first draft ergo final
What are some of the drawbacks of wearing gloves? Given that gloves are required in many work settings what should one consider in gloves?
- Grip force generation - Internal forces - Performance (dexterity) - Band protection
What are some examples of administrative controls and how do they work?
- Job rotation - Job enlargement - Work/rest cycles - Work place procedures - Maintenance
What are ergonomics best practices?
- Lifting the gate 6 inches before you try to close it (promotes proper lifting) - Photo of properly lines up suitcases prevents lifting and twisting
What are the criteria that we should use when evaluating an intervention?
- Productivity - Quality - Efficiency - Safety and health - Worker acceptance - Comfort - Cost
What seven things can you do to create successful ergonomic changes?
- Understand the work system - Management support - Participatory process - Training: How to use - Awareness training - Trial period - Champion
With regards to injury management, OSHA has several suggested practices, they are?
-Accurate injury and illness record keeping - Early recognition and reporting - Systematic evaluation and referral - Conservative treatment - Conservative return to work - Systematic monitoring of employee's health - Additional use of medical resources - Training
What are different types of limits to which vibration data should be compared?
-Exposure limit = Maximum possible exposure allowed for whole body vibration, beyond which help is impaired - Fatigue limit = Decreased proficiency boundary. Performance known to be adversely affected - Reduced comfort boundary = Used to assess comfort of people traveling in airplanes, boats, buses, automobiles
What is ergonomics awareness training? What is the goal of such a training program?
-Gives all facility personnel an appreciation for intervention: - How ergonomics can affect them individually - An understanding for the rationale behind whatever interventions are tested and ultimately adopted Awareness training is needed to overcome the barriers to change: - Old work habits die hard - Belief that the changes will not work on the time - Unwillingness to accept change - Unwillingness to go through a new learning process
What types of administrative solutions are described in OSHA guidelines?
-Institute a sharpening and maintenance program that ensures cutting tools are sharp - Use a rotation schedule to address high risk tasks (allows workers to use different muscle groups) - Staffing "floaters" provides periodic breaks between scheduled breaks - New employees, reassigned employees, and employees return from extended time off will need a conditioning or break in period - Allow pauses to rest fatigue muscles -When in a cold environment, give employees limit exposure to cold by providing a warm dry break area and allowing frequent short breaks to allow workers to warm up - Cross train employees so that sufficient support is available for peak production, to cover breaks, and to institute job enlargement programs - Perform routine and preventative maintenance on a schedule to assure that the equipment is working properly
What are the main principles that should guide the design selection of hand tools used in a job?
-Maintain straight wrists -Avoid tissue compression -Avoid repetitive finger action -Design for safety -Pinch points -Handle stops -Sharp edges and corners -Brakes for power tools -Placement for power tools -Predict misuse -Consider hand size range and left hand users -Consider tool weight
Key parts of an Ergonomics Process?
-Provide management support -Involve workers -Provide training -Identify problems -Encourage and utilize early report of injuries -Implement solutions -Evaluate progress
What are the 5 stages of behavioral change?
1) No not me 2) Well, maybe 3) So, ok what do I do now 4) Ok lets do this 5) It is possible
What is a "champion"? Who makes the best champion? How does this affect ergonomic intervention efforts?
A team member of the ergonomics committee should have an individual who takes on the ergonomics champion role. They are senior managers or process owners who initiate, support and shepherd a project within their area of responsibility. They determine the broad goals and scope of the project. They provide action-oriented leadership to ensure that project get across the goal line.
How can you make it easier to carry things?
Add handles/grips, hold container close to body, reduce weight, gloves, add grip size, shoulder pads, use tools
Who should receive training as parts of Ergonomic Processes?
All employees should receive training. They should be aware of ergonomics and its benefits, are able to identify ergonomics-related concerns in the workplace, are taught how to minimize the risk of injury, and understand the importance of reporting early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
What is meant by a "participatory process"?
An approach which is focused on processes and procedures of design - Promotes empowerment - Actively involve everyone
What are two key points for the TED talk that you could relate to application of ergonomics?
Ask the locals any problems before you think you can come in and change everything They might have more knowledge than you think Sometimes the obvious answer to a problem has deeper roots
What kinds of alternatives are there to remove the manual handling of individual containers?
Change the container: • Instead of lifting and pouring from the drum, insert a siphon or a pump • Increase the size of the container or the weight of the load so that it is too large to handle manually Use a tool: • Use a hook for light-weight containers to reduce your reach Use non-powered equipment: • Use a drum dolly • Use a cart or platform truck • Use a portable scissors lift • Use a hand truck • Use a conveyor, slide or chute • Use a hand pallet truck • Use a portable hoist or crane Use powered equipment: • Use a stacker • Use a powered hand truck • Use an airball table • Use a forklift, crane, pallet truck, lifter, carousel, or tilter
What is meant by a "participatory process"?
Determining who is involved, what they are doing, and when they should become involved. Specific methods employed to achieve active participation by all members of a group in a decision making process. Makes everyone feel important and involved.
What are the key things that we learned from the study looking at the voluntary adoption of slide boards by EMS workers?
EMS workers were provided with foldable transfer-boards designed to reduce the physical demands when laterally transferring patients. Factors predictive of adoption measured included perceived ergonomics advantage, the endorsement by champions, and prior tool experience.
How can you engage people in a participatory process?
Evaluation tools such as evaluation framework, questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus groups
What are some different ways to make emptying and filling a container easier?
Hold containers close to your body, remove or lower sides of receptacle, add extra handles, support the container on fixed rack, use removable plate or work surface, use screen over opening to support sack
Desirability
How much the user wants to use the product/ benefits from use
What does equipment maintenance have to do with ergonomics?
If equipment is not taken care of a worker may need to exert more force to use a tool that is dull and has not been sharpened. It is also necessary to regularly check on machines to prevent breakdowns and injuries.
What does equipment maintenance have to do with ergonomics?
Important for equipment to be working properly, prevents malfunctions Design the plant and equipment for maintainability Ensure supporting resources are available
What is the value of a tool balancer or something like the Equipois that you saw at COHAM?
It greatly reduces the weight of the tool and would be helpful for heavier tools that need to be manually operated or a tool that needs to be used for longer periods of time.
What are two key points for Ernesto Sirolli's TED-X talk that you could relate to the application of ergonomics?
It is important to ask workers what they struggle with, and what they would want to change. If you don't ask, you could be focusing on the completely wrong thing (like the workers knew the hippos would eat the tomatoes, but didn't tell anyone because no one ever asked). People want to feel involved in the process, it will make them more likely to adapt to the new designs or processes if they see how they will work. Nothing was started by one person, you need an effective group of people to make something useful, usable, and desirable.
What are some examples of administrative controls and how do they work?
Job rotation, job enlargement, work-rest cycles, workplace procedure (best practices, training), and maintenance
Usability
Location, how long it would take to learn, wouldn't slow worker down, adequate motion (i.e. I think it would be adequate if the product moved 6 inches for every lever pull)
What are some different brainstorming methods that you might use?
Mind Map: Write out all thoughts in a map like sequence Sketch and pass: Sketch thoughts and pass around group to accumulate others thoughts Brainball: Passing a ball around and everyone that gets it has to give an idea Approach: Identify focus group participants -> end user input -> needs identification and prioritization -> brainstorming
What can we say about effectiveness of training people on lifting technique?
Much more effective than a belt - Need to teach one on one Lifttrainer - gives biofeedback, behaviorally oriented aimed at reducing three dimensional spine injury
Tissues that are a source of back pain
Muscles, ligaments and tendons
Is the back belt or back support belt effective at preventing injuries?
No! Some argue that it helps axial twisting but not proven
Is a back belt or back support belt effective at preventing injuries?
No. Rather than relying on back belts, the work environment should be redesigned to reduce the hazards of lifting. If used in combination with other injury prevention tactics it may be helpful, however facilities should not rely solely on a back belt or back support
What are the challenges faced when implementing ergonomic changes?
Old habits die hard- some people are unwilling to change their current practice and learn a new way of doing things. They also may be unsure if the new method will work, and do not want to face a time compromise.
How can you make manual lifting or lowering easier?
Plan the lift get secure grip use both hands avoid jerking keep load as close as possible use legs as much as possible do not twist alternate heavy lifting with easy tasks breaks Use scissor lift, pneumatic lifter, turntable, etc..
What are the 5 stages of behavioral change?
Pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance
What are the criteria that we should use when evaluating an intervention?
Productivity, quality, efficiency, safety and health, worker acceptance, comfort, and cost
What is the value of a tool balancer or something like the Equipois that you saw at COHAM?
Take stress of joints and so you don't have to bend or twist to pick up tools
Usefulness
The ability of something to satisfy needs or wants of the user
Usability
The ease of use and learnability for the user of a human made object
When do people use the erector spinae muscles?
The erector spinae functions to straighten the back and provides for side-to-side rotation.
What can we say about the effectiveness of training people on lifting techniques?
The reason it does not address the ergonomics of work is because the risk factors causing the problem are not changed. Workers are still exposed to the risk of injury even if they have gone through lifting training techniques. There may not even be a "right" way to lift.
Why should we encourage the early reporting of injuries?
To properly assess, diagnose, and treat MSD's that occur in poultry plants before they lead to debilitating injury. Provides an opportunity to evaluate jobs and tasks that ensure prompt medical management, as needed, and allows the poultry plant to correctly identify work areas or specific tasks where injuries occur or are most severe. This information helps direct the efforts to address ergonomic risk factors as well as to guide healthcare providers in making return-to-work and light-duty work decisions.
What are some examples of ergonomic "best practices"?
Use tools or design to make procedures easier for the workers. i.e. easier/ reduce carrying, lifting, lowering, emptying, etc.
What are some of the drawbacks of wearing gloves? Given that gloves are required in many work settings, what should one consider when selecting the appropriate gloves?
Wearing gloves interferes with the workers sense of touch. They do not remove the hazard in the workplace environment, they just protect the wearer. The extent of protection depends on good fit. Some types are inconvenient and interfere with the way people work. They could cause skin problems. The correct material should be chosen depending on the task at hand. The cuff length should fit the wearer, grip requirements met, resistant to snags and tears.
What are the key things that we learned from the study looking at the voluntary adoption of slideboards by EMS workers?
When something works well and is endorsed by those that like it, adoption of new practices are implemented quickly
What were the effects of using a wood composite flooring material vs. concrete for a mezzanine in distribution center where people are walking most of the day?
Wood is a softer surface and better than concrete when walking most of the day
Usefulness
Would reduce cycle time, make work easier, make tasks more efficient, allow worker to be less tired, reduce product damage
How can you engage people in a participatory process?
You cant simply lecture people Ways talked about in class: Giving people a sheet of paper and have them sketch problems/solutions Make them realize it isn't just a comment box IMPORTANT: - Give time for the program to develop - Time to implement the solutions - Financial resources to make meaningful changes in workplace - Management support for the individuals on ergo team
# of days lost for CTS on average
a median of 23 days
3D SSPP
an effective way to analyze the biomechanics and safety of manual materials handling. The software allows the user to predict static strength requirements for common manual tasks like lifts, presses, pushes, and pulls.
Fatigue Limit
decreased proficiency boundary; performance known to be adversely affected
What are the challenges faced when implementing ergonomic changes?
gaining buy-in from management down to the workers
Exposure Limit
maximum possible exposure allowed for whole body vibration beyond which health is impaired
Reduced Comfort Limit
used to assess comfort of people traveling in airplanes, boats, buses, automobiles
What type of information goes on the OSHA 300 form?
what is the injury, how did it occur, etc.
When do injuries/illnesses need to be recorded for the OSHA 300?
when an employee misses work, new injuries, and preexisting injuries re-injured at work
What are some different ways to make the emptying or filling of containers easier?
• Add extra handles for better grip and control • Support the container on or against a fixed object, rack, or stand while pouring the contents • Use a removable plate or a work surface to support the container while pouring contents • Use a screen over the opening to support the sack and pour contents through the screen • Use a cutout work surface so that you can get closer to the container • Use a pail tipper to empty a container
What are the different types of limits to which vibration data should be compared?
• Exposure limit • Fatigue limit • Reduced comfort boundary
What are some examples of administrative solutions for ergonomic issues?
• Institute a sharpening and maintenance program that ensures that knives, scissors, and other tools used for cutting are sharp. Using dull knives can result in workers having to apply more force that necessary to get the job done • Use a rotation schedule to address high risk tasks or to minimize exposure to cold. Design a job rotation schedule in which workers rotate between jobs that use different muscle groups. This may alleviate physical fatigue and stress to a particular set of muscles and tendons. • Staffing "floaters: provides periodic breaks between scheduled breaks • New employees, reassigned employees, and employees returning from and extended time off vacations or some other purpose often will need a conditioning or break-in period to get them accustomed to an activity and strengthen them for the physically demanding work they will be performing. Employees new to a task should be assigned to an experienced trainer for job training and evaluation through the conditioning period. • Allow pauses to rest fatigued muscles • When employees work in a cold environment, employers should limit exposure to cold by providing a warm, dry break area and allowing frequent, short breaks to let workers warm up. Use appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment when working in cold environments. When combined with exposure to risk factors, cold can increase the risk of developing and MSD. • Cross-train employees so that sufficient support is available for peak production, to cover breaks, and to institute job enlargement programs. • Perform routine and preventative maintenance on a schedule to assure that the equipment is working properly.
How can you make it easier to carry things?
• Plan the workflow to eliminate unnecessary carrying • Slide, push, or roll instead of carrying when appropriate • Organize the work so that the physical demands and work pace increase gradually • Reduce the distances that loads are moved to a minimum, and use equipment for long trips • Tag unstable or heavy loads, test the load for stability, use mechanical devices if possible • Reduce the weight of the load by putting fewer things in the container, using smaller or more lightweight containers, divide the load between two containers and carry one in each hand • Repack containers so contents will not shift and the weight is balanced • Use team carrying as a temporary measure for heavy or bulky objects • Reduce the frequency and the amount of time workers carry materials by rotating workers in carrying tasks with other workers in non-carrying tasks and having workers alternate carrying tasks with non-carrying tasks • As an employee, follow the same guidelines you would for lifting and lowering tasks
How can you make manual lifting or lowering easier?
• Plan the workflow to eliminate unnecessary lifts • Organize the work so that the physical demands and work pace increase gradually • Minimize the distance loads are lifted and lowered • Position pallet loads of materials at a height that allows workers to lift and lower within their pallet zone • Avoid manually lifting or lowering loads to or from the floor by using shelves or use a forklift • Tag loads that are unstable or heavy or use mechanical devices • Reduce the frequency of lifting and the amount of the employees perform lifting tasks by rotating workers in lifting tasks with other workers in non-lifting tasks or having workers alternate lifting tasks with non-lifting tasks • Clear spaces to improve access to materials or products being handled by creating easy access • As an employee, stretch, check for tags on loads, test the load for stability, follow management guidelines, plan the lift by wearing appropriate shoes and other gear, keep the lift in your power zone, lift only as much as you can safely handle, get a secure grip, use both hands, avoid jerking, keep load close to the body, use legs to push up and lift the load (not upper body or back), do not twist your body, alternate heavy lifting with less physically demanding tasks, take rest breaks
What types of engineering solutions are describesthat you think would applicable to industries other than poultry processing?
• Tools- Handles and design that maintain neutral wrist postures. Tool selection of powered and manual tools can reduce finger force and encourage neutral postures. Have procedures for maintaining knives, saws and scissors in optional functioning condition. Design spray nozzles that minimize hand force and keep the wrist in a straight posture. • Workstations- Removal of a section of work surface to allow the employee to get closer to items located at the workstation. Mechanisms and fixtures used to minimize manual handling of product. Mechanical device that tilts or inverts a container to dump or improve access to its contents. Create chutes for poultry parts or other items to be dropped and transported. Diverters that create barriers to direct material on a conveyor or slide. Scales that incorporate weighing into the production process to eliminate unnecessary handling of poultry. Shackles that are used to position and transport poultry for processing. Jigs, fixtures, mandrills, and other devices for positioning and stabilizing poultry parts for processing. Seats, stools and backrests for employees at fixed workstations to reduce prolonged periods of standing. Designated stations for rework (evisceration and cutting of poultry that cannot be processed at the standard production line). Work surfaces or stands that adjust height and angle to fit the worker and task performed. • Manual materials handling- Hoppers and augers to accumulate, hold, and dispense contents into a machine through a restricted gate. Carts, hand trucks, pallet jacks and lift tables to transport materials with wheels. Racks and shelves to optimize manual access. Vacuum systems to lift and transport materials. Belt and overhead conveyors to replace carrying of product around the plant. Roller tables to transport and reposition boxes, bins, and other containers over relatively short distances.
