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WORKSPACE ERGONOMICS & STRESSIN LIBRARIES
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LIBRARIANSNovotel Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City
March 13 – 16, 2018
Objectives
Describe the global & national magnitude of ergonomic problems;
Recognize ergonomic issues;
Discuss the determinants of worker’s health;
Propose measures to mitigate risk factors & adverse health outcomes;
Discuss the medical surveillance as a preventive strategy; &
Identify the elements needed in successfully implementing an ergonomics programs.
Global Situation
Magnitude of the Problem
• Worldwideo 37% of low back pain deemed attributable to
occupational risk factor
• Regional distributiono 21% - 41% due to occupational risk factoro Higher in areas with lower health status
(Punnett, et. al., 2005)
• Sprains, strains, & tearso Leading nature of injury & illnesso Accounted for 38% of the total injury & illness cases
requiring days away from worko Of the 443,560 cases reported, 36% of the workers injured
their back
(US BLS, 2012)
Nonfatal Occupational Injuries & Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work
Philippine Situation
Cases of Occupational Injuries in Establishments Employing ≥20 Workers by Major Industry Group
(PSA-ISLE, 2013 & 2015)
Cases of Occupational Diseases in Establishments Employing ≥20 Workers
(BITS, 2009, 2011; PSA-ISLE, 2013, 2015)
Cases of Occupational Diseases in Establishments Employing ≥20 Workers
(PSA-ISLE, 2015)
Cases of WMSDs in Establishments Employing ≥ 20 Workers
(PSA-ISLE, 2015)
Ergonomics
What is ergonomics?
The scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human & other elements of a system, & the profession that applies theory, principles, data, & methods to design in order to optimize human
well-being & over-all system performance. (2000)
Human Biological Science+
Engineering Science____________________________________
MAXIMUM SATISFACTION & INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
“ fitting the task to the person”
Ergonomics is a human-centered scientific discipline that seeks to fit the job to the workers.
Understand interactions of humans & work elements
Apply theoretical principles, data, & methods to design
Optimize human well being & overall system performance
EFFECT ON HEALTH
• Musculoskeletal• Vascular• Visual/ocular• Hearing• Skin• Psychological
EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE
• Low product quality• High rate of errors• Material wastage• Equipment damageIMBALANCE
IN THEWORK SYSTEM
• ABSENTEEISM• ACCIDENTS• COMPENSATION
COSTS
Ergonomics
• Goalo Reduce WMSDs developed by workers
• WMSDso Injuries & illnesses affecting muscles, nerves, tendons,
ligaments, joints or spinal discs
Who are at risk?
• Level of risk depends on
o Duration of exposure
o Multiplicity of exposure
o Level of exposure
Ergonomics
Risk Factors:
• Static posture
Ergonomics
Risk Factors:
• Static posture• Forceful exertion
Ergonomics
Risk Factors:
• Static posture• Forceful exertion• Repetitive movement
Ergonomics
Risk Factors:
• Static posture• Forceful exertion• Repetitive movement• Extreme range of motion
Ergonomics
Risk Factors:
• Static posture• Forceful exertion• Repetitive movement• Extreme range of motion• Awkward posture
Summary of Evidence Linking Risk Factors & WMSDs
Body Part Risk Factor Strength of Evidence
Back
Lifting/forceful movement
+++
Awkward posture ++
Heavy physical work ++
Whole body vibration +++
Static work posture +/0
(NIOSH, 1997)
Common Symptoms of MSDs
• Less strength for gripping or hand grasping
• Less range of motion
• Loss of muscle function
• Inability to do everyday tasks
• Painful joints
• Pain, tingling, numbness in hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, knees & feet
• Shooting or stubbing pains
• Swelling or inflammation
• Fingers or toes turning white
• Back or neck pain
• Stiffness
Implications of WMSDs
• Reduced worker productivityo Lost time from worko Temporary or permanent disabilityo Inability to perform job taskso Increase in workers’ compensation costs
Risk Factor Areas
Personal Risk Factorssex
physical activity
age
strength
anthropometry
Risk Factor Areas
Risk Factors Inherent in the Task
• Work processes are determined byo Toolso Furnitureo Materialso Equipmento Machineryo Workstation layout
Design to Reduce Risk Factors
• Reduce risk factors pertaining to tasko Forceful exertions
Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, pinching, pounding, hitting, jumping
o Awkward posture Reaching behind, twisting, working overhead, kneeling,
forward/backward bending, squatting
5 Force-Related Conditions which May Increase Risk of Injury
• Contact stress
• Grip
• Static exertion
• Segmental vibration
• Repetition
• Contact stresso When any part of the body presses against an external
object
5 Force-Related Conditions which May Increase Risk of Injury
• Grip
5 Force-Related Conditions which May Increase Risk of Injury
o Pinch grip
Depends on the fingers to exert the force & manipulate the object
Requires greater muscle strength
o Power grip
Uses the muscle of the entire hand to apply force & manipulate objects
Most effective & safest grip to use
With wearing gloves, more grip force is required to a particular task
• Static exertion
o Standing, sitting, or remaining in one posture for a long duration while you perform a task can increase the likelihood of injury.
o The greater the force, the more awkward the posture, & the longer the duration, the greater the risk.
5 Force-Related Conditions which May Increase Risk of Injury
Symptoms of Excessive Static LoadSymptoms Possible Ergonomic Causes
Feet & leg pain, varicose veins Standing in one place for too long
Lower back pain Trunk curved forward while standing/sitting
Shoulder & arm pain Arms outstretched, sideways, forward/upwards
Shoulders forced up due to position of work
Neck pain Head inclined too much backwards/forward
Forearm pain Unnatural grip
Static grip too forceful
Wrist pain Repetitive hand/finger motion
• Segmental vibration
o Handling of vibrating tools for prolonged duration may cause vascular insufficiency in the hand & fingers resulting in interference with sensory receptor feedback
o If a worker can’t “feel” the grip properly, he/she may compensate by applying more force than is necessary to hold & handle an object
5 Force-Related Conditions which May Increase Risk of Injury
• Repetition
o Measure of how frequently the same motion/exertion during a task is completed
o Severity depends on
Frequency of repetition, speed of the movement of action, number of muscle groups involved, required force
o Repetitiveness is influenced by
Machine/line pacing, incentive programs, piece work, unrealistic deadlines
5 Force-Related Conditions which May Increase Risk of Injury
• Force
• Posture
• Duration
• Recovery time
Other Contributing Factors
• Force
o High repetitiveness combined with high external forces & extreme postures probably represents the highest risk of MSDs
Other Contributing Factors
• Duration
o Measure of length of time of exposure to a risk factor
o Assumption
The longer the duration of exposure, the greater the risk of injury
o Other factors should also be considered
Other Contributing Factors
Other Contributing Factors• Recovery time
o Measure of rest (low stress activity) period available to the muscle group between similar exertions
o Important in preventing muscle fatigue
O2 & metabolites are allowed to rejuvenate while water products are removed from the muscle group
o Recovery time needed will lengthen as the duration of the task increases
• Heavy objects are lifted
• Bulky objects or can’t hold close to body while lifting
• Object lifted from the floor
• Asymmetric lifting
• Frequent lifting
Lifting
• Increased pushing effort in lower back
• Increased tendency for severity of LBP with increased pulling effort
Pulling & Pushing
• Position of the body while performing work activities
• Awkward postureo Deviation from the ideal working posture of arms at the side of the
torso, elbows bent, with the wrists straight
o Reaching behind
o Twisting
o Working overhead
o Kneeling
o Forward or backward bending
o Squatting
Posture
Risk Factor Areas
• Heat stresso Summer heat, heat from engines, heat from chemical processes &
reactions, body heat, welding, frictiono Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance, loss of physical/mental work capacity
• Whole body vibrationo Driving of heavy equipmento Accelerated spinal degeneration, reduced capacity for material
handlingo The risk from vibration is related to the overall time the operator/driver
is exposed to the vibration & the number of shocks & jolts they experience each day
Environment Risk Factors
• Illumination
o Lighting in one workstation may be appropriate; but for another workstation, that same lighting may be potentially harmful
o Illumination levels ˃1000 lux present problems in the office environment
• Noise
o Serious temporary/permanent deafness
o Interfere with worker’s ability to focus/concentrate on the work at hand
Environment Risk Factors
• Psychosocial risk factors
o A healthy work environment depends a great deal on the attitudes of those involved
o To create a healthy work environment:
All parties should understand their roles in the overall work process
End users should participate in the selection of equipment, software, tools, & accessories
Employers should provide adequate operator training on the setup, adjustments, & risks associated with performing the job
Environment Risk Factors
• Psychosocial risk factors
o Psychosocial demands may produce increased muscle tension & exacerbate task-related biomechanical strain
o Psychosocial demands may affect awareness & reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms, &/or perceptions of their cause
Environment Risk Factors
Psychosocial Hazards(Cox, et.al., 2000)
Work-Related Stress
Determined by work organization, work design, & labor relations &occurs when the demands of the job do not match or exceed thecapabilities, resources, or needs of the worker, or when theknowledge or abilities of an individual worker or group to cope arenot matched with the expectation of the organizational culture ofan enterprise.
(ILO, 2016)
Interventions
• Goalso Reduce magnitude of risk factors
o Reduce duration of exposure Lengthen recovery time
Use other muscle groups and joints
Improve posture
• Look at available scientific information
• Learn from similar companies/companies with similar processes
• Look at available guidelines, laws, standards
Selection of Intervention
• Workplace modification
o Work location & dimensions
Objects to be lifted should be stored at or about waist high levelUse of raised platforms
Use of hydraulic lifts
Vertical storage of large objects
Objects to be lifted should be kept close to torso throughout liftDesign shelves that will allow close standing
Use of roller conveyors
Engineering Control
Engineering ControlErgonomic workstation
Engineering ControlProper stacking
Engineering Control
Engineering Control
• Workplace modification
o Work location & dimensions
Use of material handling device for sustained/repetitive carrying/liftingUse of carts
o Tool design
o Mechanical aids
Engineering Control
• Management/personnel methods
o Job rotation
o Work enlargement
o Rest breaks
o Motion economy
o Training & education
Administrative Control
Workplace Collective Measures to Prevent Work-Related Stress(ILO, 2012b)
Administrative Control
Alternate sit-stand workstation for mobile workers
Ergonomics Program
Approach in Ensuring Well-being of Workers
Looking at developmental strategies Looking at regulatory requirements
• Information• Education• Training• Campaigns• Good practices• Successful cases• Competitions• Demonstrations• Interventions
• Relevant laws, standards, issuances, & guidelineso Enforcemento Implementationo Inspectiono Evaluation
Elements of Ergonomics Program
Identify ergonomic risk factors
Evaluate risk factors
Select intervention
Implement intervention
Monitor effectiveness of intervention
Building Blocks for Development of OSH Services
1. The OSH policy of the company
2. Acute care for illnesses & injuries
3. Environmental monitoring
4. Preplacement, periodic health, & other fitness-to-work evaluations
5. IH & other prevention-oriented services
Regulatory Compliance1000 – General Provisions
1030 – Training & Accreditation
1040 – OSH Committee
1050 – Notification & Keeping of Occupational Illnesses & Injuries
1070 – Environmental Control
1960 – OH Services
Rule 1960: Objectives of OH Services
1. Identification & assessment of health hazards
2. Surveillance of factors in working environment & working practices
3. Advice on planning & organization of work
4. Participation in development of programs for improvement of working practices
5. Advice on OH, safety & hygiene, ergonomics & PPE
6. Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work
7. Promoting adaptation of work to workers
8. Collaboration in providing information, training, & education in OH, IH, & ergonomics
9. Organizing of first-aid & emergency treatment
10. Participation in analysis of occupational accidents & occupational diseases
Rule 1960: OH Services• Requirements for medical personnel in workplaces
• Duties of employers, OHPs, OHNs, FAs
• OH Program:o Health examinations
Entrance
Periodic
Special
Transfer
Separation
o Immunization program
o Health education & counseling
o Health records maintenance
Medical Surveillance• Systematic monitoring of health events
• To prevent, detect, & control occupational hazards & their associated diseaseso Entrance (baseline) examinationo Periodic screening (specific, job-related)o Fitness for duty (specific cause)o Exit examination
Medical Surveillance• Importance
o Identify cases Early detection of job-related health problems (2°)
Determine their causes
o Analyze trends & patterns in the workforce to guide prevention efforts (1°)
Supplement environmental monitoring to confirm the effectiveness of controls
o Meet regulatory requirements
Symptom Survey
(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/97-117/pdfs/97-117.pdf)
http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/publications
Stress Prevention thru Technology