7. Vibration : Generally, vibration occurs from the use of tools that vibrate. Often these are tools found in manufacturing or construction like grinders, drills, or the vibration felt while riding in a large truck. Dental tools can also be a source of vibration. The constant movement will cause stress on the tissues and joints by reducing blood flow to the affected tissues. Typically the first tissues affected are the nerves, causing the employee to complain of numbness and tingling. The best solution may be to purchase new tools that vibrate less, and then to maintain them so that they will continue to vibrate less. However, addressing issues related to vibration can also be done by encouraging job rotation and rest breaks so that each employee is exposed to this risk factor for less time during the day [8] . reduce the risk. However, while implementing these types of interventions does not cost much, there can be potential of poor follow-through by the employee. It is important that the employee is part of the decision-making process for the best compliance. 3. Equipment modification . In some cases, the best solution to minimize hazards is simply to implement the use of different equipment. In an office environment that may mean chairs that adjust to the employee, foot rests for lower extremity support, wrist rests to decrease awkward posture and contact stress, or computer screens that minimize glare. In a construction or manufacturing environment, it may mean utilizing anti-fatigue mats to reduce lower extremity fatigue and soreness, anti-vibration gloves, guards to prevent saw blade injuries, etc. 4. Implementation of standard rest breaks and or exercise programs . There may not be any way to modify the work environment; however, the more flexible and fit the workforce is, the less likely employees are to be injured. Implementing office-wide programs with employee buy in and support from management to take stretch breaks, or completing in mini exercise programs can effectively minimizing risk of injury. 3. Lifting . Typically an office worker does not do a significant amount of lifting, but occasionally an employee may do most of the lifting of files or paper for the copy machine or may move office equipment. 4. Lighting . Glare is the most common lighting issue, and occasionally there will be flickering or inadequate lighting. 5. Repetitive motion . Typing is an example of repetitive motion, but evaluators should also look for an environment where the employee must twist frequently (like to reach the printer) or reach for the phone or files frequently. 6. Static posture . Does the employee just sit in one position for long periods, or do they have the ability to shift positioning multiple times a day with adequate rest breaks? 7. Vibration . This is generally not an issue in an office environment.
providing incentives to complete the exercise program may be the best solution to prevent injury. 6. Static posture: This is defined as physical exertion where the same position is held throughout the task. The longer a position is held, and the more other risk factors are involved, the higher the risk of injury. Consider an employee that sits at a desk all day. Even if the workstation is set up to promote an ideal posture, risk of injury is still possible simply because of the static posture. Instructing the employee in regular mini stretch breaks and moving the printer so that the employee has to change position to reach it may be the best solution. Evaluators should talk to the employer about including a variety of tasks into each job. The more dynamic a position is, the less likely static posture is to be a risk factor. In a manufacturing environment, job rotation may reduce the static posture. Recommendations for improvement After evaluators have identified the potential or actual risks, it is now time to make recommendations for improvement. Evaluators can make several different types of recommendations: 1. Environmental modification . This involves changing the environment or workstation to better fit the employee. It is generally the simplest and cheapest intervention. For example, suppose the employee demonstrates an awkward posture of the neck because the middle of the computer monitor is positioned at eye level. Simply lowering the top of the computer level to eye level will improve the posture and reduce risk of injury. This could also be accomplished in other environments. If a work surface is high enough that the employee’s elbows are resting at greater than 90 degrees of flexion, it may be best to lower the work surface to a height that is more appropriate to the employee. The converse could be done if a work surface is too low, raising it with risers or by some other means. 2. Procedural modification . This involves retraining employees on procedures and habits to make a task safer. Consider a workstation where the employee must twist at their back to reach the printer, and there is no feasible way to move the workstation. In this case, retraining the employee to pivot the chair instead of twisting their back will effectively Workplace setup So how do these general risk factors apply to completing an ergonomic evaluation? The following section will apply each of these risk factors to an office environment. 1. Awkward posture . Look closely at the positioning of the chair and the computer monitor. The top of the computer screen should be an arm’s length away and at eye level. The phone should be positioned close to the employee so that they do not have to stretch to reach it. Elbows should be supported in 90-degree position, and feet should rest flat on the floor. 2. Contact stress . In an office environment, this is frequently found at the wrist or hands when typing. However, it can also be found if there is inadequate armrests and the employee rests their arms on other surfaces. Company XYZ is requesting an ergonomic assessment of an employee. The job is described as a customer service position, and the job description states that the job tasks include answering the phone and entering the appropriate information Job hazard analysis ● Involve the employees : The evaluator should ask this employee about her job. Are there any things that cause additional discomfort during the day? Does she have any ideas for solutions? This particular employee has no additional complaints from what was previously mentioned.
OFFICE EXAMPLE
into the computer. She is required to assist at least ten customers per hour. The employee has been with the company for six months and is now complaining of neck and back pain as well as frequent headaches. She does suggest that adjusting her chair may help, but she does not know how to adjust it correctly. ● Review accident history : This employee has only been with the company for six months, so this is likely the only incident that has been reported for this particular employee. However, the employer requested an evaluation because
Page 198
EliteLearning.com/ Physical-Therapy
Powered by FlippingBook