User:Hugh B. Kareful/Ergonomic Hazard

Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions that may pose risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system. Areas in which injuries may occur include, but are not limited to;

• Muscles or ligaments of the lower back.
• Muscles or ligaments of the neck.
• Muscles, tendons or nerves of the hands/wrists.
• Bones and Muscles surrounding the knees and legs.

Inujuries in these and other areas could result in a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Ergonomic hazards include awkward postures, static postures, large forces, repetitive motion, or short intervals between activity. The risk of MSD is often magnified when multiple factors are present. Factors such as whole-body or hand/arm vibration, poor lighting, poorly designed tools, equipment, or workstations all contribute to negative interactions with the worker/user. Ergonomic hazards occur in both occupational and non-occupational settings such as in workshops, building sites, offices, home, school, or public spaces and facilities.

An example of good ergonomic practices in an office setting.

Prevention of ergonomic hazards and MSDs is multifaceted and can be complex. It is important to keep in mind that ergonomics tries to fit the job to the worker, not the worker to the job. One way to approach ergonomic hazards in the workplace, or any other setting where they occur, is to use the Hierarchy of Controls (controlling hazards using Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and/or PPE controls).

• Elimination is the practice of removing a hazard from the work operation so there is no longer risk of harm. For ergonomic hazards the following practices could be implemented to eliminate a hazard;
  1. Redesign the work area to get rid of the need for reaching, bending, or staying in awkward postures for an extended period of time.
  2. Provide carts, dollies, or jacks for heavy items to be moved on so they do not have to be lifted.
• Substitution is the practice of replacing the current hazard with one that is not as harmful. For ergonomic hazards the following practices could be implemented to substitute a hazard;
  1. Replace very heavy materials with a lighter alternative.
  2. Replace a low quality chair or equipment with higher quality, softer, or padded materials.
• Engineering is the practice of physically separating a hazard from the worker. For ergonomic hazards, the following engineering hazards could be implemented;
  1. Design frequently lifted items to have easily gripped handles.
  2. Provide adjustable chairs, tables, stools, or workstations so they can be fitted to the specific worker's height.
• Administrative controls are policies are regulations in the workplace to help prevent a hazard. For ergonomic hazards, the following administrative controls could be implemented;
  1. Rotate workers from task to task so people are not using the same muscle groups for an extended period of time.
  2. Provide sufficient breaks for workers to rest.
  3. Store heavy materials at waist level.
  4. Provide training to employees for safe lifting.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) controls are typically items a worker wears to protest them from a hazard. For ergonomic hazards, the following PPE could be used to protect a worker from ergonomic hazards;
  1. Back braces
  2. Lifting belts
  3. Lifting straps

*New Section* - Office Ergonomics

As defined above, ergonomics tries to fit the job to the worker, not the worker to the job. With this in mind, whenever there is a worker and a job there will be ergonomic considerations to keep in mind. A very common setting where ergonomic issues could arise is in the office setting. Many people who work in an office, either a home office or a formal office building, often spend hours sitting and working in the same position. These tips and practices can easily be implemented by the employee, which could help empower them to take charge of their health and wellness.

Figure 3. An example of good ergonomic practices in an office setting.

Adjust your chair so your feet rest on the floor and your knees are level with your hips. Use a footrest if your chair is too high for your feet to rest comfortably on the floor. If your chair does not have lumbar support, use a cushion between the curve of your back and the back of your chair to support a straight posture. Refer to the picture to the side of this section to see a good posture for sitting at a desk.

Keep commonly used items within reaching distance to prevent overstretching or awkward postures throughout the day.

When typing, keep your wrists in a straight position, try not to bend them up or down. Consider using a wrist rest to help minimize stress.

Use a phone headset if on the phone frequently. This can prevent head and neck strain often felt while cradling a phone.

Make sure there is plenty of space under your desk. This will assure maximum space for your legs, knees, and thighs. The Mayo Clinic recommends having a desk at least 19 inches deep, 30 inches wide and up to 34 inches high (depending on your height).

Keep your monitor at arms length and any light sources in the office to the side to prevent glare. If using multiple monitors, keep the most used monitor in front of you to prevent neck strain.

*New Section* - Industrial Ergonomics

References

"Ergonomics". Environmental Health and Safety. The University of Chicago. Archived from the original on 2016-07-22. Retrieved 2016-07-26.

"BLS OSH Definitions". www.bls.gov. Retrieved 2022-01-28.

"Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2022-01-28.

Sraff. "Ergonomic hazards". Comcare. Australian Government. Retrieved 5 June 2017.

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy14_sh-26336-sh4_Ergonomic-Overview-Handout.pdf

"Hierarchy of Controls | NIOSH | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2021-10-27. Retrieved 2022-01-29.

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy11_sh-22240-11_ErgoHazards.pdf

"The Hierarchy of Ergonomics Controls". Sustainable Ergonomics Systems. 2019-01-02. Retrieved 2022-01-30.

References[edit]

1. ^
2. ^
3. ^
4. ^
5. ^ https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy14_sh-26336-sh4_Ergonomic-Overview-Handout.pdf
6. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f}
7. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c} https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy11_sh-22240-11_ErgoHazards.pdf
8. ^ Jump up to:^{a b} "The Hierarchy of Ergonomics Controls". Sustainable Ergonomics Systems. 2019-01-02. Retrieved 2022-01-30.