mark dorhmann - dorhmann consulting ltd - modifying and preparing the workplace for rtw
Post on 14-Sep-2014
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Mark Dorhmann delivered the presentation at the 2014 Return to Work Forum. The 2014 Return to Work Forum brought together speakers from multiple sectors to share best practice in return to work, injury management and rehabilitation. For more information about the event, please visit: http://bit.ly/returntowork14TRANSCRIPT
Ergonomics and
Return to Work
Mark DohrmannEngineer, Ergonomist
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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