Risk Management Ergonomics Program

2011 Risk Management Division Employee Training

Ergonomics Program

OMB has developed an ergonomics program to educate and train employees on the basic principles of ergonomics and proper body mechanics. This program also includes written guidelines to address musculoskeletal injuries caused by exertions, repetitive motions, or sustained postures. This would include back injuries, sprains, strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other cumulative trauma disorders. http://www.nd.gov/hrms/docs/HrPolicyManual.pdf

POLICY STATEMENT: The safety and health of every employee at OMB is a significant priority. OMB’s goals is to ensure that each employee leaves at the end of the workday in the same condition in which he/she arrived. Employees are highly encouraged to bring their concerns to their supervisors. Feedback from employees is an important means of identifying and correcting hazards. When an MSD hazard is identified, the supervisor will provide a response and recommended action within 24 hours of receiving notification of the hazard condition.

Ergonomics

Every individual in the Risk Management Division may be impacted by musculoskeletal disorders and their related discomfort and potentially disabling effects. Employees must communicate with the RMWCP manager to identify areas of improvement. All employees must:

Report early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. Follow work practice procedures related to their jobs that are

intended to reduce ergonomic risks. Adjust their work station to fit their work needs. Vary their work tasks throughout the day. Stretch at their workstations throughout the day. Actively participate in the recognition, analysis, and abatement

of ergonomic risks.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

Why Should I Care?

By understanding basic ergonomics and its interaction with your job, you can help prevent injuries to yourself, work more efficiently and comfortable, and promote your long term health.

Office Ergonomics

Some of the most common workplace injuries are due to improper ergonomics in the office. With the help of the video below conduct your own office ergonomic assessment and keep your workplace healthy.

Office Ergonomics

Ergonomic tips and tricks to help you work better with less pain.

Back Safety

Learn proper lifting techniques and the basics of back safety, to save yourself a lot of pain and a lifetime of back problems.

Driver Ergonomics

Learn how to adjust your vehicle to the proper ergonomic position to reduce discomfort and maximize safety.

ErgonomicsMSD-Sign’s & Symptoms

Joint Pain

Stiffness

Pain, tingling, or numbness in hands, palms, feet or other areas

Loss of muscle function

Swelling or inflammation

Difficulties performing daily activities

Burning sensation

Shooting or stabbing pains in arms and legs

Difficulties in moving body parts

Decreased range of motion

Redness/loss of color

Cramping

Deformity

Report any signs of discomfort immediately to the RMWCP manager.

ErgonomicsMSD-Risk Factors

Risk Factor1. Repetition

2. Poor body mechanics

3. Force

4. Vibration

5. Impact

6. Acceleration

7. Cold

8. Work-rest ratio

Example1. Keyboarding, Mouse

2. Poor posture/lifting

3. Carrying

4. Driving

5. Hand tools

6. Throwing objects

7. Working outdoors

8. Overtime

Common MSDs

• Medial Epicondylitis

• Lateral Epicondylitis

• Tendonitis• Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome• Ulnar Nerve

Impingement

• Shoulder Tendonitis, Bursitis, Impingement

• Rotator Cuff Tear• Thoracic Outlet

Syndrome• DeQuervain’s

Tendonitis

Tendonitis

• Literally means inflammation of the tendon.

• Tendons connect your muscles to your bone.

• Common cause is overuse, when muscles are being asked to do higher levels of activity they are not accustomed to doing.

Lateral Epicondylitis

• More commonly known as “Tennis Elbow”.

• Pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow where the muscles connect to the bone.

Medial Epicondylitis

• Also known as “Golfer’s Elbow.”

• Same as Lat. Epi., only the pain in on the inside of the elbow around the boney prominence.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• A disorder in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist.

• Causes numbness and tingling. Usually on the thumb side fingers.

Ulnar Nerve Impingement

• Occurs when the Ulnar Nerve becomes compressed and cannot function properly.

• Numbness and tingling in the ring finger and little finger.

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis

• A condition caused by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist.

• Pain over the thumb side of the wrist is the main symptom.

Shoulder Disorders

• Tendons of the rotator cuff make contact with the acromion and they become swollen. This is simply called tendinitis.

Shoulder Disorders

• If the swollen tendon gets trapped and pinched under the acromion. This is known as an impingement.

• Bursitis: fluid-filled sacs called “bursa” become inflamed.

Rotator Cuff Tear

• A tear in the tendon– Chronic: over time,

RC tendinitis eventually wears a hole through the tendon.

– Acute: a sudden motion or lift causing a “pop” in the shoulder.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

• The small space between your collarbone (clavicle) and your first rib.

• Caused by pressure on the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet.

If you are experiencing

any pain or discomfort

complete this form and

give to the RMWCP

manager.

How to report signs and symptoms of MSD’s

Office of Record: The Risk Management Division is considered the office of record regarding Ergonomics. Files are confidential and maintained according to identified record retention guidelines.

Reporting an ergonomic injury or illness:

A report of an injury or illness that may be the result of a MSD is made using the same procedure as any other incident report. Remember RMD’s 24 hour reporting requirement.

A preventative ergonomic assessment of your workstation can be requested at anytime.