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Ergonomics

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. When there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker, Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) can result. Workers who must repeat the same motion throughout their workday, who do their work in an awkward position, who use a great deal of force to perform their jobs, who must repeatedly lift heavy objects or who face a combination of these risk factors are most likely to develop WMSDs.

What can be done to prevent WMSDs?

Real solutions have been demonstrated in workplaces of all sizes across a broad range of industries. Many employers have developed effective ergonomics programs and common sense solutions to address WMSDs in their workplaces. Often WMSDs can be prevented by simple and inexpensive changes in theworkplace. Adjusting the height of working surfaces, varying tasks for workers and encouraging short rest breaks can reduce risks. Reducing the size of items workers must lift or providing lifting equipment also may aid workers. Specially designed equipment, such as curved handles on tools may also help. Manufacturers of tools are spending much time and effort in developing ergonomic-designed tools.

What is OSHA doing to address WMSDs?

OSHA is developing a program that calls for employers to establish ergonomic programs to prevent WMSDs. The agency has pledged to focus on jobs where injuries are high and solutions well demonstrated. OSHA has identified significant problems for workers involved in production operations in manufacturing and manual handling throughout general industry. Job-related musculoskeletal disorders also occur in other jobs. At a minimum, employers that have workers experiencing injuries need to address the problem. One size does not fit all. That is why OSHA has decided on the program approach. That's also why no one will ever be able to say that X number of repetitions or lifting X pounds will result in injury or conversely that Y number of repetitions or Y pounds will definitely NOT result in injury for anyone, any time, anywhere. However, many employers have proven that establishing a systematic program to address such issues as repetition, excessive force, awkward postures and heavy lifting, results in fewer injuries to workers.

What components should an ergonomics program include?

OSHA has identified the following critical elements: management leadership and employee participation, hazard identification and information, job hazard analysis and control, employee training, medical management and program evaluation. The agency also intends to include in the rule a grandfather clause for existing programs. The keys to success are simple: reduce repeated motions, forceful hand exertions, prolonged bending or working above shoulder height. Reduce vibration. Rely on equipment-not backs-for heavy or repetitive lifting. Provide "micro" breaks to allow muscles to recover.

About one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses stem from overexertion or repetitive motion, causing pain and disability for workers and costing our nation $20 billion in direct workers' compensation costs alone. Employees are valuable and replacing an employee who is injured drains money, morale, and talent from the organization. An effective ergonomics program can cut workers' compensation costs, and increase employee production and satisfaction significantly. WMSDs are not a comfort issue; they may result in crippling disability. Severely injured workers may never be able to return to their jobs or be able to handle simple, everyday tasks like combing their hair, picking up a baby or reaching for a book on a high shelf.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders occur when there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the human body. More than 100 different injuries can result from repetitive motions that produce wear and tear on the body. Back pain, wrist tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome may all stem from work-related overuse. Specific risk factors associated with WMSDs include repetitive motion, heavy lifting, forceful exertion, contact stress, vibration, awkward posture and rapid hand and wrist movement. Conduct a study of your workplace which focuses on WMSDs. Things which should be considered include: Your injury records. Common problems within your industry or job classifications. How your employees perform their tasks (usually by observing them). Employee comments and suggestions.

What can be done to prevent or reduce musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace?

Employers and employees can work together effectively to reduce WMSDs. Management commitment and employee participation are critical to the success of a program. Depending on the workplace, the scope, detail and implementation of an ergonomics program will vary. But the major elements of an effective ergonomics program remain constant. These elements include management leadership and employee participation as well as hazard awareness and identification. In developing your program there are several steps you can take in order to assure that you have carefully addressed all of these elements.

Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges using many OSHA references in the preparation of this Safety Bulletin.

Chair and Workstation design tips and Ergonomic links

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