Ergonomic Essentials

Presented by:

Sandra Shortt, RNKathryn Carnegis

February 19, 2004

In the News …

President Bush Cites Federal Workplace Injuries

Associated Press - Fri, Jan. 09, 2004

WASHINGTON - Workplace injuries by federal employees cost:

 

• More than $2 billion in workers' compensation losses• 168,000 injury claims• 2 million lost production days a year

"Clearly, government agencies should strive to do more to improve workplace safety and health and reduce the costs of injury to workers and taxpayers," Bush said in a memo to federal executives. “Many workplace injuries are preventable."

Overview

Definitions

Symptoms

Risk Factors

Prevention Workstation Workout Workstation Setup

Team Project

Resources & Questions

Definitions

Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Repetitive Stress Disorder

Symptoms

Numbness or Tingling Arm Hands Fingers

Range of Motion Reduction Shoulder Arm Hand

Symptoms (continued)

Swelling Joint Muscle

Weakened Grip

Weakness or Pain Neck Shoulders Back Arm Wrist Hand

Symptoms (continued)

Vision Problems Blurring Difficulty Focusing Headaches Fatigue

Risk Factors

1. Repetitive motion

2. Confined or awkward workspace

3. Lifting and carrying heavy objects

4. Routinely working with power tools

!

Prevention

Seek early diagnosis and treatment for symptoms

Stretch everyday(sigh … )

Optimize your work environment Layout Equipment

Temporary Relief

Ibuprofen for pain and swelling Alternating ice/heat on affected area Consult physician promptly if

symptoms persist

Workstation Workout

Vision Focus exercise Eye rolling Cup palms over

closed eyes

Hands and Wrists Finger stretch & fist Fingertip exercises Thumb pull

* Frequent mini-exercise breaks are recommended

Workstation Workout (continued)

Neck and Back Head bends (side to side, forward and back)

Head turn Arms crossed at shoulders & shrug Arch with linked hands behind back Full extension (arms & legs as far out as you can)

WorkStation Setup

Neutral Posture

Frequent Breaks

Zones User Equipment

User Setup

Chair Seat height & tilt Knees bent at 900

Feet flat Arms flat on desk Lower back against

chair back

Monitor 28-24” away from you Tilt to reduce glare

Keyboard & Mouse Placed so that

shoulders are relaxed Upper arms at sides Hands level with wrists

Office Supplies & Phone Place these items out

of armspread reach

Equipment

Keyboard position Mouse position

Optional Equipment

Eyestrain or Headaches Document Holder Anti-glare

eyeglasses Anti-glare filters

Optional Equipment (continued)

Wrist or Hand Discomfort Wrist rest Wheeled mouse Ergonomic keyboard Wrist gloves

Optional Equipment (continued)

Back, Neck or Shoulder Discomfort Armed Chair Keyboard Tray Footrest Back support Telephone headset

Team Project

Break into groups of 3-4 people

Take turns arranging the workspace to “fit” each of you

Review recommendations

Resources and Questions ?

www.ergoweb.com

ergo.human.cornell.edu

www.healthycomputing.com

www.3m.com/us/office/ergonomics