FPST Chapter 10
13.Explain why so little hard research has been done concerning the economics of ergonomics.
(1) such research is often more complex and extensive than the safety and health measures that have been under taken (2) many decision makers think such studies are irrelevant because promoting safety and health is the right thing to do, regardless of costs. As with safety and health in general, there are no in-depth studies available that conclusively pin down the cost benefits of specific ergonomic measures.
What are the four main parts of OSHA's recommended work site analysis program for ergonomics?
1) Gathering information from available sources 2) Conducting baseline screening surveys to determine which jobs need closer analysis 3) Performing ergonomic job hazard analyses of those workstations with identified risk factors 4) After implementing control measures, conducting periodic surveys and follow-up studies to evaluate changes.
Name the elements of OSHA's voluntary ergonomic guidelines
1) Voluntary guidelines for specific industries. 2) Enforcement of the guidelines under the general duty clause of the OSHA Act 5(a)(1). This is a controversial element of the four-part plan because some employers think that OSHA is using the general duty clause to make the "voluntary" guidelines mandatory against the stated will of congress. 3) Compliance assistance to help employers reduce ergonomics hazards. 4) Research into ergonomic issues to help identify gaps in the body of knowledge surrounding this topic.
Ergonomic- Explain its Origins
A multidisciplinary sciences that seeks to conform the workplace and all of its physiological aspects to the worker Involves: -Using special design and evaluation techniques to make tasks, objects, and environments more compatible with human abilities and limitations -Seeking to improve productivity and quality by reducing workplaces stressors, reducing the risk of injuries and illnesses, and increasing efficiency. Derived from Greek- Ergon is greek for work; nomos means laws (literal sense it means work in laws)
9.Who should participate in an ergonomics training program?
All employers
14.Define the term CTD Describe the most common types.
CTD is an umbrella term that covers a number of injuries caused by forceful or awkward movements repeated frequently over time. Other aggravating factors include poor pos-ture, an improperly designed workstation, poor tool design, and job stress. CTDs occur to the muscles, nerves, and tendons of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck. Most Common Types Muscle and Tendon Disorders Cervical Radiculopathy Tunnel Syndromes Nerve and Circulation Disorders
Explain Human Factors and how it relates to ergonomics
Consumers are demanding safe and effective products. However, not at all people have control over products they use. Therefore all products must be carefully designed. Human Factors: is a sciences that combines research with the application of human data. The concept can also be viewed as a science that bridges research about human beings and the application of that research in designing products and systems for human beings.
11.Describe three approaches that can be used to pinpoint specific ergonomic problems.
General Obersvation, Questionare and Interviews, Videotaping and Photography, Drawing or Sketching, Measuring the work Environment, and Understanding the Ergonomics of Aging
Explain how large versus small demand for strength/power can influence the amount of physical stress associated with a job
Repeatedly moving small amounts of weight over a period of time can have a cumulative effect equal to the amount of stress generated by moving a few heavy weights. regardless, jobs that demand larger amounts of strength/power are generally more stressful than those requiring less strength/power.
Explain how nonrepetitive versus repetitive motion can influence the amount of physical stress associated with a job
Repetitive motion jobs involve short-cycle motion that is repeated continually. Non repetitive jobs involve a variety of tasks that are not, or only infrequently, repeated. Repetition can lead to monotony and boredom. When this happens, the potential for physical stress increases.
Explain how sitting versus standing can influence the amount of physical stress associated with a job
Sitting is less stressful than standing. Standing for extended periods, particularly in one place, can produce unsafe levels of stress on the back, legs, and feet. Although less strenuous than standing, sitting can stressful unless the appropriate precautions are taken. These precautions include proper posture, a supportive back rest, and frequent standing/ stretching movement.
10.List and briefly explain three common indicators of the existence of ergonomic problems.
Tasks that involve potentially hazardous movements Tasks that involve frequent manual lifting Tasks that involve excessive wasted motion or energy Tasks that are part of a poor operations flow Tasks that require unnatural or uncomfortable posture Tasks with high potential for psychological stress Tasks with a high fatigue factor Tasks that could or should be automated Tasks that involve or lead to quality control problems
8.Briefly explain the components of a hazard prevention and control program.
The focus of an ergonomics program is to make the job fit the per-son—not to make the person fit the job. This is accomplished by redesigning the workstation, work methods, or tools to reduce the demands of the job, including high force,repetitive motion, and awkward postures. A program with this goal requires research into currently available controls and technology. It should also include provisions for utilizing new technologies as they become available and for in-house research and testing. Following are some examples of engineering controls that have proven to be effective and achievable. 1) Workstation Design 2) Design of Work Methods 3) Tool Design and Handles
7.Briefly explain the steps in conducting an ergonomic job hazard analysis.
The job hazard analysis should be routinely performed by a qualified safety andhealth professional, preferably an ergonomist, for jobs that put workers at risk of develop-ing CTDs. This type of analysis helps verify lower risk factors at light-duty or restrictedactivity work positions and to determine if risk factors for a work position have been reduced or eliminated to the extent feasible.
12.a.Describe an ergonomic problem-solving strategy for work with hands above the chest height.
•Eliminate manual lifting to the extent possible by raising the work floor using lifts and various other technologies. •Use extension arms or poles when the work floor cannot be raised. •When purchasing new machines, look for machines with controls that are easily accessible below the horizontal plane of a worker's shoulders.
12.b.Describe an ergonomic problem-solving strategy for seated repetitive work with light parts.
•Include other work tasks to break the monotony of repetition. •Use job rotation, with workers rotating from one or more different jobs. •Adjust the height of the work surface and/or position. •Use an adjustable chair equipped with hand, wrist, or arm supports as appropriate. •Make sure that there is sufficient legroom (height, width, and depth). •Use ergonomic devices to adjust the height and angle of work
Live five risk factors associated with CTD's
•Repetitive and/or prolonged activities •Forceful exertions, usually with the hands (including pinch grips) •Prolonged static postures •Awkward postures of the upper body, including reaching above the shoulders or be-hind the back, and twisting the wrists and other joints to perform tasks •Continued physical contact with work surfaces (soft tissue compression) •Excessive vibration from power tools •Cold temperatures •Inappropriate or inadequate tool design •High wrist acceleration •Fatigue (inadequate recovery time) •Use of gloves
12.c.Describe an ergonomic problem-solving strategy for work with hand tools.
•Select tools that are designed to keep hands in the rest position (palm down, gently curved, thumb outstretched, and knuckle of the index finger higher than that of the little finger). •Reduce stress on the hand by selecting tools that have thick, rather than thin, handles(a good range for the diameter is 0.8 to 1.2 inches). •Select tools that have enhanced gripping surfaces on handles such as knurling, filing,or other enhancements. •To the extent possible, eliminate twisting by selecting tools designed so that the direction of movement or function is the same as the direction in which force is appliedor by using technology (for example, power screwdriver). •For tools that do not involve twisting, select handles that have an oval-shaped cross section. •Select tools with handles made of hard, non permeable materials that will not absorb toxic liquids that could be harmful to the skin.
