Ergonomics

Applications for Ergonomics

Home & Leisure

Service Office

Manufacturing

Manufac-turing

Safety, Quality, & Efficiency

Principles of Ergonomics

Work in Neutral Postures

Principle 1

Maintain the “S-Curve” of the Spine

The Neck

Keep Elbows in and Shoulders Relaxed

Keep Wrists in Neutral

Summary — Neutral Postures

Neck straight

Shoulders relaxed

Elbows at sides

Wrists in neutral

Back with S-curve

Point:

• To work smarter, work in neutral postures

• Evaluate and modify:– work method– tools– workstation design

Reduce Excessive Force

Principle 2

Point:

• Think of what you do.

• Think of ways to reduce excessive force.

• Thousands of ways, only some examples here.

Keep Everything in Easy Reach

Principle 3

Reach Envelope

Work at Proper Heights

Principle 4

Height elbow drawing

Most work at elbow height

(sitting or standing)

Most work at elbow height

(sitting or standing)

Height elbow hi/lo drawing

Exceptions:Heavy = lowerPrecision = higher

Exceptions:Heavy = lowerPrecision = higher

Reduce Excessive Motions

Principle 5

AfterBefore

Minimize Fatigue and Static Load

Principle 6

Minimize Pressure Points

Principle 7

Provide Clearance

Principle 8

Move, Exercise, Stretch

Principle 9

Maintain a Comfortable Environment

Principle 10

Lighting and Glare

Vibration

Dampening Material

Summary

• Posture

• Force

• Reach

• Heights

• Motions

• Static load

• Pressure points

• Clearance

• Stretch & exercise

• Environment

Putting on Your Ergonomics Glasses

Making Improvements

Fix and Adjust What You Can Yourself

Think Before You Work

Make Ergonomics Part of Daily Worklife

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

“Wear and tear” that accumulates thru time

Symptoms

• Soreness, pain, discomfort

• Numbness or burning

• “Pins and needles”

• Limited range of motion

• Weakness and clumsiness

Basic Message to Everyone:

If you think you may have a

problem

Get it checked out

Risk Factors for CTDs

• Awkward Postures

• Force

• Repetitive Motions

• Static Load

• Pressure Points

• Vibration

• Temperature Extremes

(Tasks)

Risk Factors for CTDs

• Physical Condition

• Diseases and Conditions

(Personal)

Prevention

• Apply what you learn here

What You Can Do

• Request help for any problems

• Be willing to try new methods

• Know what’s adjustable

• Get it checked out

• Exercise and keep in shape

• Think about off-the-job activities

• Learn more about ergonomics

Activities at This Site

• TeamErgo

• Surveys

• Plans

• etc