MODULE 6:ERGONOMIC

INTRODUCTION

Ergonomics is the study of people and their interaction with the elements of their job or task including equipment, tools, facilities, processes, and environment. It is a multidisciplinary field of study integrating industrial psychology, engineering, medicine, and design.
In a more practical sense, ergonomics is the science of human comfort. When aspects of the work or workplace insult the human body, the result is often a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). To help avoid MSDs, work demands should not exceed the physical capabilities of the worker. MSDs are also known by several other names including:
 CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders)
 RSIs (repetitive stress or repetitive strain injuries)
 RMIs (repetitive motion injuries)
 Overuse syndrome


ERGONOMICS RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
DEPT: Site Office TASK: Working with computer workstation

Ergonomic Risk Factor Reason For ERP Suggestions
Back and neck pain and shoulder

a) Neck fatigue ,back pain and discomfort in the upper back or shoulder are also common problems experienced by people working with computer workstation. a) Use ergonomics’ chair to avoid back pain.
b) Adjust seat back for good support.

Eyestrain or “computer vision syndrome”

a) Although eyes fatigue or eye strain are among the most common problems experienced by people working with computer equipment, these are temporary. The eyes are directed and focused using , muscles which can become overworked.
b) Intensive visual task can lead to temporary blurring ,soreness ,headaches ,and dryness. a) Rest your eyes – by periodically closing them for several second ,then looking at an object at least 20 feet away.
b) Take step to control screen glare
c) Avoid stacking monitors on top of CPU’s or laptop docking stations .Neutral eyes for close visual task is 20 to 60 degrees download .
d) Try to sit 20 – 30 inches from your monitor.
Discomfort at the elbows ,wrist and arms a) Posture and positioning not well a) Face your work directly and sit with good posture .Keep the spine in it’s natural curves with the head and neck upright ,not slumped forward.
b) Keep your elbows in by the sides of the body and adjust your work so it is at about elbows height . This keep your wrist and arms in line comfortable.
Legs pain

a) Discomfort at legs a) Change sitting position frequently and more around whenever possible .Reposition legs ,lumbar support and seat adjustment.
Static load
The keyboard at a height which places the forearms approximately parallel a) Lifting forearms op elevates hand and reduces circulation .Bending elbows too much places stress on tendons in the joints a) Adjust seat height so that the elbows are at the same height as the keyboard.
b) Raise or lower adjustable work surface in system furniture si that they are just below seated elbows height.

Contact Stress
a) Hard wrist rest or sharp edges on keyboard trays places pressure directly on the carpal tunnel
b) The wrist rest padded and covered with a soft non-irritating fabric a) Replace hard wrist rest or wrist rest with non fabric with new , padded wrist rest.
b) Pad sharp edges on keyboard trays with foam leg ( Eg:pipe insulation ) as long as thickness does not affect wrist posture
Short Term Solution a) Avoid over-use of computer keyboard and touchpad for all day intensive computer work.
b) Use a standard keyboard and mouse to improve comfort ,speed and accuracy.


Long Term Solution a) Avoid static muscles contractions – prolonged reaching ,bending ,twisting elevating the arms up while working restrict circulation and causes pain.
b) Locate the monitor in line with the keyboard and the mouse next to the keyboard.
c) Arrange yourself so you can relax your upper back ,neck ,shoulder and upper arms .You don’t need to special keyboard to use neutral hand and arms posture .Keep hands and wrist in line with the arms..



Comment a) Ergonomics is the applied science of improving the match between people and work .When talk about office ergonomics ,what is mean is sitting with neutral postures ,adjusting and locating equipment for comfort ,being watchful for health problems and using fatigue reducing techniques

ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET

1. Employee's Name/Job Title

Menty Adi ak Lambi / M&E Coordination 2. Work Location
Sri Aman Site Office 3. Date
20th January 2009
4. Prepared By
Mohamad Aluis Bin Hamri 5. Supervisor's Name/Job Title
Mohamad Aluis Bin Hamri / Safety Supervisor
6. HAZARDS


7. SHORT TERM RISKS 8.LONG TERM RISK 9. HAZARD PREVENTIONS AND CONTROLS 10. RISIDUAL RISK 11. WHO IMPLE-MENTS 12. BENEFITS 13. APPROX COST

Computer Work Station



Employee Chair



Poor Lighting






M



M



L
H



EH



M
Education/Training Work Station adjustments Exercise

Purchase Ergonomic Chair



Purchase Screen Glare Reducer
L



L



L
OSH




DEPT




DEPT

Moral/Caring Attitude Emotional/Physical Stress Reduced

Back support
Height Adjustments
Reduce risk CTD

Productivity increase

Rm 200


Rm 150



Rm 80
14. OVERALL RISK LEVEL AFTER CONTROLS ARE IMPLEMENTED (CIRCLE ONE

LOW MEDIUM HIGH EXTREMELY HIGH 15. DIRECTOR/MACOM APPROVAL
SIGNATURE

____________________________________________________
RANK/LAST NAME/DUTY POSITION

Assessment Ergonomics Risk (Reba Method)



Step to Use REBA Method:

1) Locate neck position:


(Neck Position) ( Neck Twist )
2) Locate trunk position


(Locate Trunk Position) (Twist or side bending + 1)


3) Locate legs position


(Locate Leg Position) (Add 1 0r 2 if have movement)





Problem Statement;

I. If neck 0-20° neck twist or side bending and = 2 + 1 = 3
II. If trunk > 60° = 4 + 1=5
III. If leg = 2+1 = 3
So, the score for table A for trunk ,leg ,and neck is = 9

Add force / load force

o If Load < 11 lbs : +0
o If Load 11 to 22lbs : +1
o If Load > 22lbs:+2
o Adjust if shock or rapid build up of force :+1

I. Let say we take the load is > 22lbs,so the score is + 2
II. So ,the score for table A is 9 should be add 2 to get the score table at table A



4) Arm and wrist analysis


I. If shoulder is raised = +1 (Locate lower arm position)
II. If upper arm is abducted = +1
III. If arm is supported / leaning = -1


5) Locate wrist position


(Locate Twist Position) (+1 if have movement)

Example:

I. Upper arm is = over 60° is 4 and if shoulder is raised ,we should +1,so the score is ( 4 + 1 = 5 )
II. Lower arm is = > 100° so we need to + 2 and the score for lower arm is = 2
III. Wrist is = >15° is 2 , and have a movement we need to + 1.So the score is 3



Add coupling Score

o Well fitting handle and mid rang power grip, good : +0
o Acceptable but not ideal hand hold or coupling acceptable with another body part , fair : +1
o Hand hold not acceptable but possible , poor :+2
o No handle , awkward, unsafe with any body part , Unacceptable :+3

Score B, Find Row in Table C

For Example: Hand hold not acceptable but possible,

P/S: Reba score is 13, so the risk is very high and need an action immediately

Suggestions For Improvement:


Step for Adjusting Your Workstation:
1. Adjust the chair height so your elbows are at about desktop level
2. Adjust seat back for good support of the lower back ,using a lumber pillow if needed
3. If your seat has a tilt feature ,set this so you are comfortably supported
4. If your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor or there is pressure on the backs of your legs ,use a footrest or lower the keyboard.
5. Locate your monitor so the top of the viewing area is at or below eye level.
6. With elbows at desk level, your wrists should be straight .Use a wrist rest if desired, and if you have armrests try to adjust them so they support your arms without being too high or too low .Use small pads on armrests if needed.
7. Locate the mouse next to the keyboard, so both elbows are by the sides while working .Use your mouse pad or another soft surface to pad edge of desk .Avoid pressing your hands or forearms against any sharp edges on desk.
8. Adjust screen brightness and contrast for clear comfortable viewing , and clean the screen frequently.
Adjusting Your Workstation:


Maintain Neutral Posture:



Suggestions For Improvement:

Management Commitment and Employee Involvement
• Advising management on ergonomic issues.
• Working with management to develop ergonomic guidelines and policies.
• Maintaining and distributing the department’s guidelines, policies an
procedures on ergonomic issues.
• Maintaining safe practices and inspection guidelines.
Assignment of Responsibility to Supervisors

• Planning, organizing, and coordinating ergonomic training sessions.
• Ensuring the workplace and equipment are safe, well maintained, and in compliance with regulations and departmental policies, programs, and practices.
• Ensuring the workplace ergonomic practices and procedures are clearly communicated and understood by employees through effective communication and training programs.
Hazard Prevention & Control
Upon completion of surveying an area for ergonomic risk factors the following types of controls will be evaluated and considered for possible implementation.
• Engineering Controls
• Work Practice/Technique Controls
• Administrative Controls

Conclusion:
Ergonomics is a unique factor for increase a productivity and our quality of job .When we implemented ergonomics at workplace; it can contribute many benefits for our organization such as:
I. Reduce Injuries, Injury Expenses And Personal Medical Bills
II. Improve Quality Of Life
III. Reduce Absenteeism
IV. Lower Employee Turnover
V. Reduce Workers' Compensation Claims
VI. Increase Productivity
Practice, practice and practice ergonomics at workplace to make a perfect of your job or task have been given.