ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

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ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE

Transcript of ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

Page 1: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE

Page 2: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

DANIEL HIGHSMITH

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Introduce Ergonomics As A Safety Science & Establish Its Role In Today’s Office Environment.

Introduce Some Basic Skills In The Recognition & Control Of Occupational Ergonomic Hazards.

Provide Basic Recognition Skills For Supervisors.

Define Ergonomics (Dispel Myths).

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

This Course Is Designed to Introduce Basic Skills in the Recognition of Ergonomic Stressors in an Office Environment, It Will Not Make You an Expert. If You Feel That the Requirements of Your Job Are Above Your Level of Expertise, the Services of a Professional Ergonomist or Medical Professional Should Be Sought.

NOTE

Continued

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Basic Definitions Related to Ergonomics. Why Ergonomics Is Important. Typical Applications for Ergonomics. How Anthropometry Relates to Ergonomics. Typical Office Ergonomic Problems. The Ergonomically Correct Computer Work Station. The Environmental Concerns in Today’s Office Environment. The Importance of Personal Breaks/exercise During the Work Day. The Concepts of Work Station Design.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING:

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BASIS FOR THIS COURSE

THOUSANDS OF WORKERS CAN BENEFIT FROM ERGONOMICS.

DAILY EXPOSURE TO NUMEROUS ERGONOMIC STRESSORS.

DAILY EXPOSURE TO NUMEROUS PHYSICAL HAZARDS.

EFFICIENCY CAN BE GREATLY IMPROVED.

OSHA SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE:

Establishment of a “safety” program Training be conducted Ergonomic stressors be assessed Hazards and precautions be explained

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29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

1910 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

900 - ERGONOMICS

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

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RELATED REGULATIONS

29 CFR 1903.1, THE GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE

ANSI HFS-100/1988, VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS

ANSI Z-365; CONTROL OF CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS MEATPACKING PLANT GUIDELINES (Previously)

NIOSH LIFTING GUIDELINES (Beyond Scope)

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OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY

BEFORE MARCH 1, 1991:

VIOLATION NARRATIVE: TEN (10) EMPLOYEES WERE NOTED NOT WEARING EYE PROTECTION IN AREAS WHERE A REASONABLE PROBABILITY OF EYE INJURY COULD OCCUR.

PENALTY: $500

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OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY

AS OF MARCH 1, 1991:

CHANGES IN PENALTY COMPUTATION:

1. PENALTIES BROKEN OUT INDIVIDUALLY.

2. PENALTIES INCREASED SEVEN FOLD.

Continued

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OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICYContinued

AS OF MARCH 1, 1991:

VIOLATION NARRATIVE: TEN (10) EMPLOYEES WERENOTED NOT WEARING EYE PROTECTION IN AREAS WHERE A REASONABLE PROBABILITY OF EYE INJURY COULD OCCUR.

$ 10 VIOLATIONS TIMES $500 = $5000$ 5000 TIMES SEVEN = $35,000

PENALTY: $35000 BEFORE MARCH, 1991: $500 AS OF MARCH, 1991: $35,000

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GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

REVIEW JOB SPECIFIC HAZARDS.

INSTITUTE SAFE WORK PRACTICES.

CONDUCT ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS.

PROVIDE COMPLETE HAZARD INFORMATION.

PROVIDE HEALTH SCREENING WHERE NEEDED.

PROVIDE TRAINING TO ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

INSTALL ENGINEERING CONTROLS WHERE POSSIBLE.

ALL EMPLOYERS MUST:

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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

ALL EMPLOYERS MUST: DETERMINE ERGONOMIC STRESSORS.

DISCUSS EMPLOYEE PROTECTIVE MEASURES.

REVIEW THE PROGRAM ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.

TRAIN ALL EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JOB ASSIGNMENT.

DISCUSS PERIPHERALS SUCH AS LOCKOUT AND CONFINED SPACES.

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RETRAINING REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED WHEN THERE IS A:

CLOSE-CALL EVENT.

PROGRAM RELATED INJURY.

CHANGE IN JOB ASSIGNMENT.

NEW HAZARD OR EQUIPMENT.

NEW HAZARD CONTROL METHODS.

FAILURE IN THE SAFETY PROCEDURES.

REASON TO DOUBT EMPLOYEE PROFICIENCY.

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ERGONOMICS DEFINED

The study of man’s relationship with his or her

workplace.

Fitting the task to the person rather than forcing

him/her to adapt to the work environment.

Designing the workplace to prevent occupational

injury and illness.

VARIOUS AUTHORS DEFINE ERGONOMICS AS:

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ERGONOMICS DEFINED

Discovering the capabilities and limitations of the human body.

The art and science that addresses workers’ job performance and well-being in relation to their job tasks, tools, equipment and environment.

The study of the relationship between people and machines or between employees and their environment.

VARIOUS AUTHORS DEFINE ERGONOMICS AS:

Continued

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ERGONOMICS DEFINED

The study of the interaction between the worker and the process at the workplace.

VARIOUS AUTHORS DEFINE ERGONOMICS AS:

WHAT OTHER DEFINITIONS HAVE YOU HEARD?

Continued

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ERGONOMICS IS IMPORTANT

Improve quality. Improve absenteeism. Maintain a healthier work force. Reduce injury and illness rates. Acceptance of high-turnover jobs. Workers feel good about their work. Reduce workers’ compensation costs. Elevate OSHA compliance to a higher level of

awareness.

ERGONOMICS PLAYS A ROLE IN APPROXIMATELY 50% OF ALL WORKPLACE INJURIES. ERGONOMICS WILL HELP:

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ERGONOMICS IS IMPORTANT

“It is estimated that in the United States, 97% of the money spent for medical care is directed toward treatment of an illness, injury or disability. Only 3% is spent on prevention.”

Self-help Manual for your BackH. Duane Saunders, MSPTby Educational Opportunities

Continued

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ERGONOMICS A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH

THINK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF WAYS ERGONOMICS

IMPACTS OUR DAILY LIFE!

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ERGONOMICS A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH

THE SCIENCE OF ERGONOMICS IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IN

THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE

AUTOMOBILE!

FOR EXAMPLE!

Continued

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ERGONOMICS A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Economics. Sociology. Physiology. Psychology. Biomechanics. Physical Sciences. Management Philosophies. Engineering, Industrial Design. Safety & Health, Human Factors Engineering.

THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUTOMOBILE:

Continued

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ERGONOMICS A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH

HOW IS YOUR COMPUTER WORK STATION SIMILAR TO

THE AUTOMOBILE?

CONSIDER THIS!

Continued

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PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

PERSONAL INTEREST DEDICATION MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROGRAM REQUIRES:

NOTE:

UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FROM THE WORK FORCE ISESSENTIAL, WITHOUT IT THE PROGRAM WILL FAIL!

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TYPICAL APPLICATIONS FOR ERGONOMICS

WORK STATION DESIGN. TOOL SELECTION AND DESIGN. OFFICE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT. VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS (VDT’S) SAFETY. BACK INJURY REDUCTION AND PREVENTION. MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING IMPROVEMENT. CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDER (CTD)

REDUCTION.

APPLICATIONS

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

RECOGNITION A determination of whether there are ergonomic

related problems in the workplace.

EVALUATION An identification of the nature and location of the

problems.

CONTROL The introduction of measures designed to eliminate

or reduce the hazards.

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PROGRAM REVIEW AND EVALUATION

Employee surveys. Review of results of facility evaluations. Analysis of trends in injury/illness rates. Up-to-date records or logs of job improvements tried or

implemented. Before and after surveys/evaluations of job/worksite

changes.

EVALUATION TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:

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INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND ERGONOMIC CONTROLS

ENGINEERING CONTROLS FIRST CHOICE

Work Station Design Equipment Selection and Design Proper Chairs Proper Lighting

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS SECOND CHOICE

Training Programs Job Rotation/Enlargement Pacing Policy and Procedures

PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT LAST CHOICE

Wrist Supports Wraps Back Supports Eye Protection Non-Slip Shoes Aprons

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INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND ERGONOMIC CONTROLS

OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS:

Occupational risk factors are defined as any attribute of a job or task that we know increases the probability of injury or illness. INAPPROPRIATE

1. Force - Including- Internal or External

2. Posture - Such as - Extreme Twisting or Bending

3. Repetition - Including- Muscle Group Overexertion

4. Insufficient Rest - Including- Muscle Group Overexertion

Continued

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WORKSITE ANALYSIS

WORKSITE ANALYSIS IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR MAIN PARTS:

1. Gathering information from available sources.

2. Conducting baseline screening surveys to determine which jobs need a closer analysis.

3. Performing ergonomic job hazard analyses of those work stations with identified risk factors.

4. After implementing control measures, conducting periodic surveys and follow-up to evaluate changes.

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WORKSITE ANALYSIS

SYMPTOM SURVEY

1. NOTE AREAS OF PAIN OR DISCOMFORT!

2. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE SOURCE?

3. WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES WOULD HELP?

4. WHAT OTHER FEEDBACK CAN BE GATHERED?

Continued

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INCIDENCE RATES

INCIDENCE RATES: incidence rates for upper extremity disorders and/or back injuries are calculated by counting the incidences of RSIs or CTDs and reporting the incidences per 100 full time workers per year per facility.

(NUMBER OF NEW CASES (200,000 WORK HRS*) PER FACILITY

NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED/FACILITY/YR

INCIDENCE RATE

* 200,000 = APPROXIMATE ANNUAL WORK HOURS FOR 100 WORKERS.

* THE SAME METHOD SHOULD BE APPLIED TO OFFICES DEPARTMENTS, PRODUCTION LINES, OR JOB TYPES WITHIN EACH FACILITY.

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INCIDENCE RATES

SAMPLE INCIDENCE RATE CALCULATION:

(NUMBER OF NEW CASES (200,000 WORK HRS*) PER FACILITY

NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED/FACILITY/YR

IF YOU EXPERIENCED 2 CARPAL TUNNEL CASES LAST YEAR, IN A POPULATION OF 100 EMPLOYEES. WHAT IS THE INCIDENCE RATE?

IR =2 X 200,000

100 X (50 X 40 hrs)

IR =400,000

200,000IR = 2 CASES OF CARPAL TUNNEL PER 100 PERSON-YEARS OF EXPOSURE

* 200,000 = APPROXIMATE ANNUAL WORK HOURS FOR 100 WORKERS.* THE SAME METHOD SHOULD BE APPLIED TO OFFICES, DEPARTMENTS, PRODUCTION LINES, OR JOB TYPES WITHIN EACH FACILITY.

Continued

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ANTHROPOMETRY DEFINED

ANTHROPOMETRY:

The technology of measuring and quantifying various human physical traits such as size, weight, proportion, mobility and strength.

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ANTHROPOMETRY DEFINED

ENGINEERING ANTHROPOMETRY:

The application of anthropometrics data to equipment, workplace and job design to enhance the efficiency, safety and comfort of the operator.

Continued

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ANTHROPOMETRIC DIMENSIONS(Inches)

Dimension 5th 50th 95th 5th 50th 95th

MEN WOMEN

1. Stature 64.0 62.5 73.0 59.3 63.4 67.32. Eye ht. 59.6 64.2 68.7 55.3 59.3 63.4

3. Hip ht. 33.1 36.2 39.4 29.1 31.9 42.7

4. Elbow ht. 39.6 42.9 46.5 36.6 39.6 42.7

Physical

Abbreviated Table of Anthropometrics Dimensions

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ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

PERSONAL RISK FACTORS:

1. Age2. Gender3. Attitude4. Training5. Strength6. Work method7. Anthropometry

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ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

JOB RISK FACTORS:

1. Weight of load.2. Location/size of load.3. Frequency of the task.4. Duration and pace of cycle.5. Stability of load.6. Coupling of load.7. Travel distances of worker.8. Reach distances of worker.9. Symmetry between worker and the work.

Continued

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ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

10. Static work posture. a) Standing. b) Sitting.

11. Work platforms or stairs.12. Torso flexion (bending).

a) Mild (up to 45 degrees). b) Severe (greater than 45 degrees).

13. Work heights (too high or too low).14. Floor surfaces (wet, smooth, vibration).

JOB RISK FACTORS:

Continued

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ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

15. Environment.a) Hot (sweat, reduced grip, fatigue).b) Cold (gloves reduce grip by as much as 30%).

16. Lighting. a) posture problems (because of inability to see).17. Noise/vibration.

a) Frequency very important.b) Can amplify through the body.

JOB RISK FACTORS:

Continued

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ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORSContinued

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR JOB?

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TYPICAL OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROBLEMS

TENDONITIS:

- Characterized by Inflammation of Tendons or Their Surrounding Sheaths.

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY - RSI:

- RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) Disorders Can Begin As Mildly Aggravating and With the Continuance of Bad Habits, May Quickly Progress to Be Debilitating.

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TYPICAL OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROBLEMS

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - CTS:

- A Specific, Severe and a Debilitating Form of RSI.

- Described As a Squeezing of the Median Nerve As It

Runs Into the Hand.

- The Nerve Is Squeezed by Swollen Tendons Surrounding It As They Cross Through a Bony Passage or Carpal Tunnel at the Inside of the

Wrist.

Continued

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TYPICAL OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROBLEMS

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - SYMPTOMS:

- Tingling of the Hands and Wrists.

- Tightness, Discomfort, Stiffness, Soreness or Burning in the Hands, Wrists, Fingers, Forearms

or Elbows.

- Some Symptoms Include a Feeling of a Need to Massage Your Hands, Wrists and Arms.

- Clumsiness or Loss of Strength and Coordination in The Hands Also Can Be Symptoms.

Continued

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TYPICAL OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROBLEMS

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - WHAT TO DO:

- Correct your work or typing technique.

- Keep your wrists in a “neutral” position.

- Adjust your work posture (back, hips, shoulders).

- Make sure your workstation is positioned properly.

- Make adjustments for your body size.

- Consider your height and arm reach distances.

- Reduce the amount of force and repetition.

Continued

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INAPPROPRIATE

TYPICAL OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROBLEMS

OFFICE RISK FACTORS:

Office risk factors are defined as any attribute of a job or task that we know increases the probability of injury or illness.

1. Force - Including- Internal or External

2. Posture - Such as - Extreme Twisting or Bending

3. Repetition - Including- Muscle Group Overexertion

4. Insufficient Rest - Including- Muscle Group Overexertion

Continued

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TYPICAL OFFICE ERGONOMIC PROBLEMS

JOB ENLARGEMENT:

- Supervisor must be involved.- Will reduce strain on the body.- Exercise different muscle groups and bones.- May make work more interesting and acceptable.- Good work habits can correct most problems.- If the symptoms persist, report to your supervisor.

- The longer you wait, the more severe the injury.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

ADJUSTMENT PERIOD FOR NEW WORKERS:

- Period may take 10 to 20 working days.- Used to be known as “Work Hardening”.- Workers should be told of the adjustment period.- Workers may be uncomfortable with initial adjustments.- - Be patient with your body and watch for changes.- Look for improvements in your ability to perform work.- Know that your stamina will improve over time.- Know that your comfort will improve over time.- Muscles take time to become comfortable with change.- Remember - old habits are hard to break.- Remember - the goal is safety and injury prevention.

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

IDEAS FOR WORK STATION IMPROVEMENTS:

1. Anti-glare device on monitor.2. Monitor at correct eye height.3. Paper holder on or next to monitor.4. Ergonomic keyboard.5. Wrist support on keyboard.6. Wrist support on mouse pad.7. Proper body alignment to keyboard.8. Elbows level with keyboard.9. Fully adjustable work surface.10. Fully adjustable task chair.11. Tactile, comfortable floor surface.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

IDEAS FOR WORK STATION IMPROVEMENTS:

12. Foot stool to support lower back.13. Task lighting for fine work.14. Proper indirect area work lighting.15. Proper use of natural lighting.16. Reducing glare of natural lighting.17. Adjustable shelves.18. Shelves no lower than knees.19. Shelves no higher than shoulders.20. Work dividers that reduce noise.21. Headsets verses shoulder phones.22. Ample room to move chair in work area.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

WHAT ENCOMPASSES A WORK STATION?

- The anthropometry of the person.- The lighting of the work area.- The type of furniture in use.- The foot support.- The keyboard.- The posture.- The monitor.- The chair.- And other specific factors.

Continued

Remember - The Objective of Ergonomics Is to Fit the Work to the Person

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

DIRECT AND INDIRECT LIGHTING:

- Indirect Lighting: - - Lights the work area. - - Needs a soft light to reduce reflection. - - Must not create harsh shadows.

- Direct Lighting: - - Lights the work surface. - - Needs to be proper intensity. - - Shouldn’t promote glare.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

NATURAL LIGHTING:

- Correction of natural lighting problems are dependent on the building design and the furniture arrangement.

- May require more than one adjustment during work day since light conditions can change during the day.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

WHERE SHOULD YOU PLACE THE MONITOR?

- Directly in front of normal sitting position.- Not off to one side.- Screen - 18 to 30 inches from your eyes. - - Or about an arm’s length.- Out of range of light reflections.- Top of monitor at eye level.- Angle - comfortable for neck.- Keeping monitor clean is critical.- Consult your optometrist often.- Look away at least 20 ft frequently.- Adjust brightness to best comfort level.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

WHERE SHOULD YOU PLACE THE KEYBOARD?

- Directly in front of normal sitting position.- Not off to one side.- Level with bottoms of elbows.- Positioned to keep wrists in neutral position.- Positioned above knees.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

WHERE SHOULD YOU PLACE THE MOUSE?

- Above, and to the outside of knee. (rule of thumb)- Close to keyboard to limit range of motion.- Same level as the keyboard.- Key Point - limit twisting of wrist.- Key Point - limit reach requirements.- Explore different types.- Keep hands and wrists in neutral position.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

WHAT ABOUT HEIGHT AND REACH DISTANCES?

- Frequently used items: - - Within arm’s reach from keyboard. - - Limit reaching above your shoulders. - - Paper holders - same height as screen. - - Place heavy items lower. - - Place lighter items higher. - - Place frequently used items closer.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

FREQUENT TELEPHONE USE:

- Frequent telephone use requires a headset to avoid bending the neck while keyboarding.

- Don’t hold the phone squeezed between the neck and shoulder.

- Many RSI’s begin with nerve damage or irritation in the neck and shoulders.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

HAND AND ARM POSITION:

- The Neutral Position.

- Forearms parallel to the floor and the arms not outstretched.

- Wrists straight, but not twisted to the right or left.

- Neutral means: The knuckles; wrist and top of the forearm should form a straight line.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

BACK AND HIP POSITION:

- Back and hips should be at 90 degrees with each other.

- Hips should be parallel with the task you are performing.

- Back should be well supported against your chair while keying.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

THE FLOOR SURFACE:

- Feet should be flat on a textured floor or carpet or a sturdy, non slippery surface.

- When you move out of a neutral position, you exert force in that area.

- The more force you use, the more likely you’ll irritate tendons, muscles, or ligaments.

- Non-skid shoes are very helpful.

- Foot rests are helpful in relieving leg stress.

Continued

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THE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT COMPUTER WORK STATION

THE ERGONOMIC CHAIR:

- Backrest - Support inward curve of lower spine and outward curve of upper spine.- Seat - Large enough to accommodate frequent changes in position and firm enough to allow weight to be distributed and supported.- Seat – Support the buttocks, not thighs.- Arm Rests - Elbows should form a 90-degree angle while “hanging” at sides. - If seat height won’t allow feet flat on the floor, use a footrest. This allows lower legs to be vertical and thighs horizontal.

Continued

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN THE OFFICE

NOISE REDUCTION: NO DIVIDERS NOT RECOMMENDED

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN THE OFFICE

NOISE REDUCTION: WITH DIVIDERS

Continued

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN THE OFFICE

NOISE REDUCTION:

- Establish office policy concerning talking, noise and PA systems.- Establish office policy concerning use of radios.- Insulate office equipment with sound absorbing dividers.- Install sound dampening window coverings.- Consider replacing windows with sound dampening glass.- Install acoustical panels around desks.- Pay close attention to reflected sounds within the office.- Determine affect of reflected sound from the office ceiling.- Determine affect of reflected sound from floor.- Consider installing carpeting to reduce noise.- Relocate noisy equipment to unoccupied area if possible.

Continued

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN THE OFFICE

LIGHTING:

- Should: Provide soft general lighting within entire room.- Should: Be considered for multiple work stations.- Should: Provide enough light to provide comfortable environment.- Should not: Create harsh shadow areas.- Should not: Be intended to replace direct lighting of work surface.

Continued

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN THE OFFICE

OFFICE COMFORT:

- Survey employees to determine their comfort level.- Pay attention to health complaints related to air quality. - Discuss temperature and humidity levels with maintenance manager.- Discuss HVAC maintenance requirements with maintenance manager.- Install fans as necessary to control air flow within room.- Ensure an adequate smoking policy exists.- Allow employees to wear appropriate clothing to sustain their comfort.- Adjust room design to capitalize on existing comfort sources.- Consider how window coverings can be used to enhance comfort.- Encourage workers to get fresh air periodically during work day.

Continued

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PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

ACTIVE BREAKS AND MICRO-BREAKS:

- Active Breaks. - - A short break in work activity. - - Should be taken at least every 30 minutes. - - Especially if you keyboard for more than 2 hours a day. - - Walking and stretching periodically is essential. - - Frequently focus your eyes on objects farther away than monitor. - - Move arms and shoulders to loosen muscles and allow blood flow. - - Change sitting position at least every 15 minutes. - - Relive pressure on bottom of upper legs. - - Allow blood to circulate through buttocks and legs.

Page 69: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

ACTIVE BREAKS AND MICRO-BREAKS:

- Micro-Breaks. - - Short momentary breaks while continuing work activity. - - Should occur more often than active breaks. - - Occurs when you stop keyboarding to do other things. - - Micro break should include specific exercises. - - Take or make phone calls. - - File papers or get up to get a drink of water. - - Rotate chair to a different task in the work station. - - Move different sets of muscles and bones.

Continued

Page 70: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

EXCERISES:

- Shoulder Blade Squeeze: - - Raise your forearms. - - Point your hands to the ceiling. - - Push your arms back. - - Squeeze your shoulder blades together. - - Hold for at least five seconds and repeat about three times.

Continued

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PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

EXCERISES:

- Eye Palming Technique: - - Place your elbows on your desk. - - Cup your hands and close your eyes. - - Place your eyelids gently down onto your palms. - - Hold this position for about one minute. - - Breath deeply and slowly. - - Then uncover your eyes slowly.

Continued

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PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

EXCERISES:

- Arm and Shoulder Shake: - - Drop your hands to your sides. - - Shake your relaxed hands, arms and shoulders. - - Continue gently for at least five seconds. - - Repeat three times.

Continued

Page 73: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

EXCERISES:

- Finger Spanning: - - Place arms straight in front of you and spread your fingers. - - Spread as far as possible for at least five seconds. - - Repeat this exercise five times. - - Spanning can be combined with a Forearm Extensor Stretch by:

- - - Turning the hands so that their backs touch. - - - Then turn them so the palms face the ceiling.

Continued

Page 74: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

EXCERISES:

- Shoulder Blade Squeeze. - - Raise your forearms. - - Point your hands to the ceiling. - - Push your arms back. - - Squeeze your shoulder blades together. - - Hold for at least five seconds. - - Repeat about three times.

Continued

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PERSONAL BREAKS AND EXERCISE

EXCERISES:

- Shoulder Shrug. - - While sitting erect. - - Raise shoulders toward ears. - - Hold for 3 or 4 seconds. - - Lower shoulders all the way down. - - Repeat 2 or 3 times.

Continued

Page 76: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

GOOD JOB DESIGNREDUCES Discomfort, Fatigue, Aches & Pains

Injuries & Illnesses, Work Restrictions.

AVOIDS Absenteeism, Turnover, Complaints,Poor Performance, Poor Vigilance.

ABATES Accidents, Productivity Problems,Poor Quality, and Rework.

WORK STATION DESIGN

Page 77: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

GOOD JOB DESIGN

PREVENTS Economic Loss, Loss in Earning Power,Loss in Quality of Life, Pain & Suffering.

PREVENTS Economic Loss, Loss in Expertise,Compensation Costs, Damaged Goods& Equipment.

EMPLOYEE:

EMPLOYER:

WORK STATION DESIGNContinued

Page 78: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

Design for the Range-of-Motion of the Worker. Design for the Field of Vision of the Worker. Design out Extreme Ranges-of-Motion. Reduce Force in Job Accomplishment. Reduce the Frequency of Motions Required. Reduce the Duration of a Specific Task. Design to Provide Adequate Support to Back, and Legs.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

WORK STATION DESIGNContinued

Page 79: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

Incorporate Adjustable Work Surfaces. Design Storage Bins to Accommodate Various Heights. Design Storage Bins to Accommodate Various Reaches. Design Work Platforms with Ranges-of-Movement. Incorporate the use of Mechanical or Powered Assists. Incorporate the use of Floor mats to Reduce Leg Trauma.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

WORK STATION DESIGNContinued

Page 80: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

DO NOT DESIGN FOR THE AVERAGE! DO NOT DESIGN FOR YOURSELF! THE LARGE MUST BE ABLE TO FIT! THE SMALL MUST BE ABLE TO REACH! DESIGN FOR A RANGE! DESIGN FOR ADJUSTABILITY!

THE BOTTOM LINE

WORK STATION DESIGNContinued

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WORK STATION DESIGNContinued

WHAT ADDITIONAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS CAN YOU THINK OF FOR COMPUTER WORK STATIONS?

Page 82: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

OSHA'S PERCEPTIONOF A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

1. DETAILED WRITTEN SAFETY PROCEDURES.

2. EXTENSIVE EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAMS.

3. PERIODIC REINFORCEMENT OF TRAINING.

4. SUFFICIENT DISCIPLINE REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION.

Page 83: ERGONOMICS FOR THE OFFICE. YOUR INSTRUCTOR DANIEL HIGHSMITH.

WORK AT WORKING SAFELY

Training is the key to success in managing safety in the work environment. Attitude is also a key factor in maintaining a safe workplace. Safety is, and always will be a team effort, safety starts with each individual employee and concludes with everyone leaving at the end of the day to rejoin their families.

Patricia A. Ice Industrial Hygienist