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What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the process of fitting the job to the worker — instead of the worker to the job. Ergonomics matches the design of tools, controls, & equipment to fit the safety needs of the operator.
Since each of us has different needs, ergonomic design of tools, equipment and workspaces must be
adjustable enough to accommodate a varied range of body types. For example, tools such as scissors
must be designed in order to accommodate individuals who are right-handed or left-handed. UCLA-LOSH
specifically addresses the field of workplace ergonomics, which examines the impact that tools, positions,
repetitive movements, and the tasks of workers have on workers’ health and safety.
Why Ergonomics?
The mission of ergonomics is to provide solutions to work related pain and discomfort. However, there are also
some additional benefits to implementing a culture of ergonomics into your workplace.
Ergonomics training and awareness may save money. Yearly, workers across America file worker's compensation
claims due to workplace injuries. Second, ergonomics prevents injuries, including back injuries, carpal tunnel
syndrome, work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) and other injuries that can occur as a result of highly
repetitive and physically demanding job tasks. Third, when workers and employers prioritize health and safety and
are aware of ergonomic principles, productivity is enhanced. Workers learn to analyze their work as well as listen
to red flags such as slouching in chair, dry eyes, loss of concentration, or tingling sensations. In a win-win
situation for the employer and employee where money is saved, injuries are prevented, and productivity is increased,
the altruistic objective is that workers will experience job satisfaction.
Is Ergonomics for you?
Depending on what is entailed in your job, ergonomics may be for you. Ergonomics trainings, awareness, and programs should especially be considered if workers are engaged in:
- Repetitive work; such as sweeping in Custodial work; typing in clerical work, lifting in childcare & adult care for those that work as nurses aides for example.
- Reaching; such as stretching arms above head to pick fruit in farm work.
- Bending, twisting; such as stocking shelves in grocery and retail stores.
You can call LOSH for an assessment to evaluate if
ergonomics is right for your organization. Remember, not all occupations will expose workers to ergonomic hazards, however, there are other
risk factors, or work place elements that could cause pain and injury to an employee. To name a few:
- Vibrations; as may be experienced by bus drivers.
- Chemical hazards; such as refinery workers who may be exposed to hazardous fumes, spills.
- Biological hazards; such as home health care aides who are exposed to human blood or other body fluids.
- Heat / Cold Stress; such as for construction workers.
- Noise and Hearing Conservation; such as for construction workers.
What are common wear and tear areas?
Common wear and tear areas are regions of the body where workers frequently experience pain and or
discomfort are the back, neck, shoulders, hands, wrists, to name a few.
What are the solutions?
When workers are exposed to hazards such as repetitive motion or stationary positions,
undoubtedly we all will be when we are doing work such as data entry; however there are avenues
for alleviating pain and/or discomfort. For example, workers can add recovery time to their
bodies by taking minibreaks. Recovery time is a period of rest for your muscles, tendons, and
nerves. and sometimes eyes. Recovery time is the length of rest between exertions. Short
work pauses can reduce discomfort. Inadequate rest periods between exertions can decrease
performance. As the duration of the uninterrupted work increases, so does the amount of recovery
time needed. Minibreaks, which are generally less than one minute are several short breaks
interspersed throughout the day. Minibreaks provide a rest for your body, especially visually
demanding tasks, prolonged sitting, standing, bending tasks. Minibreaks help reduce fatigue and
may improve your concentration. To take a minibreak, engage in another activity other than the
one that your attention is focused on. For example, if you have been starring at the computer for
more than one hour, you may want to walk to the mailroom, or do filing. Another activity workers
may incorporate to improve ergonomics is to make adjustments. Workers can make adjustments to
their posture, bending, lifting, techniques. Workers can also modify their tools, or how they use
their tools and equipment. LOSH can teach you and your coworkers how to incorporate strategies
to feel good and not put your body under undue stress while working.
How LOSH can help:
LOSH will provide a Job Analysis. We can study your worksite by doing walk through assessments.
Please note that LOSH is not an inspection or enforcement agency. The walk through assessments
will provide insight on tailoring a training to your worksites needs, if your organization,
group, factory, field, site requests a training. A walk through is not always required, however
it is helpful in evaluating the work performed and the tools and equipment used. LOSH can provide
hands-on training and/or awareness sessions for employees. If your group is interested in sustaining
a long term health and safety program, LOSH will provide an advanced ergonomics training to a team
of designated leaders to serve as Health Promoters in the work place. The advanced training highlights
more than tool and position adjustments, the training focuses on the big-picture of health and
safety in the work place, from where we why standards were developed; to prevent injuries, to where
we are gong; must respect and value employees enough to support health and safety programs
that will only add to the well being of the work place. Additionally, LOSH can assist your
department/organization in developing a health and safety plan or ergonomics program. We can
provide technical assistance. Currently, we are providing training to the City of Los Angeles
and member of the AFSCME 3090 clerical workers.
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For More Information on UCLA-LOSH's Workplace Ergonomics Project, please contact:
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Laurie Kominski
Associate Director of Program Administration
Hershey Hall, P.O. Box 951478
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1478
Phone: (310) 794-5992
Fax: (310) 794-6403
lauriek@ucla.edu
www.losh.ucla.edu |
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