Appropriate use of Ergonomics knowledge to reduce occupational disease

Ergonomics means finding ways to work easier to increase productively. The goal of the science of ergonomics is to find the best fit between the worker and job conditions. Ergonomics tries to come up with solutions to make sure workers stay safe, comfortable, and productive. Ergonomics also means working smarter, not harder. It looks at the following risk factor categories to see how the job can best fit the worker: • Risk factors inherent in the worker. Physical, psychological, non-work-related activities may present unique risk factors. • Risk factors inherent in the task. Work procedures, equipment, and workstation design may introduce risk factors. • Risk factors inherent in the environment. Physical and psychosocial "climate" may introduce risk factors. Risk Factors Inherent in the Worker There are several risk factors inherent in the worker that can impact their health and safety in the workplace. Some of these factors include: 1. Physical condition: Workers who have physical limitations or disabilities may be at increased risk for injury if their job tasks require physical exertion or strain. For example, workers with back problems may be at risk for injury if their job requires heavy lifting. 2. Age: Older workers may be at increased risk for injury due to decreased flexibility and mobility, as well as an increased risk for chronic health conditions. 3. Experience: Workers who are new to a job or have limited experience may be at increased risk for injury due to unfamiliarity with job tasks and procedures. 4. Attitude: Workers with a negative attitude toward safety may be more likely to engage in risky Behaviors and disregard safety protocols, increasing their risk for injury. 5. Substance use: Workers who use drugs or alcohol may be at increased risk for injury due to impaired judgment and coordination. 6. Stress: Workers who are experiencing high levels of stress may be more prone to making mistakes and taking risks, increasing their risk for injury. 7. Fatigue: Workers who are tired or fatigued may be more prone to making mistakes and taking risks, increasing their risk for injury. It is important for employers to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to mitigate them, such as providing training and education on safe work practices, implementing ergonomic workstations, and providing accommodations for workers with disabilities or physical limitations. Additionally, promoting a positive safety culture and addressing any substance abuse or stress issues in the workplace can help reduce the risk of injury for all workers. Risk Factors Inherent in the Task The concept of "risk factors inherent in the task" refers to the potential hazards or dangers associated with performing a particular task or activity. These risks can range from physical hazards like exposure to toxic chemicals to emotional risks like dealing with difficult customers or clients. Identifying the risk factors inherent in a task is an important step in any risk assessment process, as it can help individuals and organizations take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks and ensure the safety and well-being of those involved. Some common risk factors inherent in tasks include: 1. Physical demands: Tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or prolonged periods of standing or sitting can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. 2. Exposure to hazardous materials: Tasks that involve handling or working with chemicals, biological agents, or other hazardous materials can increase the risk of illness or injury. 3. Working at heights: Tasks that require working at elevated heights, such as on a ladder or scaffold, can increase the risk of falls and serious injuries. 4. Operating heavy machinery: Tasks that involve operating heavy machinery, such as forklifts or cranes, can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. 5. Dealing with difficult people: Tasks that involve dealing with difficult or irate customers, clients, or patients can increase the risk of verbal or physical abuse. 6. Recovery time: Recovery time is a measure of the rest (or low stress activity) period available to the muscle group between similar exertions. Recovery time is important in preventing muscle fatigue because oxygen and metabolites are allowed to rejuvenate while uric acid and other waste products are removed from the muscle group. Recovery time needed will lengthen as the duration of the task increases. 7. Twisting: Twisting in the middle of a lift greatly amplifies the forces on the lower back. The point at which twisting is most likely to cause an injury when lifting objects is in the middle of the lift. Material handling and brickwork are good examples of tasks that require twisting. 8. Posture: Posture is the position of the body while performing work activities. Awkward posture is a deviation from the ideal working posture of arms at the side of the torso, elbows bent, with the wrists straight. Awkward postures typically include reaching behind, twisting, working overhead, kneeling, forward or backward bending, and squatting. If the posture is awkward during work, there is an increased risk for injury. Risk Factors Inherent in the Environment There are several risk factors inherent in the environment that can pose a threat to human health and well- being. These risk factors include: 1. Air pollution: Exposure to polluted air, both indoors and outdoors, can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. 2. Water contamination: Drinking contaminated water can lead to a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and chronic diseases. 3. Climate change: The impact of climate change on the environment can lead to increased occurrences of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. These can result in loss of life, displacement of communities, and damage to infrastructure. 4. Chemical exposure: Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace, in consumer products, and in the environment can lead to various health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects. 5. Noise pollution: Exposure to excessive noise levels can cause hearing loss, high blood pressure, and other health problems. 6. Food safety: Contamination of food products can cause foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, leading to hospitalization and death. 7. Radiation: Exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) MSDs occur when the physical capabilities of the worker do not match the physical requirements of the job. They are caused by job activities and conditions, like lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and work in confined areas. • MSDs are injuries and disorders of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) and nervous system. • They can affect nearly all tissues, including the nerves and tendon sheaths, and most frequently involve the arms and back. • MSDs are the leading cause of disability for people in their working years. • Complaints about back, knee, and shoulder/upper arm are common among general industry workers performing manual material handling. Studies indicate upper limb and shoulder MSDs were related to manual handling, work repetitiveness, psychosocial demands, job dissatisfaction, gender, and physical unfitness. Workers have an increased risk of these injuries in the following instances: • when carrying heavy loads • twisting hands or wrist • stretching to work overhead Some common types of MSD injuries and disorders include: 1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - a condition that affects the wrist and hand, caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. 2. Tendinitis - an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, usually caused by repetitive motions or overuse. 3. Tennis elbow - a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow, caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. 4. Trigger finger - a condition that causes one or more fingers to lock in a bent position, caused by inflammation and thickening of the tendons that control the finger movements. 5. Rotator cuff injuries - a group of injuries that affect the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, caused by overuse or trauma. 6. Back pain - a common condition that affects the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the back, often caused by poor posture, physical strain, or injury. Prevention and management of MSD injuries and disorders involve ergonomics, proper posture, regular exercise, and adequate rest. In severe cases, medical treatment such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery may be necessary. CONTROLLING ERGONOMIC HAZARDS Ergonomic improvements are changes made to improve the "fit" between a job and the capabilities of the employees performing it. Making ergonomic improvements reduce physical demands, eliminate unnecessary movements, lower injury rates and their associated workers' compensation costs, and reduce employee turnover. When making improvements to ergonomics problems, we use the "Hierarchy of Controls" (HOC) The first three strategies focus on doing something with the hazard. 1. Elimination: The best solution is to totally eliminate the need to lift, lower, push, pull, or carry heavy loads. For instance, a hand truck could be used to move heavy boxes in a warehouse, eliminating the need carry them. 2. Substitution: Substitution is the next-best solution. For instance, the employer might replace large heavy containers with smaller containers. 3. Engineering Controls: Redesign or modify equipment and processes. For instance, processes that require heavy lifting, lowering, or carrying heavy objects might be revised. The last three strategies focus on doing something with behaviors to reduce exposure to the hazard. 1. Warnings: Warnings may be visual, audible, or both. They may also be tactile. Visual warnings include signs, labels, tags, and lights. Audible warnings include alarms, bells, beepers, sirens, horns and announcement systems. Tactile warnings may include vibration devices or air fans. 2. Administrative Controls: The primary focus is to develop and incorporate safer behaviors and work practices through written safety policies and rules, supervision, and training. This strategy is a challenge because supervisors must regularly monitor their employees as they perform tasks. Bottom line, these controls work only so long as employees "behave" properly. 3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The use of PPE is probably the most common strategy used for all hazards. Yet, it's most likely the least effective in preventing ergonomic injuries. PPE only forms a barrier between workers and hazards. For instance, knee pads might be used to protect the knees from impact when laying carpet, yet they won't protect against working in awkward postures. Prioritize Your Work Setting your priorities will help you sort out which tasks you want to work on first. To do that, conduct ergonomics job hazard analyses (JHA) of hazardous tasks. JHAs focus on: • worker variables (fitness, age) • types of work (e.g., plant, warehouse, office, driving, etc.), and • the work environment (e.g., lighting, cold exposures). To determine which tasks, you want to address first, consider the following: • frequency and severity of complaints, symptoms, and injuries • contributing factors or other problems you have identified in a task. • ideas your employees have for improvements. • difficulty of implementing various improvements • your time frame for making improvements. • potential effects on productivity, efficiency, and product or service quality • technical and financial resources at your disposal