Ergonomics

1. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Ergonomics

2. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• “Ergonomics is an applied science concerned
with the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks
that match the physiological, anatomical, and
psychological characteristics and capabilities of
the worker.” Vern Putz-Anderson
• “The Goal of ergonomics is to ‘fit the job to the
person,’ rather than making the person fit the
job.” Ergotech
• “If it hurts when you are doing something, don’t
do it.” Bill Black
What is Ergonomics?

3. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• Dates back to Ramazzini 1700’s
• Gained significance during WWII for airplane
cockpit layout
• Progressed slowly until the 80’s and 90’s with
the advent of the computer and more efficient
workplace design
• Now, guidelines are in place and greater use
of technology
Evolution of Ergonomics

4. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Why do we care about
Ergonomics?

5. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
MSDs
Contact with Objects
Transportation Related
Falls
All Other
Workplace Violence
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Survey, 1996
Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs)
Represent 1 in 3 Lost Time Injuries

6. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
MSDs of the Back
Upper Extremity
MSDs
Average Claim
Average Costs per Claim ($)
MSDs Cost Twice the Average
Workers’ Compensation Claim
Source: Workers’ Compensation data from Insurance Companies 1993

7. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Types of Injuries
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Restricted motion
• Repetitive stress injury
• Repetitive motion
injury
• Cumulative trauma
disorder
• Musculoskeletal
disorder

8. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Target Regions
• Back
• Upper extremities
• Lower extremities

9. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Multidisciplinary
Nature of Ergonomics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Engineering Psychology
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Anthropology
• Biomechanics

10. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• Physical Size
• Endurance
• Strength
• Manipulative
• Environmental
• Cognitive
From David Alexander, 1986
Types of Problems or Mismatches

11. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• Clearance
• Reach
• Equipment Size
• Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Physical Size

12. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Endurance (Capacity for Work)

13. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Environmental
• Noise
• Lighting
• Thermal
• Chemical

14. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Cognitive
• Machine Pacing
• Shift Work
• Morale
• Psychosocial

15. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Strength
• Force Requirements
• Male/Female
• Manual Materials Handling

16. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• Decreased injury risk
• Increased productivity
• Decreased mistakes/rework
• Increased efficiency
• Decreased lost work days
• Decreased turnover
• Improved morale
Benefits of Ergonomics

17. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• Tolerable
• Acceptable
• Optimal
Goals of Intervention

18. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
• Engineering
• Administrative
• Work Practices
Ergonomic Controls

19. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Other Issues
• Aging workforce
• Universal design

20. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Sanitation Tools and Process Exercise
• Describe tools
• Awkward Postures During Sanitation
– Accessibility
– Maintainability
• What are some of the most difficult tasks
• Job Safety Analysis

21. ERGONOMICS :: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
What does the worker need to
know from this presentation?