mark dorhmann - dorhmann consulting ltd - modifying and preparing the workplace for rtw

Ergonomics and

Return to Work

Mark DohrmannEngineer, Ergonomist

info@ergonomics.com.auwww.ergonomics.com.au

Melbourne, 29 July 2014

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Preparing tasks to enable return to work

It’s a matching process

Using ergonomic methods to analyse the Using ergonomic methods to analyse the task, then the person, then matching them

Examples

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Ergonomics –

a powerful tool!

Ergonomics means …Ergonomics means …

Fitting work to people

Using peoples’ capabilities

Respecting human limitations 4

Ergonomics is concerned with:

Human size, shape

Strength and dexterity

The physical environment (light, noise, climate, vibration)vibration)

Thinking aspects (deduction, interpretation, understanding)

Learning and skilling needs

Communication into and out of the task

Social elements and needs5

Ergonomics examines:

peoples’ size, shape

hand function

postures - ideal and actual

tasks – in detail

vision needs, light

hearing and noise hearing and noise

comfort over time

skills assumed or needed

fatigue and its causes

social and communication needs

work routines and systems

… and more …

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Understanding work

Analysing a task

Basics: what do they need to see? Touch? Basics: what do they need to see? Touch? Manipulate?

What knowledge and skills are needed?

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Step 1: analysing the task

Start simply

What does the person need to see?

(acuity, colors, focus, complexity)(acuity, colors, focus, complexity)

Touch?

(distance, grip, fingers, sensitivities, feet)

Control? (coordination, strength, comprehension)

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Step 1 (continued)

What needs moving?

(lift, push, pull, steer, climb, bend)

What has to fit?

(stature, arm length, extremes, legs, gear)

The environment

(light, noise, air, vibration, smell, weather)

What skill sets are assumed?

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Step 1 (continued)

Sustaining effort or attention

(repetition, breaks, endurance, attention)

Social elements

(team, public, language, co-workers)

Communication elements

(task –centred, group, radio, phone, other)

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Step 2: what are the persons capabilities … and limitations?

This process should mirror the task This process should mirror the task analysis, item by item.

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Overuse strain checks:

Forceful actions

Unsupported or uncomfortable posture Unsupported or uncomfortable posture

Repetitive, unbroken pattern of movement

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Checking strength demands in a task:

NIOSH

2D and 3D Michigan 2D and 3D Michigan

Snook Tables

… more

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More information:

www.ergonomics.com.au

info@ergonomics.com.au

03 9376 1844

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