of 10 lbs or more per hand (comparable to clamping light duty automotive jumper cables onto a battery)

11.

+ Highly Repetitive motion

+ More than 3 hours

total per day

12.

+

+ More than 3 hours

total per day

13.


+ More than 4 hours

total per day

Highly Repetitive Motion Hazard Exists

Comments/ Observations

Using the same motion with little or no variation every few seconds (excluding keying activities)

14.

+

+

High, forceful exertions with the hand(s)

+ More than 2 hours total per

day

15.



day

Intensive keying

16.

+


day

17.



day

Repeated Impact Comments/

Observations 18.

Using the hand (heel/base of palm) as a hammer more than once per minute


day

19.

Using the knee as a hammer more than once per minute


day

Appendix B: Calculator for analyzing lifting operations Company Evaluator Job Date

1 Enter the weight of the object lifted.

2 Circle the number on a rectangle below that corresponds to the position of the person’s hands when they begin to lift or lower the objects.

3 Circle the number that corresponds to the times the person lifts per minute and the total number of hours per day spent lifting.

Note: For lifting done less than once every five minutes, use 1.0

How many hours per day? How many lifts per minute? 1 hr or less 1 hr to 2 hrs 2 hrs or more

1 lift every 2-5 min 1.0 0.95 0.85

1 lift every min 0.95 0.9 0.75

2-3 lifts every min 0.9 0.85 0.65

4-5 lifts every min 0.85 0.7 0.45

6-7 lifts every min 0.75 0.5 0.25

8-9 lifts every min 0.6 0.35 0.15

10+ lifts every min 0.3 0.2 0.0

4 Circle 0.85 if the person twists 45 degrees or more while lifting. Otherwise circle

5 Copy below the numbers you have circled in steps 2, 3, and 4.

Lifting Limit

lb. X X =Step

2 Step

3 Step

4 lb.

6 Is the Weight Lifted (1) less than the lifting Limit (5)?

0.85

1.0

Yes – OK

No – HAZARD See next page for solution ideas.

Weight Lifted

Lb.

Appendix B: Calculator for analyzing lifting operations

7 SOLUTIONS PRINCIPLES To find the most appropriate solution for this job, look for the lowest number you used to do the calculations (2, 3, 4)

HANDS POSITION (2) Reduce the horizontal distance from the

body Remove barriers, obstacles Reduce weight of load Reduce capacity of the container Team lift the object with two or more

workers Design workstation with the adjustable

heights to eliminate trunk bent forward Provide handholds Store objects at 30 inches off the floor

FREQUENCY (3) Increase weight of a load so it requires

mechanical assist Improve layout to minimize manual

material handling Use mobile storage racks

DURATION (3) Use mechanical assist such as overhead

hoist, manipulator, vacuum lift, pneumatic balancer, forklift

Eliminate the use of deep shelves Job rotation to other jobs where no lifting is

required

TWISTING (4) Redesign workstation layout to eliminate

trunk twisting Locate lifting operations in front of the

body Use slides, gravity, chutes to eliminate

lifting/twisting

Appendix B: Calculator for Hand-Arm Vibration

1. Find the vibration value for the tool. (Get it from the manufacturer look it up at this website http://umetech.niwl.se/Vibration/action.lasso?-database=HAVbase.fp3&-layout=Normal&-response=HAVSearch.html&-show On the graph below mark the point on the left side shown as Vibration value.

2. Find out how many total hours per day the employee is using the tool and mark that point on the bottom of the chart below.

3. Trace a line into the graph from each of these two points until they cross.

4. Interpretation a. If that point lies in the crosshatched “Hazard” area above the upper curve, then the

vibration hazard must be reduced below the hazard level or to the degree technologically and economically feasible.

b. If the point lies between the two curves in the “Caution” area, then the job remains as a “Caution Zone Job.”

c. If the point falls in the “OK” area below the bottom curve, then no further steps are required.

Note: The caution limit curve (bottom) is based on an 8-hour energy-equivalent frequency- weighted

acceleration value of 2.5 m/s2. The hazard limit curve (top) is based on an 8-hour energy-equivalent

frequency- weighted acceleration value of 5 m/s2.

Vibration

m/s2

Duration

Hrs.

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