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What
is ergonomics...and why is it important?
Ergonomics
is the science of fitting jobs to people. It focuses
on designing workstations, tools and work tasks for
safety, efficiency and comfort. Effective ergonomic
design reduces discomfort and injuries and increases
job satisfaction and productivity.
What
are common job injuries that can be reduced with good
ergonomics?
Injuries
affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves
and discs can be reduced or eliminated with ergonomics.
These injuries are frequently called MusculoSkeletal
Disorders (MSD's), Repetitive
Strain Injuries (RSI's) and Cumulative Traunma
Disorders (CTD's).
What
are the common ergonomic risk factors?
- Awkward
body postures: maintaining an awkward,
unsupported or fixed posture such as bending, reaching
or twisting for prolonged periods.
- Excessive
repetition: doing the same motions over
and over again.
- Excessive
force:
physical exertion or pressure on any part of the
body while lifting, pushing, pulling or gripping
a tool.
- Contact
stress:
pressure by tools, edges or hard surfaces on soft
tissues of the body. The palms and elbows are often
at high risk.
- Vibration:
using vibrating or impact tools and equipment.
Some
risk factors have nothing to do with work and can
include medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis,
diabetes, and hormonal imbalances, as well as hobbies
involving repetitive motions or akward postures.
What
are common symptoms of musculo-skeletal disorders?
Symptoms
frequently include:
- Pain
- Numbness
and tingling
- Stiffness
or cramping
- Inability
to hold objects or loss of strenth
Symptoms
that go away overnight are usually a sign of fatique.
Symptoms that don't go away may indicate a more serious
problem. Employees who have such symptoms sould seek
medical advice early. MSD's are easier to treat int
eh early stages. Ignoring them can result in serious
injury.
How
can the UCLA Ergonomics Program help me learn more
about ergonomics?
The
Ergonomics Program includes a range of services to
help departments prevent MSD's and comply with federal
and state standards.
- Training
Programs
- Computer
ergonomics training
- Back
safety and body mechanics training
- Specialized
training for non-computer environments, such
as jobs involving tool use or lifting
- Ergonomic
worksite evaluations
- Computer
workstation evaluations for all faculty and
staff
- Worksite
evaluations in laboratories, cafeterias, environmental
services, etc.
- Post-injury
worksite evaluation for injured or disabled
employees
- Assistance
with making ergonomic modifications
- Ergonomics
lab for evaluation and selection of equipment
- Loaner
pool of equipment for evaluation prior to purchase
- Interest-free
loan program for the purchase of ergonomic equipment
What
are your responsibilities?
Managers
and Supervisors
- Be
aware
of ergonomics risks and prevention strategies.
- Provide
ergonomic training to staff.
- Encourage
input from staff into ergonomic problem-solving.
- Provide
appropriate ergonomic furniture and tools.
- Implement
ergonomic improvements.
- Promote
healthy work patterns (i.e., incorporate
breaks and job rotation for repetitive tasks.)
- Encourage
staff to report symptoms early.
- Send
employees for medical treatment.
- Implement
work restriction
and job modification.
- Seek
Assistance when necessary.
Faculty
and Staff
- Participate
in ergonomic training and problem solving.
- Listen
to your body
and adjust your furniture and tools to support comfortable
and safe postures.
- Think
before you lift, get help if necessary
and follow safe guidelines.
- Vary
your job tasks throughout the day and
take frequent stretch breaks during repetitive tasks.
- Exercise
and stay fit.
- Report
work-related injuries
to your supervisor promptly.
- Follow
work restrictions.
- Seek
assistance when necessary.
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