Ergonomics: Minimizing Risk and Preventing Injury While on the Job

Ergonomics is derived from the Greek language -ergon meaning “to work” and nomos meaning “rules.” The “rules of work” is the process of fitting the work environment to you – the person doing the work. Ergonomics focuses on optimizing the design of equipment, tools, and workplaces to minimize risk and potential injury, and stay on the job.

Ergonomics starts with you and attempts to accommodate your strengths and limitations. Considerations include your strength, size, endurance, range of joint motion, age, gender, and physical condition (health & fitness). The goal is to design a work process that can appropriately fit you and the people that work with you.

A machine has limitations to what it can perform and so does the human body. Just as an engineer would not design a job beyond the capacity of a machine, ergonomics focuses on designing within the capabilities of the human body. When these limitations are exceeded, the potential for an on-the-job-injury increases.

Ergonomics does not need to be complicated – in most cases it is simply common sense. If something does not feel natural, chances are it may include one or more adjustments to the work process that can make a tremendous difference.

When recognizing the effect of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) in the workplace, employers should consider initiating a partnership to identify and control ergonomic risk factors. Many labor unions across the country have recognized this importance and are working cooperatively with employers to implement the ongoing process of an Ergonomic Risk Diminish Program (ERDP).

The goal of the Proof:Positive ERDP is to ensure that all employees return home in the same condition as when they came to work; and ERDP’s vision is for all employees reach their well-deserved retirement in a physical condition that will allow them to enjoy it.

If you are interested in learning more about ERDP and/or Proof:Positive, please contact us to learn more about the range of related services we provide.

Again, the goal is to diminish the wear and tear on your body by “working smarter, not harder.”

Avoid On the Job Injuries From Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) is a term used to describe injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, peripheral nerves, structures, bones or associated vascular system of the body. These injuries may occur to any part of the body (hands, arms back, etc.). Several risk factors have been associated with the development of MSD’s. The presence of risk factors in work activities are common and do not necessarily indicate a concern, but the question is how much and for how long.

Akward Postures: The position of the body during work, e.g., bending, reaching, twisting, standing. The body is strongest when the joints are in their neutral posture. Deviations from this posture will greatly affect the body’s available strength.

Forceful Motions: The force acting on the body during work, e.g., pushing, pulling, lifting, torque reaction, weight. The external force can translate to a much larger internal force in the body (e.g. a 40 lb. load in the hands can produce a load of over 800 lbs on the spine).

Repetitive Motion: The number of times a joint is moved and overall duration of a task, e.g., number of pinch grips per minute, number of lifts.

Contact Stress: The physical contact between the body and the work surface. Contact stress can result in restrictions of blood circulation and increases in tendon friction.

Environment: This includes lighting, glare, noise levels, temperature, vibration and humidity. The environmental effects can dramatically increase the physical effort required to do a job.

Personal Risk Factors: People are different and respond differently to the presence of ergonomic risks.

Controlling Personal Risk Factors: Balance stress on joints by exercising opposing muscles off the job. Stretch muscles before using them to prevent injuries. Don’t ignore pain. Choose safe exercises. Always check with health care provider before starting new exercise programs.

To reduce the potential for on-the-job-injuries for your employees, it is important that the principals defined are considered throughout their daily activities.

If you are interested in finding out more about Proof:Positive Consulting and the services we provide, please contact us.

Maintaining Your Youth – “Use it or Lose it”

To many people, growing older means that life will slowly go downhill -but it doesn’t have to be that way.  The misconception most have of aging as “a time of gradual loss of function” isn’t necessarily accurate.  While aging is inevitable, loss of function isn’t. Much of the decline in our ability to function at the level of your youth (i.e. walk, run, climb stairs, or even work a physically demanding job) is due to inactivity – not aging – and can be prevented. When it comes to strength, energy, and fitness, the old saying still applies: “use it or lose it.”

The benefits of regular activity have been studied and well documented. Exercise strengthens muscles and maintains joint flexibility. It can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the risk of osteoarthritis, and help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. In addition, exercise can also help you lose weight, reduce stress, and improve sleep, digestion, circulation, energy levels and self-esteem. Finally, regular exercise can help you to function better – at home and at the job – and remain independent (as you age) in spite of health problems.

The good news is that it is never too late to start exercising. Everyone can benefit from regular physical activity. But it is older people who have more at stake as they struggle to manage chronic health issues and maintain independence. The people most successful at aging are those who are physically active.  Even a little physical activity can have great benefits for health and well-being.

By “physically active,” the Surgeon General recommends 1-hour of moderate activity (like brisk walking) on five or more days of the week. The 1-hour can be accomplished in one stretch or in a few short bursts. Muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises are also important to a complete activity program. 

As always, it is imperative that you talk with your physician before starting any exercise program. There may be some activities or exercises that you should avoid, and you should know about them ahead of time. On-the-job-injuries also become more common as employees age. For preventative measures, keeping your muscles flexible helps your joints maintain the range of motion (ROM) needed to complete daily activities, while on the job. 

There are many resources out there should you have any questions or concerns about your exercise program. A physical therapist, exercise physiologist or an occupational therapist can help you get started on an exercise program designed specifically for you. Theses professionals have special training in creating exercise routines and can teach you how to do you program correctly and safely.

Lastly, conditioning builds your endurance so that you feel fatigue less quickly and are better able to tolerate prolonged activity -if working a physically demanding job. Conditioning assures that you have enough energy to complete your everyday tasks and those activities that bring you joy to your life, such as golf, a game of basketball and playing with the grandchildren.

Remember, while accidents do happen, being educated on the fundamentals of reducing workplace injuries and having strength, energy and fitness will ultimately prevent further accidents from happening – especially those repeat occurrences.

If you are interested in finding out more about Proof:Positive Consulting and the services we provide, please contact us.

Osteoarthritis, the Result of “Wear and Tear” on the Body?

Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis (OA): The notion is widespread that exercise or intensive physical labor can cause osteoarthritis in the knees and other joints of the body, especially in older people, and yes even those professional athletes who succumb to the constant wear and tear on their bodies season after season. In the wake of the NBA playoff series now underway, several athletes are not battling one another up and down the hardwood, but rather battling something of a different opponent. To date, the NBA injury report reads…

  • 5 knee surgery’s, out for season
  • 5 knee soreness, out 4-6 weeks
  • 3 torn knee ligament’s, out 6-8 weeks
  • 3 knee sprains
  • 1 torn meniscus, out for season
  • 1 torn cartilage

The prevailing idea is that too much pounding can bring about the cartilage loss, and the subsequent pain, that is the combatant OA.  However, a recent study published in the February 2007 issue of Arthritis Care & Research finds that, contrary to popular belief, exercise and a physical demanding job has no effect on the risk of developing OA. More…