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OCFO All Hands Meeting – 50 Auditorium (3/9/06)

Ergonomics and SafetyRefresher

Have You Have You Ergo’d Lately?Ergo’d Lately?

Jeffrey Chung, PhD CFHP

EH&S Division

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OCFO SAAR Trends (7/1/00 – 3/9/06)

S/A

Year

7/1/2000 - 6/30/2001

7/1/2001 -6/30/2002

7/1/2002 - 6/30/2003

7/1/2003 - 6/30/2004

7/1/2004 –6/30/2005

7/1/2005 -3/9/2006

Total

SAARs

128 ergo[75%]

43 ergo[75%]

84 ergo[50%]

72 ergo[29%]

74 ergo[67%]

83

ergo[38%]

First Aid Cases

73 ergo[43%]

22 ergo[100%]

51 ergo[20%]

41 ergo[25%]

74 ergo[57%]

62

ergo[33%]

Recordable Cases

55 ergo[100%]

21 ergo[50%]

33 ergo[100%]

31 ergo[33%]

00 ergo[0%]

21

ergo[50%]

Hours

Worked 129,398 133,724 139,408 182,691 294,449

(6 months)

161,619

TRC Rate 7.70 3.00 4.30 4.38 0.00(6 months)

2.47

# Days

Lost /

Restricted

0 Lost

0 Restrict.

0 Lost

6 Restrict.

91 Lost

154 Restrict.

0 Lost

0 Restrict.

0 Lost

0 Restrict.

0 Lost

0 Restrict.

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Ergonomic injuries are

NOT fortuitous

events!

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Contributing Causes to Injuries

• Hurrying – inattention to surroundings while rushing from one destination to another.

• Increased workload or tight deadlines.

• Footwear – wearing of proper footwear (e.g., wearing heels/platform shoes at work).

• New/upgraded institutional database systems that increase pointing device use.

• Maturing Workforce (wear and tear)

• Infrequent heavy lifting (H2O bottles, tote boxes, etc.)

• Repetitive nature of daily work activities.

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Sources of Workplace Ergonomic Risks

•Repetitive Motions

•Postural Stressors

•Contact Stressors

•Static Exertions

•Forceful Exertions

Independently

or

In Combination

Force – Frequency – Posture - Duration

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Ergonomic Risk Factors

• Awkward Postures and Reaches

• Static postures

• Repetitive motion

• Forceful exertion

• Contact pressure

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Ergonomic Hazards - Before

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Ergonomic Intervention - After

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Warning SignsWarning Signs

Watch for:

Tingling or numbness in hands

Pain: sharp, dull or burning

sensation

Stiffness, reduced range of

motion in arms, wrists

Clumsiness, loss of grip strength or coordination

Visual fatigue, watery eyes,

dryness.

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Cumulative Trauma Disorders

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

• Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis

• Trigger Finger

• Epicondylitis

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

• Wrist Ganglion Cyst

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Employee Expectations

• Promptly report ergonomic concerns and/or discomfort to supervisor.

• Report to Health Services for medical assistance.

• Request ergo evaluation to identify at risk conditions.

• Properly utilize ergo accessories.

• Consistently perform safe ergonomic work practices.

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Supervisor Responsibilities

• Complete Job Hazards Questionnaire (JHQ) within 1

month of employee’s hire; update annually or when job

changes.

• Review Training Profile. Ensure completion of required

training within 6 months of employment or with new

job assignment.

• Request ergo evaluation if employee works > 4 hours

at computer. Know CUE requirements.

• Implement ergo evaluation recommendations.

• Direct employees with ergo-related discomfort to Health Services.

• Complete SAAR reports within 2 working days.

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Triggers for an Ergo EvaluationTriggers for an Ergo Evaluation

Discomfort or pregnancy

New Employee

New/different job assignment(s) requiring

more computer time or repetitive motions

Physical move/relocation

Visit to Physician or WComp Claim opened

Acquisition of new computer equipment or

computer furniture

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Online Ergo Evaluation Request Screen

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Online Ergo Eval Request

• Can be made by employee, ergo evaluator,

supervisor or safety coordinator.

• Steps:

• Go from A-Z index to “Ergo Information for

Employees”.

• Then click “Evaluation Request.” in left margin.

• Enter LDAP user name and password.

• Complete information.

• Submit.

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“Ergo Evaluation Process!”

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Stairways and Step StoolsStairways and Step Stools

When using a step stool:

Make sure it is tall enough. Place on even surface. Climb facing the steps. Don’t over reach.

• Hold handrail

• Eyes on path

• Proper footwear

• Carry small

packages

• Watch out for debris

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Ergo ResourcesErgo Resources

Go: “A-Z” “S” “Stretchware: Computer Work Break Software”

• Download Stretchware:

• Ergo Display Center

• Ergo Website, classes, CDs and videos

• LBNL Chair and Workstation Loaner Programs

• EH&S Ergo Accessories Loaner Program

• Consult with ergo evaluator, safety coordinator,

EH&S division liaison and/or healthcare

professional. • New EHS 62 WorkSmart

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In Closing . . .

• Invest in basic ergo equipment: chair and

keyboard tray, compatible input devices, etc.

• Request preventive ergo evaluations.

• Maintain safe ergonomic postures and

movements (work and home).

• Report of fatigue/discomfort (do not ignore!)

• Seek assistance from Health Services.

• Implement timely ergo corrective actions.

• Complete SAAR investigations (2 days of receipt).