Office Ergonomics 050712 - National University Of Singapore
Office Ergonomics
Course Objectives 1) To be able to recognize ergonomic hazards in the office; 2) To be able to utilize efficiencies of various office equipment, tools and accessories to the fullest and reducing ergonomic risks; 3) To be able to suggest appropriate control measures aimed in mitigating office ergonomic hazards; 4) To be able to learn basic principles of manual handling; 5) To be able to lift objects in the office in a safe manner
Agenda for Today Office Equipment, Tools and Accessories Office Ergonomic Risk Assessment & Checklist Group Exercises, Presentations, Videos Tea Break Manual Materials Handling Safe Lifting Demonstrations Manual Handling and Safe Lifting Videos Assignment
Office Ergonomics
Topics Definitions An ‘ergonomic chair’ Desks: adjustable and non-adjustable Monitor Laptops Keyboard Computer mouse Other office accessories Lighting and Glare Arranging your office Risk Assessment Office Ergonomics Video (UCLA) Group exercises
Definitions Ergonomics: ‘nomoi,’ natural laws; ‘ergon,’ work : science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to capabilities of the working population (Ministry of Manpower) Musculoskeletal disorders: illnesses and injuries that affect one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system Manual handling: Transporting or supporting of a load by one or more members of staff, which includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving, and by reason of its characteristics of unfavourable ergonomic conditions, involves risk. (Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery, 2009)
Reference
Office Ergonomic Risks Awkward postures Prolonged or uninterrupted work Repetitive work Poor workstation design Visual discomfort of video display terminals: lack of contrast and sharpness in display, undue amount of flicker, prolonged close vision work Poor office environmental conditions: poor lighting and glare Work stress
Courtesy of Burt Chiropractic, 2012
Courtesy of BodyBilt Ergonomics
Courtesy of Environmental Handling Systems Ltd., 2009
SS 514, 2005
Components of an Office Chair 5 caster swivel base Armrests Height adjustable seat pan Tilt adjustable back rest Seat pan wide and deep enough to fit user comfortably, adjustable in angle Padding for low back area that is curved to fit the shape of the back Height adjustable back rest Backrest wide enough to fit the back comfortably
The Chair Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
The Chair Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
The Chair Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Adjustable Desk Courtesy of progressive.com.au
Non-adjustable Desks If the work surface is too low, raise the desks using a stable support (i.e., blocks under desk legs) until work surface or keyboard is at elbow height. Courtesy of Squidoo, LLC
The Monitor: Good Practices Screen located approximately an arm’s length away from the user Screen is located directly in front of the user, and can be raised if required Top of screen is approximately at eye level. Centre of screen is at shoulder height. Glare and reflection on screen are eliminated. 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to rest the eyes Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Good or Bad Practice? Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Laptop Computers Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Laptop Computers: Good Practices Get a large screen Place the screen at eye level Don’t slouch Use a separate keyboard (for extended periods) Use a separate mouse Recline slightly Knees should be at about the level of your hips Make your chair work for you Take a break Travel light
Laptop Computers: Good Practices Use a computer docking station. Continue to use laptop screen and connect an external full-sized keyboard Courtesy of Camera Phones Plaza, 2010
Computer Keyboard: Good Practices Put keyboard slightly below elbow level and close to body. Keyboard should be angled in a way that wrist remains straight Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Computer Mouse: Good Practices Release mouse at frequent intervals to reduce pressure on wrist and forearm muscles Place mouse on mouse mat. Use whole arm when utilizing mouse Ensure wrists in neutral position. Elbow positioned close to body when utilizing mouse Mouse pad should be placed as close as possible to the keyboard Keyboard and mouse should be positioned at the same level
Slimline, Low Profile Mouse Courtesy of PCMag.com; Future US Inc., 2012
SS 514, 2005
Office Ergonomic Accessories: Footrest Recommended when keyboard users are unable to firmly position their feet on the ground Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Office Ergonomic Accessories: Document Holder Useful for assisting the neck to remain in neutral position Should be the same distance from the eyes as the monitor and at the same height as the monitor Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Office Ergonomic Accessories: Wrist Rest Reduce contact pressure on wrists from sharp workstation edges Heel of hand should only be resting on wrist pad when taking a break Be high enough to keep wrist in straight, neutral position Be made of moderately firm and comfortable material Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Office Ergonomic Accessories: Headset Important for ensuring neck remains in neutral position when phone is used for frequent/extended periods of time Prevents unnecessary muscle activity of arms and shoulders Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Office Ergonomic Accessories: Screen Filters Reduces visual discomfort caused by reflections and glare on screen Courtesy of Euroffice Ltd.
Proper Working Posture at the Computer Feet supported on the floor, or with a footrest Thighs supported by chair seat with no pressure caused by front edge of the seat under the thighs Upper body upright with lower back firmly supported by the backrest Shoulders in relaxed position, not hunched Elbows and upper arms close to the body Forearms parallel to the ground, wrists in a neutral position (straight) when utilizing keyboard & mouse Neck remains in neutral position (i.e., not looking upwards or downwards) when viewing the monitor
Office Lighting: Glare Direct glare: light shines directly in the eyes Indirect glare: light is reflected from a surface Courtesy of University of Guelph
Reducing Glare Position monitor perpendicular to windows and between overhead light panels Use curtains and blinds to control amount of natural light Eliminate light sources that shine directly into the eyes Eliminate light sources that reflect directly into the eyes Use of LCD (flat panel) monitors Dim overhead lights Angle monitor away from the light Place filters, fixtures on overhead lights Tint windows
Stretches for Wrists and Arms Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Stretches for the Neck Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Upper Body Stretches Courtesy of Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc.
Arranging your Office Files and books that are used most often should be kept within reach. Frequently used files are in the middle drawer or closest to elbow level Locking system for filing cabinets so that no more than one drawer can be opened at once File and desk drawers should be kept closed when not in use to avoid trips, bumps and scrapes Heavy books should be placed on the middle shelf or around elbow level
Desk Arrangement Items on desk should be arranged based on their weight, frequency of use Frequently used items should be located close to the user at a minimal reach distance. SS514, 2005
Office Ergonomic Risk Assessment
What is Risk Management? New safety and health management framework underpinned by the new Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act). Entails: – Risk assessment of any work activity; – Control and monitoring of such risks; and – Communicating these risks to all persons involved.
What is Risk Assessment? An integral part of risk management It is the process of 1. Identifying safety and health hazards associated with work, (Hazard Identification) 2. Assessing the level of risks involved, (Risk Evaluation) 3. Prioritizing measures to control the hazards and reduce the risks (Risk Control) A guide to WSH (Risk Mgt) Reg by MOM Hazard Identification Risk Evaluation Risk Control
Hazard and Risk HAZARD “anything with the potential to cause bodily injury, and includes any physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical or ergonomic hazard” (Workplace Safety & Health (Risk Management) Regulations) RISK “likelihood that a hazard will cause a specific bodily injury to any person” (Workplace Safety & Health (Risk Management) Regulations) Measured in terms of: Severity and Likelihood
Why Risk Assessment? Comply with Workplace Safety & Health (Risk Management) Regulations; Prevent incidents and injuries; To assess if a work process is safe to proceed; and To assess the adequacy of the existing control measures Protect ourselves from injuries
Activity-Based Risk Assessment Form Name of Department Location of Lab Name of Laboratory Name of PI Name of Researcher/LO Name of Activity/Experiment 1. Hazard Identification No Description/Details of Steps in Activity Hazards 3. Risk Control Possible Accident / Ill Health & Persons-at-Risk Existing Risk Control (Mitigation) Severity Likelihood Risk Level (Probability) Additional Risk Control 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Conducted By Approved By Name Signature Approval date Next Revision date (Maximum 3 years) Person Responsible By (Date)
Rating Severity Severity meaning Examples 1 Low No injury, injury or ill-health requiring first aid treatment only Minor cuts & bruises, irritation, ill health with temporary discomfort 2 Medium Injury requiring medical treatment or ill health leading to disability Lacerations, burns, sprains, minor fractures, dermatitis, deafness, work-related musculoskeletal disorders 3 High Fatal, serious injury, or lifethreatening occupational disease Amputations, major fractures, multiple injuries, occupational cancer, acute poisoning and fatal diseases
Risk Assessment Spreadsheet vs. Checklist Risk assessment spreadsheet allows to recognize hazards from office activities, possible persons-atrisk, severity and likelihood of hazards, and controls to mitigate such Office ergonomics checklist were generated from the risk controls. Follows hierarchy of risk controls
Common MSDs among office workers Disorder Description Office Tasks Carpal tunnel syndrome Compression of median nerve of wrist Typing, keying Cubital tunnel syndrome Compression of ulnar nerve below elbow notch Resting forearm near elbow on hard surface Neck tension syndrome Irritation of trapezius muscle of neck Typing, keying Shoulder tendinitis Shoulder disorder of rotator cuff Packing, storing, reaching, lifting Thoracic outlet syndrome Compression of nerves and blood vessels of clavicle Typing, keying, stacking, material handling, carrying heavy loads with extended arms Anna (ed.), 2011
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms (MSDs) Neck shoulder complaints Visual Discomfort: tired, dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision Muscle fatigue Stiffness Numbness Tingling Burning sensations Heaviness Weakness or clumsiness in the hands (dropping things)
Office Scenarios, Risk Factors and Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Typing with bent wrists Awkward posture Tendinitis of hand & wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome Elevated forearms & bent elbows while typing Static loading, awkward posture Reduction of blood circulation. Stress on tendons in the joint Contact stress Hard wrist rests, fabrics with rough material build, sharp edges on keyboard trays Carpal tunnel syndrome. Numbness, tingling, burning sensations in fingers Hunching shoulders while typing Neck muscle tension Awkward posture Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Office Scenarios, Risk Factors and Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Long reaches to input Awkward posture devices (e.g., mouse/trackball/touch pad) Fatigue in shoulder and neck muscles. Numbness, tingling & burning sensations in fingers Elevating hand or reaching down to input devices Static loading, awkward posture Reduction of blood circulation. Stress on arm and hand joint. Numbness, tingling & burning sensations in fingers Gripping the mouse tightly Force Tendon strain on hand and wrist. Numbness, tingling & burning sensations in fingers Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Office Scenarios, Risk Factors and Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Looking up or down the monitor Awkward posture Neck muscle fatigue Twisting the head while looking at the monitor Awkward posture Neck muscle loading Leaning forward to read blurry text on screen Awkward posture Headache, muscle strain Sitting too far from monitor Awkward posture Neck, lower and upper back discomfort Tilting head to one side to hold telephone handset between ear and shoulder Awkward posture Neck muscle and upper shoulder strain, muscle overstretch Reading documents laid flat on desk surface Awkward posture: leaning forward, tilting head downward Neck, upper back, low back discomfort Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Office Scenarios, Risk Factors, and Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Lack of low back support Awkward posture Back stress, low back pain Feet not touching floor Contact stress Reduced blood circulation. Leg and foot tingling, numbness Lack of space between edge of seat and back of knees Contact stress Reduced blood circulation to legs and feet. Leg and foot tingling, numbness Armrests too high Awkward posture: hunching shoulders Muscle tension, fatigue Armrests too low Awkward posture: leaning to one side Uneven posture, muscle imbalance Hard armrests Contact stress Elbow pressure. Numbness, tingling & burning sensations in fingers Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Office Scenarios, Risk Factors, and Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Hands/wrists contact desktop edge Contact stress Carpal tunnel syndrome. Numbness, tingling & burning sensations in fingers Extended arm reaching to secure desktop accessories Repetition and awkward postures Fatigue Inadequate space for knees and legs under work surface Contact stress, static loading Bruising if bump frequently to underside of desktop. Impact trauma to knees and thighs Long reaches to items stored overhead Awkward posture Muscle overstretching, increased strain Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Office Ergonomics Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v IAMKVJnHNsA
Exercise
Exercise
Group Activity Populate your 3 x 3 risk assessment spreadsheet with the following activities in offices: Using a puncher for filing documents Filing of documents Stapler use Working with video display terminals File retrieval from shelves Use of photocopier Identify ergonomic hazards arising from these activities, possible musculoskeletal disorders that may arise, and risk controls that may mitigate these hazards.
Office Safety Video Ch annelID ad25a54e-107d-4a99-a777f6b4e0d34908&MediaItemID 07eb4a54-d985-4c2eb27b3b0e2672846e&Player WMP&Referrer EC&eu oshb aa
Tea Break!
Manual Materials Handling
Topics Why manual handling? Risky Moves Body physics: core muscles, biomechanics Risk Factors Risk Controls Proper Lifting Techniques Manual Handling, Principles of Safe Lifting videos
Why Manual Handling? Heavy lifting isn’t typically a requirement of most office jobs; however, some lifting is inevitable The way materials are stored and moved around the office can cause risk factors for injury Common musculoskeletal disorders from improper lifting and carrying include injuries to the lower back, upper back and shoulders Injuries from improper lifting and carrying have always been part of office work Lifting injuries comprise 1/3 of all the injury claims in the office each year (Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002)
Risky Moves Certain actions are more likely to cause back injuries than others. Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think: DANGER! My back is at risk! Heavy lifting.especially repetitive lifting over a long period of time Twisting at the waist while lifting or holding a heavy load. Reaching and lifting.over your head or across a table.
More Risky Moves Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes Working in awkward, uncomfortable positions.gardening, kneeling, tasks that require you to bend over for long periods of time. Also, sitting or standing for too long without shifting.
Core Strength Muscles Courtesy of Pilates Workers of New York Inc.
Back Biomechanics: Standing up Straight 45 kg 4.5 kg Adding up load: Load in hands Torso weight Muscle force Total load 4.5 kg. 45.0 kg. 23.0 kg. 72.5 kg. 5 cm 25 cm 23 kg Lifting Guide: Goal 347 kilograms force on spine 71
Back Biomechanics: Stooping Forward Torso and arm weight 45 kg Load in the hands 4.5 kg 5 cm Resultant muscle force 270 kg Adding up load: Load in hands Torso weight Muscle force Total load 4.5 kg 45.0 kg 270 kg 319.5 kg 25 cm 50 cm Lifting Guide: Goal 347 kilograms force on spine 72
Primary Risk Factors - Risk of low back pain injury when lifting/carrying objects depends on 5 main factors: Weight of object Distance of object from body Body position while carrying/lifting object Frequency of lift Twisting while carrying load
Biomechanics of the Shoulder Arms close to the sides Preferred posture: Strongest and most stable Arms extended away from the body Raising the elbow to shoulder height or higher: Significantly reduces shoulder strength Increases the risk of injury Gutmann, 2005 74
The Forces Involved Anytime you bend or lean over to pick something up without bending your knees, you put tremendous pressure on your lower back. If your waist is not centered, lifting a 4.5 kg object actually puts 45 kg of pressure on your lower back. Gutmann, 2005
The further you bend, and the more you extend your arms, the more significant the risk of injury! Gutmann, 2005
Contributing Factors to Handling/Lifting Injuries Poor Physical Condition Stomach muscles provide a lot of the support needed by your back. Weak, flabby stomach muscles may prevent the back from getting the support it needs, especially when lifting or carrying heavy objects.
Contributing Factors to Handling/Lifting Injuries Poor posture It is best to try to maintain the back in its natural "S" shaped curve. You want to avoid leaning forward (unsupported) when you sit, or hunching over while you're standing. Gutmann, 2005
Contributing Factors to Handling/Lifting Injuries Extra weight The more you weigh, the more stress it puts on your back every time you bend over--on a 10:1 ratio.
Risk Factors to Handling/Lifting Injuries Stress Tense muscles are more susceptible to strains and spasms.
Risk Factors to Handling/Lifting Injuries Overdoing it Don’t be afraid to say, “This is too heavy for me to lift alone. Will you help me?” Courtesy of about.com, 2012
Scenarios, Risk Factors & Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Lifting items located between knee and shoulder height Awkward posture: bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching Discomfort on lower back, upper back and shoulder, knees Lifting away from the body Force, awkward posture: reaching, bending Discomfort on lower back, upper back and shoulder, knees Lifting from the floor Awkward posture: bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching Discomfort on lower back, upper back and shoulder, knees Carrying loads at long distances Sustained exertions Muscle fatigue, strain Lifting-assistive devices are not readily available Force Discomfort on lower back, upper back and shoulder, knees Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Scenarios, Risk Factors and Potential MSDs Scenario Risk Factor Potential MSDs Job with lifting as the only task Repetition Fatigue, increased risk of injury Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2002
Preventing Lifting Injuries: Risk Controls
Basic Guidelines Plan the lift (3-2-1 LIFT!) Object closed and centered to the body Diagonal footing when lifting an object off the floor Use ‘core strength’ muscles: upper, middle and lower abdominal muscles Bend the knees, lift with the legs Look ahead Don’t do it alone
Preventing Lifting Injuries: Risk Controls Avoid Lifting and Bending Whenever You Can! Place objects up off the floor. Set object to carry down on a table or elevated surface instead of on the floor Raise / lower shelves. The best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and your waist. Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.
Safe Lifting Techniques
Small light loads (one person lift) Courtesy of: Imperial College, London
Moderately heavy loads (one person lift) Courtesy of: Imperial College, London
Large Light Loads (One Person Lift) Courtesy of: Imperial College, London
Moderately Heavy/Heavy Loads (2-person lift) Courtesy of: Imperial College, London
Long Narrow Loads (One Person Lift)
Moving 5-leg chairs: one person lift Courtesy of: Imperial College, London
Other Lifting Tips Reduce the amount of weight to be lifted as much as possible. Keep a clear view ahead when carrying/moving a load. Never carry a load in front of your face. Push a dolly or cart in a linear motion. Never pull, as it forces you to twist at the waist! Get help if the shape is too awkward or the object is too heavy for you to lift and move by yourself!
Practice Body Management Know your body's limitations. Be aware of your body position at all times Learn to recognize situations where your back is most at risk: bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, etc. Take measures to avoid an injury by using this training whenever you handle or lift materials
Safe Manual Handling Video ha nnelID ad25a54e-107d-4a99-a777f6b4e0d34908&MediaItemID 173ee5fb-fe88-49489399-a69a641d9a47&Player WMP&Referrer EC
Principles of Safe Lifting and Carrying Video ha nnelID ad25a54e-107d-4a99-a777f6b4e0d34908&MediaItemID 39fabf9d-38ab-4ff0bccd-f17a881ad036&Player WMP&Referrer EC
Assignment Download and print the Office Ergonomics Checklist found at the OSHE Staff Portal, under “Ergonomics” tab. Fill out the checklist manually. For any ‘No’ ticks, fill out the necessary changes/modifications to be adopted. If the change/modification is missing from the list, propose your own under the ‘Comments’ column Only fill out the appropriate tool/equipment you use in the laboratory. For tools/equipment not used, leave that section blank Scan checklist and email to: oshbaa@nus.edu.sg on or before May 23, 2012 Only participants who completed the checklist will be awarded a Certificate of Completion
Office and Laboratory Ergonomics Manuals
2) To be able to utilize efficiencies of various office equipment, tools and accessories to the fullest and reducing ergonomic risks; 3) To be able to suggest appropriate control measures aimed in mitigating office ergonomic hazards; 4) To be able to learn basic principles of manual handling; 5) To be able to lift objects in the office in a safe
IIE - Fellow 1990 , Ergonomics Division Award, 1986 HFES - IE Technical Group Award, 1993 Texts Industrial Ergonomics: A Practitioner's Guide The Practice and Management of Industrial Ergonomics Industrial Ergonomics: Case Studies Ergonomics Design Guidelines Applied Ergonomics - Case Studies Volumes 1, 2 & 3 .
ergonomics, engineering project, control centre, case studies 1. Marketing ergonomics 1.1. Ergonomics Ergonomics (or human factors) is described as fitting tasks, workplaces and interfaces, to the capacities, needs and limitations of human beings. The aim of ergonomics is to optimise safety, health, comfort and efficiency for the
Ergonomics 25: 315-322 Das, B. 1987. An ergonomics approach to the design of a manufacturing work system' Int J Industrial Ergonomics 1: 231-240 Das, B. and Grady, R. M. 1983. Industrial workplace layout design: An application of engineering anthropometry. Ergonomics 26: 433-447 Eastman Kodak Company. 1983. Ergonomics Design for People at .
Office ergonomics, whether in the office workplace and now even more so in the home office environment, is a critical tool to enhance safety and productivity. A Practical Approach to Office Ergonomics. provides a detailed framework to help interested individuals conduct office ergonomics assessments and generate
Ergonomics Risk Factor Ergonomic risk factors are characteristics of a job that facilitate ergonomics stress on the body. Risk factors occur at different jobs and tasks. The greater exposed to these risk factors the greater probability of ergonomics. According to [1], ergonomics risk factors can be divided into seven categories as follows:
Industrial Ergonomics Workers Compensation Fund 2 Ergonomics The Science of Fitting the Task to the Worker The goal of an effective Ergonomics Program is to reduce the risk of employee injury and discomfort through better matching of the work station to the employee. 3 Industrial Ergonomics Maintain or improve productivity Maintain or improve .
Ergonomics in the Developing Nations, B. Ghahramani 182 Ergonomics Education and Practice in Thailand: Past, Present and Future, S. Nanthavanij and B. Rurkhamet 186 How to Give a Killer Ergonomics Presentation, J.J. Stemmer 190 Musculoskeletal Ergonomics An Approach to Valid and Reliable Measuring of Postural Stress, H. Janik,
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