Navy Ergonomics Program

Ergonomics Awareness Training

Technical Support Services by Naval Facilities Engineering Command

Cathy Rothwell, PE Ergonomic Program Manager

rothwellcb@efdsw.navfac.navy.mil

Mindy Smith, MEng, AEP Ergonomic Technical Support - East Coast

smithmb@navfac.navy.mil

Theresa Stack, MS, AEP Ergonomic Technical Support- West Coast

stacktl@navfac.navy.mil

What is Ergonomics?

ergonomics \, rg-go-'nm-iks

Ergonomics is derived from two Greek words

Ergon meaning work and Nomos meaning principles or laws Ergonomics = The Science of Work Ergonomics is not a new science, although the term has become more common lately. The phrase was first coined in 1857.

What is Ergonomics?
Common Definitions

ergonomics \, rg-go-'nm-iks

Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker. The better the fit the higher the level of safety and worker efficiency. Fitting the
Task to the Human ~ Grandjean 1990

Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity and human performance by fitting products, tasks, and environments to people.
ErgoWeb.com

What are the consequences of poor Ergonomics?

Why are we hearing about ergonomics now? Are there new hazards at work? No!
Consequences of poor workplace design were first documented in the 17th century.

Have you ever heard of these?

Historic Occupational Disorders - house-maids knee, washer womans thumb, writers cramp, dataprocessing disease, clergymans knee, nuns bursitis, weavers bottom, dustmans shoulder, tailors ankle

Do these historic occupational disorders still exist? Yes!

They are part of a broad category of injuries and disorders called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are not usually caused by acute trauma,
but occur slowly over time due to repetitive injuries to the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage) and nervous system

MSDs can happen to anyone from office workers and industrial employees to athletes and hobbyists

Before

Improved

Do these historic occupational disorders still exist? Yes!

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are MSDs that are caused or made worse by
work methods and environment. They occur when the physical capabilities of the worker do not match the physical requirements of the job

Common MSDs:

Before

Improved

Tendonitis, Epicondylitis (Tennis or Golfers Elbow), Bursitis, Trigger Finger, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Back Strain

What are aliases for WMSDs?

Work-related MSDs go by many other names: Repetitive Strain or Stress Injury (RSI) Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI) Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) Overuse Syndrome Activity-related Pain Syndrome Ergonomics can help prevent MSDs that are caused or aggravated by working conditions

What characteristics of your job put you at risk for MSDs?

Prolonged, repeated or extreme exposure to multiple WMSD risk factors can cause damage to a workers body. Risk Factors include: Repetition Awkward Postures Static Postures Cold Temperatures Excessive Force Vibration Compression Inadequate Recovery

Repetition = Performing the same motion

or group of motions excessively.
Examples of Repetition
Repeating the same motion every few seconds or repeating a cycle of motions involving the same body parts more than twice per minute for more than 2 consecutive hours in a row Using a tool or an input device, such as a keyboard in a steady manner for more than 4 hours total in a work day

Excessive repetition of movements can irritate tendons and increase pressure on nerves

Awkward Postures = Postures outside

of neutral.
Neutral is the optimal position of each joint that provides the most strength and control
Awkward or unsupported postures that stretch physical limits, can compress nerves and irritate tendons
Before: Lab technician tilts his neck forward to view the screen into a nonneutral posture. He also bends over resting on his forearms to write on the documents. Ergonomic Improvement: Sailor easily views the screen from a neutral posture. The workstation adjusts to accommodate different working heights and users. When standing, work should be about elbow height.

Awkward Postures = Postures outside

of neutral.
Examples of Awkward Postures:
Repeatedly raising or working with the hand(s) above the head or the elbow(s) above the shoulder(s) for more than 2 hours per day Kneeling or squatting for more than 2 hours total per day Working with the back, neck or wrist bent or twisted for more then 2 hours per day Sitting with feet unsupported

Neutral Posture for Computer Use

Position the monitor about an arms length away directly in front of you. The top of the screen no higher than eye level (Unless the user wears bi-focal glasses) Use a document holder close to the monitor rather than laying papers flat Mouse should be next to keyboard both at a height equivalent to the users seated elbow height Knees comfortably bent with feet resting on the floor. If the chair is raised so the keyboard height equals elbow height, use a footrest . Adjust the seat height so upper arms hang vertically, elbows bent about 90 degrees, shoulders relaxed and wrists fairly straight

Adjust the back rest to provide firm support to the small of the back

Holding the same position or using the same muscles for extended periods of time
Static postures, or positions that a worker must hold for long periods of time, can restrict blood flow and damage muscles

Static Postures =

Before: Mechanic maintains a static posture holding arms and hands elevated while repairing aircraft

Ergonomic Improvement: Creeper supports mechanic and brings him closer to the task

Cold Temperatures
Working in environments below 68 degrees can cause nerve damage.
Working in cold temperatures can adversely affect a workers coordination and manual dexterity and cause a worker to use more force than is required to perform a task

Force = A strong physical exertion

Exertion = the tension produced by muscles and transmitted through tendons
Excessive muscle tension can contract muscles to their maximum capability which can lead to fatigue and possible damage to the muscles and other tissues.
Before: Three sailors climb on refuse bin to dump laundry cart full of waste. They risk back strain and lacerations while tipping cart over to empty it. Ergonomic Improvement: One worker easily dumps waste in half the time.

Force = A strong physical exertion

Examples of forceful exertions:
Lifting:
more then 75 pounds at any one time; more then 55 pounds more than 10 times per day; more then 25 pounds from a height below the knees, above the shoulders, or at arms length more than 25 times per day.

Pushing / pulling with more than 20 pounds of initial force for more than 2 hours per day Pinching (pencil type grip) an unsupported object weighing 2 or more pounds per hand for more than 2 hours per day Gripping an unsupported object weighing 10 pounds or more per hand for more than 2 hours per day

Vibration - Single Point

Hand and Arm exposure results from vibrating objects such as power tools.
Examples of vibrating tools Using vibrating tools or equipment that typically have high vibration levels for more then 30 minutes a day (chain saws, jack hammers, percussive tools, riveting or chipping hammers). Using tools or equipment that typically have moderate vibration levels for more then 2 hours total per day (jig saws, grinders or sanders).

Before: Sailor is exposed to vibration above ACGIH TLV guidelines Ergonomic Improvement: Lower vibration tool reduces vibration to safe levels

Vibration - Whole Body

Whole Body exposure to vibration results from vehicles such as forklifts, cranes, trucks, buses subways and aircraft.
High or prolonged exposure to whole body vibration can affect the skeletal muscles and cause low- back pain

between the bone and a hard or sharp object

Compression, from grasping or contacting edges like tool handles, can concentrate force on small areas of the body, reduce blood flow and nerve transmission and damage tendons and tendon sheaths

Compression = soft tissue is compressed

Before: Worker rests his wrists on the sharp tray edges. His wrist is extended into a non-neutral posture.

Ergonomic Improvement: Worker rests her wrists and forearms on a padded surface. Wrist and forearms are in a neutral position.

between the bone and a hard or sharp object

Compression, from grasping or contacting edges like tool handles, can concentrate force on small areas of the body, reduce blood flow and nerve transmission and damage tendons and tendon sheaths
Before: Tool handles are small and angular requiring the worker to grasp tightly against sharp edges

Compression = soft tissue is compressed

Ergonomic Improvement: Tool handle is formed to fit the workers hand which requires less grip strength or force and a more user-friendly tool

Can Other Factors Contribute to MSDs?

Not all ergonomic risk factors are physical, some are related to the work environment.

Stress on the job, quotas, peer pressure, boredom, conflicts with co-workers and supervisors, deadlines, and even a lack of control over what you do can contribute to (but not cause) MSDs

Can Personal Factors Contribute to MSDs?

Some people are at greater risk of developing MSDs due to personal factors

Age and Gender Hobbies Previous Injuries Physical Condition Medical conditions (diabetes and arthritis)

Pregnancy Obesity Medications Smoking Fatigue

What are MSD Signs and Symptoms?

Painful aching joints, muscles
Pain, tingling or numbness Fingers or toes turning white Shooting or stabbing pains Swelling or inflammation

Stiffness or difficulty moving

Burning sensation Pain during the night

What should you do if you experience a MSD Sign or Symptom?

If you experience signs or symptoms of MSDs, report it to a supervisor, industrial hygienist or safety professional If pain or discomfort does not go away when you leave work or interferes with you carrying out normal activities, see an occupational health nurse or physician

How do you Avoid MSDs? Work Smarter, Not Harder!

Work in neutral postures Reduce excessive force & repetition Keep everything in easy reach and at proper heights Keep warm Minimize static unsupported postures and pressure points Use proper lifting techniques and lift aides Ask for assistance with difficult tasks Take micro-breaks (stand, stretch, change tasks) Maintain a comfortable environment

What can ergonomics do for you?

The anticipated benefits of good workplace design Improved health and safety by reducing workrelated injuries and disorders Improved comfort, morale and job satisfaction Improved productivity and reduced workers compensation costs and employee turnover

Before

Improved

Where to go for more information

NAVFAC web site contains ergonomic tools, resources, guides, training and awareness material
www.navfac.navy.mil/safety (Select - Program Categories - Ergonomics)

NAVOSH website- Contains success stories of ergonomic interventions throughout the Navy
www.navosh.net/ergonomics

DoD Ergonomic Working Group - Contains Guide to Setting up an Ergonomics Program and many other tools
chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/ergowg/index.htm

NIOSH- order many free ergonomic documents including Elements of Ergonomics Programs and Cumulative Trauma Disorders in the Workplace
www..cdc.gov/niosh/

Navy Policy 5100.23F Chapter 23 Ergonomic Program