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Environmental Health and Safety 1 Construction Ergonomics Construction Ergonomics This material was developed for a company’s use based on its needs and requirements. It may not be applicable to the needs and requirements of others. This training material should not be used without independent review and approval of technical and legal experts for the organization and area of use.

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Construction ErgonomicsConstruction Ergonomics

This material was developed for a company’s use based on its needs and requirements. It may not be applicable to the needs and requirements of others. This training material should not be used without independent review and approval of technical and legal experts for the organization and area of use.

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OutlineOutlineReview Basic Ergonomics Principles

What is ergonomics?Types of ergonomic injuriesImportance of early reportingStretching basics

Ergonomic risk factors present in construction

Ergonomics tips to minimize risk factor exposure

Summary

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Ergonomics (er'gõ nom'iks):The study of work and the relationship of work tothe physical and cognitive capabilities of peopleFitting the job (tools, tasks, and environment) tothe employee, instead of forcing the worker to fitthe job

Ergonomic principles derived from manyareas, including:

BiomechanicsPhysiologyAnthropometryIndustrial engineeringSafety

What is Ergonomics?What is Ergonomics?

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Ergonomic InjuriesErgonomic InjuriesTwo classifications of ergonomic injuries

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s) – exposure drivenStrains/Sprains – instantaneous (event driven)

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Ergonomic InjuriesErgonomic InjuriesCumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s)

Injury to soft tissue caused by prolonged exposure to multipleergonomic risk factorsTypically develop in small body segments (i.e. fingers, wrists,elbows, and neck)

Examples of CTD’sTendon disorders:

– Inflammation of tendon and/or tendon sheathing caused by repeatedrubbing against ligaments, bone, etc.

– Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)Nerve disorders:

– Compression of nerves from repeated or sustained exposure to sharpedges, bones, ligaments, and/or tendons

– Carpal tunnel syndromeNeurovascular disorders:

– Compression of blood vessels and/or nerves from repeated exposureto vibration or cold temperatures

– Raynaud’s phenomenon (white finger syndrome)

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Ergonomic InjuriesErgonomic InjuriesStrains & Sprains

Injury to connective tissue caused by singleforceful event: lifting heavy objects in awkwardpositionCommon to large body segments (i.e. back,legs, and shoulders)Risk of injury increases with the presence ofmultiple risk factors

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Early Reporting of Ergonomic IssuesEarly Reporting of Ergonomic IssuesProactive Reporting:

Report suspected ergonomics risk factorsto your supervisor and safetycommittee representative

Early Reporting Process:Report pain or discomfort associated withwork to your supervisor and OccupationalHealth Services

Benefits to Early Reporting:Leads to early care and quicker healing,preventing chronic problemsLeads to quicker identification of the rootcause of the injuryWill initiate an ergonomics evaluation bytrained personnel

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Stretching BasicsStretching BasicsBenefits of stretching:

Increases flexibility/elasticity ofmusclesIncreases circulation to warm themuscles, improving mental alertness,reducing fatigueDecreases muscle tension and stress

When to Stretch:Prior to starting your dayDuring short breaks (at least once perhour)After breaks or lunch to prevent fatigueIf tension or stress is apparentAfter a lengthy task duration or anextended awkward posture

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Stretching BasicsStretching BasicsProper stretching techniques:

Relax and breathe normally. Do nothold your breath.Hold each stretch for a count of 15, oras long as comfort is maintained.Use gentle, controlled motions. Do notbounce!Keep the knees slightly bent for betterbalance.Stretch until a mild tension is felt, thenrelax.Stretch by how you feel and not byhow far you can go.

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Ergonomic Risk FactorsErgonomic Risk Factors

Awkward Posture

Repetition

Force

Static LoadingCo

ntac

tSt

ress

Vibration

Risk of injury increases with:Prolonged exposure to any of these ergonomic risk factorsPresence of multiple risk factors within a single job task

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Avoid overhead reaching andkneeling when possible

Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward PosturesErgonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward Postures

Work near elbow height to avoidbending excessive bending

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward PosturesErgonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward Postures

Where awkward postures areunavoidable, change tasks, stretch,and take short breaks frequently

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward PosturesErgonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward Postures

Select the correct tool handle orientation based uponworksurface height/orientation (when possible)

in-line gripvertical surfaceAbove shoulderheight pistol griphorizontal surface

pistol griphorizontal surface

in-line gripvertical surfaceBelow elbow height

in-line griphorizontal surface

pistol gripvertical surfaceBetween elbow andshoulder height

Select this tool typeSurface OrientationPrimary Use

Pistol grip In-line grip

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Ergonomic Tips to Minimize ForceForceUse mechanical lift assists andcarts when available

Avoid manually handling heavyobjects (more than 35 pounds)

Avoid carrying objects more than 100feet

Practice Proper Cart HandlingPush instead of pulling

Use both hands when pushing

Stand directly behind the cart whenpushing (avoid twisting your body)

Maintain good control and limit speed

Ensure cart is not overloaded

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Ergonomic Tips to Minimize ForceForceUse proper lifting techniques whenlifting

Examine the load and the surroundingareaBend knees when lifting a loadLook forward to keep back straightPosition the load close to the bodyMaintain a firm grip on the loadUse smooth, controlled movementsKeep arms in front of bodyTurn feet in direction of movement toavoid twisting

Get help before performingtasks requiring excessiveforce

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Ergonomic Tips to Minimize ForceForce

A lift, hoist or other mechanicalassistance is unavailableThe object is heavier than you arecapable of lifting alone (typically morethan 35 pounds)The object is not heavier than whattwo people are capable of lifting(typically less than 60 pounds)The object is awkward or oversized.Any object that does not have itsweight equally distributed within theload.Remember some objects are tooheavy or awkward to be handledwith two people

A Two-Person Lift Is Appropriate When. . .A Two-Person Lift Is Appropriate When. . .

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Ergonomic Tips to Minimize ForceForceUse the correct tools / poweredtools for the task

Powered tools tend to require lessexertion to perform a task

Ensure that the weight of a poweredtool (and cording) does not createadditional force issues

Use only the amount of forcenecessary to complete the task

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Repetition:Use power tools when available

Change tasks, stretch, or take abreak from repetitive tasks

Follow job rotation policies whereapplicable – effective job rotationswork alternate muscle groupsbetween successive job functions

Ergonomic Tips to Minimize RepetitionErgonomic Tips to Minimize Repetition

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Static Loading:Avoid prolonged awkward postures

Change the position of the work oryour body position to get as close aspossible to the work area

If prolonged awkward postures areunavoidable, use a “supported”posture to compensate

A supported posture uses part ofyour body to support the weight ofanother body segment that is in anawkward position

Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Static LoadingErgonomic Tips to Minimize Static Loading

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Contact StressErgonomic Tips to Minimize Contact Stress

Select hand tools that conforms to thegeometry of the hands

Pistol grip & in-line tools:Recommended handle length: 5.0inchesRecommended handle diameter: 1.0 to1.5 inches

Pliers & crimping action tools:Recommended handle length: 4.0inches (minimum)Recommended handle span: 2.5inches

Avoid handles that end in the palmof the hand

4.0 inches

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Contact StressErgonomic Tips to Minimize Contact Stress

Avoid pressure on knees:Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces forprolonged periodsUse knee pads when kneeling tasksare unavoidable

Avoid pressure on palms, wrists,and elbows:

Use padding on hard or sharp surfacesChange your position to eliminate thestress

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Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Vibration & TorqueErgonomic Tips to Minimize Vibration & Torque

To lessen vibration:Pad tool handles with a soft compressiblesurfaceUse vibration damping (gel filled) gloves

Select tools (hammers and chippers) withbuilt in damping systems(springs/hydraulics)

To lessen torque reaction:Use electric tools as opposed to air driventoolsUse pulse tools or auto-shutoff tools

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SummarySummaryMinimize ergonomic risk factors in your area

Stretch throughout the shift especially before and afteractivities that require awkward positions or lifting

Pay attention to your body and know your physicallimitations

Report ergonomics issues through appropriate channels.

Ergonomic injuries are preventable, and you own your ownsafety