Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Workers in many different industries and occupations can be exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Exposure to these known risk factors for MSDs increases a worker's risk of injury.

Ergonomics is the study of the physical and psychological demands of activities in relation to the physical and psychological capabilities and limitations of people. The goal of ergonomics is injury prevention as discomfort often leads to pain and pain can lead to injury/illness. Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that they fit the people who use them. Work-related MSDs can be prevented. Ergonomics helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity, and reduces the number and severity of work-related MSDs. Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) may include the following:

Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) – An injury to the tissues, nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths and muscles (predominantly of the upper extremities) is the result of repeated forceful actions over a period of time. One or a combination of the following may cause CTD:

• Repetitive motion 
• Forceful exertions         
• Vibration
• Hard and sharp edges
• Sustained or awkward postures
• Exposures to noise over extended periods

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – A form of cumulative trauma disorders which affects one’s hands and wrists. The symptoms are tingling, numbness, and severe pain in the wrist and/or hand, reduced hand strength and an inability to make a fist or hold objects. These problems are typically not noticeable until after work in the evening. The more advanced cases may result in permanent loss of sensation and partial paralysis of the hand and wrist.

Back Disorders – An injury to the back involving pulled/strained muscles, ligaments, tendons, and disks. Most result from chronic injury not a single incident. One or a combination of the following may cause back disorders:

• Excessive/repetitive twisting, bending, and or reaching
• Carrying, moving, and/or lifting loads that are either too heavy or too large
• Staying in one position for too long
• Poor physical condition
• Poor posture
• Prolonged sitting
• Back degeneration due to age
• Excessive activity without the benefit of prior physical conditioning
• Stress
• Vibration

To reduce the chance of injury, work tasks should be designed to limit exposure to ergonomic risk factors. Engineering controls are the most desirable, where possible. Administrative or work practice controls may be appropriate in some cases where engineering controls cannot be implemented or when different procedures are needed after implementation of the new engineering controls. Personal protection solutions have only limited effectiveness when dealing with ergonomic hazards.

Ergonomic assessments can be schedule by contacting EHRS.