or-osha construction ergonomics presentation - state of oregon: oregon osha...
TRANSCRIPT
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
1
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.
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
2
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
3
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?
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
4
Ergonomic InjuriesErgonomic InjuriesTwo classifications of ergonomic injuries
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s) – exposure drivenStrains/Sprains – instantaneous (event driven)
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
5
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)
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
6
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
7
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
8
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
9
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.
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
10
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
11
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
12
Ergonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward PosturesErgonomic Tips to Minimize Awkward Postures
Where awkward postures areunavoidable, change tasks, stretch,and take short breaks frequently
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
13
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
14
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
15
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
16
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. . .
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
17
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
18
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
19
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
20
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
21
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
22
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
Envi
ronm
enta
l Hea
lth a
nd S
afet
y
23
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