Our Mission Contact Us Subscribe Media Kit Previous Issues Web Links
|
Elements of Ergonomics |
|
Workplace safety has evolved to include immediate hazard prevention
and the new dynamic of avoiding future injuries such as WMSDs and
repetitive stress injuries. Back injuries fall into both categories. They are one of the leading causes of missed time at work. Improper lifting practices can cause painful and even permanent back injuries. Back problems can slowly get worse, or your back can suddenly “go out.” Prevent such problems by following this guide for lifting heavy materials from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 1. Common causes of back injuries include the following: • Lifting materials that are too heavy or unstable; • Lifting objects to or from awkward locations (for example, placing overhead or lifting from the ground); • Repetitive twisting, bending, reaching overhead or lifting; • Working for long periods in a bent over or strained position; • Falling; • Tripping over debris; • Wearing tool belts that are too heavy; and • Lifting or doing any physical labor when you haven’t “warmed up.” 2. Avoid back injuries on the job: The best way is to plan the job to reduce the need for lifting, twisting, bending, or reaching overhead. Change how the job is done, or change the tools you use. Here are some examples: • Store materials off the ground, so you don’t have to bend so much to lift; • Store materials where there is space to lift them safely, without reaching or twisting; • Have materials delivered close to where they will be used; • Split up large loads into smaller, lighter loads; • Change the setup of the job (Perhaps adjust the angle and height of work surfaces); • Use a manual lifting or carrying device (like a dolly, hand truck, hydraulic or ergonomic work bench); • Use a mechanical lifting device (like a forklift, hoist, crane, or block and tackle); • Use tools that minimize bending and reaching (like tools with longer handles); and • Make sure walkways are kept clear to allow the use of material handling devices like carts and dollies. 3. Step-by-step lifting Remember that proper lifting techniques cannot protect you if the object is too heavy, awkward to hold, or cannot be held close to the body. • Face the object. Place one foot behind the object and the other foot beside it. • Bend your knees, but keep your back straight. Grip the object firmly with both hands. • Bring the object close to your body. Keep your chin, elbows, and arms tucked in tight. Keep your body weight directly over your feet. • Lift with your legs. • Do the same process in reverse when you set the object down. • Avoid any twisting motions. Developing Controls Analyzing jobs to identify factors associated with risks for workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) lays the groundwork for developing ways to reduce or eliminate ergonomic risk factors for WMSDs. A variety of approaches can help to control these risk factors. A three-tier hierarchy of controls is widely accepted as an intervention strategy for controlling workplace hazards, including ergonomic hazards. The three tiers are as follows: 1. Reducing or eliminating potentially hazardous conditions using engineering controls; 2. Changes in work practices and management policies, sometimes called administrative controls; and 3. Use of personal equipment. Administrative Controls for Safe Lifting Administrative controls are management dictated work practices and policies to reduce or prevent exposures to ergonomic risk factors. Administrative control strategies include (1) changes in job rules and procedures such as scheduling more rest breaks, (2) rotating workers through jobs that are physically tiring, and (3) training workers to recognize ergonomic risk factors and to learn techniques for reducing the stress and strain while performing their work tasks. Although engineering controls are preferred, administrative controls can be helpful as temporary measures until engineering controls can be implemented or when engineering controls are not technically feasible. Since administrative controls do not eliminate hazards, management must assure that the practices and policies are followed. Engineering Controls The preferred approach to prevent and control WMSDs is to design the job, including (1) the workstation layout, (2) selection and use of tools, and (3) work methods to take account of the capabilities and limitations of the workforce. A good match (meaning that the job demands pose no undue stress and strain to the working population as a whole) helps ensure a safe work situation. Engineering control strategies to reduce ergonomic risk factors include the following: • Changing the way materials, parts, and products can be transported, for example, using mechanical assist devices to relieve heavy load lifting and carrying tasks or using handles or slotted hand holes in packages requiring manual handling. • Changing the process or product to reduce worker exposures to risk factors; examples include modifying containers and parts presentation, such as height-adjustable material bins; • Changing workstation layout, which might include using height-adjustable workbenches or locating tools and materials within short reaching distances; • Changing the way parts, tools, and materials are to be manipulated; examples include using fixtures (clamps, vise-grips, etc.) to hold work pieces to relieve the need for awkward hand and arm positions or suspending tools to reduce weight and allow easier access; • Changing tool designs—for example, pistol handle grips for knives to reduce wrist bending postures required by straight-handle knives or squeeze-grip-actuated screwdrivers to replace finger-trigger-actuated screwdrivers; • Changes in materials and fasteners (for example, lighter-weight packaging materials to reduce lifting loads); and • Changing assembly access and sequence (e.g., removing physical and visual obstructions when assembling components to reduce awkward postures or static exertions). Workstations Workstations are function and/or task oriented customized groupings of accessories and workbenches used by an operator in the performance of work. Workstations provide: • The primary work surface; • Uprights to attach lighting, electrical and pneumatic power distribution, tool support frames, tool balancers, parts bins, materials spools, articulating monitor arms, shelving, etc.; and • The primary work surface support frame to mount drawers, pullout keyboard trays and writing shelves, foot rests, lower support shelves; or any combinations of the preceding. Management has the obligation to provide as safe an environment as possible for employees. Workstations integrate the worker, environment, and the job to be done. Workers are more productive when less fatigued, and less stress and strain on the body promote better morale and foster pride in workmanship. Ergonomic workbenches and hydraulic lift tables are becoming the standard for industrial workbenches or workstations. They enhance worker safety and can reduce worker’s compensation issues. Workstations, workbenches and power lifts offer maximum production and flexibilities to accommodate future needs. Applications range from production assembly of piece goods at individual or conveyor workstations, diagnostic repair stations, shipping and mailroom workstations, pallet loading and a host of other tasks. Good lifting practices and ergonomic workstations that prevent back and other musculoskeletal injuries should be considered part of any work safety plan that uses engineering and administrative controls to keep employees on the job. FSM |
|
|
|
© 2008 Facility Safety
Management - All Rights Reserved - |
