1. STUDY OF ERGONOMICS IN
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMON LIFE
Made by :
Surbhi sanchali Gupta
080909460 (192)
2. OBJECTIVES
Understand the definition, purpose of ergonomics.
Understand Primary Causes of Cumulative Trauma
Disorders (CTDs).
Understand ways to prevent CTDs
Study the basic methods to reduce / relieve ergo-stress
in industrial environment and hence, increase the
workforce efficiency.
3. What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics, also known as human factors, is the scientific
discipline that seeks to understand and improve human
interactions with products, equipment, environments and
systems.
Drawing upon human biology, psychology, engineering and
design, ergonomics aims to develop and apply knowledge and
techniques to optimise system performance, whilst protecting
the health, safety and well-being of individuals involved. The
attention of ergonomics extends across work, leisure and
other aspects of our daily lives.
Basically, Ergonomics is a science concerned with the fit between
people and their work. It puts people first, taking account of their
capabilities and limitations. Ergonomics aims to make sure that
tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each
worker.
4. Factors taken into account:
■ body size and shape
■ fitness and strength
■ posture
■ the senses, especially vision, hearing and touch
■ the stresses and strains on muscles, joints, nerves.
■ mental abilities
■ personality
■ knowledge
■ experience.
■ the job being done and the demands on the worker
■ the equipment used (its size, shape, and how appropriate it is for the task)
■ the information used (how it is presented, accessed, and changed)
■ the physical environment (temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, vibration)
■ the social environment (such as teamwork and supportive management).
5. 1. Applied Anthropometry
Introduction
The workplace should be designed to accommodate
the body size of the user. Anthropometry is the
measure of physical human traits that is applied to
determine allowable space and equipment size and
shape used for the work environment. Factors that are
considered include agility and mobility, age, sex, body
size, strength, and disabilities.
Engineering anthropometry applies these data to
tools, equipment, workplaces, chairs and other
consumer products, including clothing design.
6. Example
In the design of controls, the size of the operator‘s hand
must be considered. Important hand dimensions include
the circumference of the hand, breadth of the hand,
circumference of the wrist, and the maximum grip. Knobs,
for example, must consider these dimensions so they fit the
hand comfortably and turn easily.
1. Important Hand Dimensions:
1—Circumference of hand
2—Breadth of hand
3—Circumference of wrist
4—Maximum grip (circumference of thumb and forefinger)
7.
8. 2. Biomechanics
Introduction
Biomechanics is the study of the structural elements of
the human body in relation to how the body functions
and how much stress, acceleration and impact it can
stand.
Simply defined, it is the application of the
principles of mechanics to living biological
material. Today, the total energy demanded from a
person in the performance of an industrial task has
often been drastically reduced through better
engineering and technology.
9. For example, poorly designed or
improperly held hand tools may
squeeze the hand’s Ulnar nerve,
which can lead to numbness and
tingling of the fingers.
The simplest of hand tools, if
designed without the due
consideration to biomechanical
principles, can adversely affect
the health of people as well as
their performance and
productivity.
10. Equipment
Improperly designed chairs or other poorly designed
equipment may obstruct the blood flow to body
tissues. It is essential that designers as well as the
evaluators of tools and equipment be familiar with the
location of blood vessels vulnerable to compression.
Of special importance is the knowledge of the location
of blood vessels and other pressure sensitive
anatomical structures in the hand.
11. 3. Illumination
Lighting of a sufficient intensity is essential to
adequately perform visual tasks and to reduce worker
fatigue. How a space is used and what it is used for
influence how lighting should be applied.
Other factors that influence lighting design for a
task include appearance, economics, building costs,
energy consumption and the quality of lighting
desired.
Factors affecting the visual environment include
lighting fixtures, visual tasks, lighting maintenance,
lighting system design and the individuals’ eyesight.
12. The quantity of illumination relates to the amount of
light that exists or is required at a workplace. The
amount of light necessary for effective work depends
on the nature of the work, the sharpness of a worker’s
vision and the environment in which the work is done.
In the design of good lighting, safety and welfare
should be taken into account as well as visual
efficiency.
In some jobs where visual demands are not great, it is
normal for recommended levels of illumination to be
based on safety, welfare and amenity (creation of a
pleasant environment).
Too much light can be as damaging as too little.
13. Measures taken:
The best ergonomic solution for these varying needs is
to provide general workplace lighting and supplement
it with specific task lighting.
Lighting systems should be designed to provide a
uniform distribution of light over the entire work area.
To ensure that a given illumination level will be
maintained, give more light initially than is minimally
required. The reason for this is that such factors as
dirt, use and time deteriorate lighting.
Lighting should be directed to the work, or special
local lighting should be provided to match the needs
of the work and the general lighting levels.
14. Methodology
•Analyse the ergonomical seating arrangements, chair
adjustments.
•Describe the ergonomically correct driving postures.
•List the various CTDs and MSDs, their causes and prevention
techniques.
•Analyse the industrial material handling issues, and risks
involved.
•Analyse the WISHA Calculator for Analyzing Lifting Operations.
•Study the overexertion theory, and essential resting periods.
•Collect information regarding job mediated injuries, their types
and their frequency.
• Study trade specific injuries, and hence, suggest the prevention
techniques for the same.
•Conduct a survey about job satisfaction dependency and driving
habits and organize the results for a definite conclusion.
15. Importance of proposed work
This report:
mentions the significance of ergonomic design of
environment.
glances upon the various negative health effects of
improper postures, arrangements and positions, and gives
alternate yet healthier options for the same.
lists the various methods which if taken into
consideration; increases the harmony, ergonomical
stability in a system, and significantly reduces the work, or
mechanically related injuries.
Improves the efficiency of an industrial workforce.
The overall performance of an industry depends upon the
individual and overall health and well being of the workers
involved, and hence increase in their output and
performance improves the industrial growth and value.
16. Cumulative Trauma Disorders
(CTDs)
Introduction
Musculoskeletal injuries caused by working are
common. The majority of these injuries are not
accident-related broken bones or strained ligaments.
They usually develop over a period of time as a result
of repeated stress on a particular body part. The
condition is often ignored until the symptoms become
chronic and permanent injury occurs.
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and repetitive
motion injuries are terms used to refer to certain
musculoskeletal injuries.
17. A key reason for the increase in CTDs is the increase in
production due to automation. The assembly line,
computerized office machines and electronic checkout
stations in grocery stores are examples of workstations
that require a high volume of output.
One simple, strain-producing task may be repeated
several thousand times a day. High production
demands do not allow much time for rest and recovery.
The aging workforce relates to the incidence of CTDs
because the ability to withstand shock, chronic strain
and stress decreases as an individual ages.
18. A. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common nerve CTD.
It is a progressively disabling and painful condition of the
hand.
CTS results from injury to the median nerve, which is
located in the wrist. It is a nerve entrapment that develops
from the build-up of pressure on the median nerve as it
passes through the carpal tunnel.
This is a dime size passage between the carpal (wrist)
bones and the anterior transverse carpal ligament.
Since musculoskeletal strain from repeatedly flexing the
wrist or applying arm-wrist-finger force does not cause
observable injuries, it often takes months or years for
workers to detect damage.
19. Symptoms of CTS include
weakness, clumsiness,
numbness, pain, tingling
and a lack of sweating in
parts of the hand innervated
by the median nerve.
The condition is
progressive and can lead
to hand disabilities.
CTS is considered an
occupational disease, as it is
often associated with the
performance of particular
repetitive tasks.
20. Tenosynovitis.
Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the tendons and
sheaths. It is often associated with tasks demanding
extreme wrist deviation. For example, wrist deviation is
required to hold an in-line nut-runner in a horizontal
position.
Trigger finger.
Trigger finger is a form of Tenosynovitis that results when
any finger must be frequently flexed against resistance. It
may be avoided by designing tool handles for operation
by the thumb, by more than one finger, with lower force
requirements, or by not requiring constant pressure.
De Quervain’s Disease.
In De Quervain’s disease, the tendon sheath of both the
long and the short abductor muscles of the thumb
narrows. The disease is common among women,
particularly those who perform repetitive manual tasks
involving radial or inward hand motion and firm grips.
21. Tennis Elbow.
This form of tendinitis is an inflammatory reaction of tissues in
the elbow region. In an industrial environment, tennis elbow
may follow effort requiring palm-upward hand motion against
resistance, such as using a screwdriver, the violent upward
extension of the wrist with the palm down. The condition may
be avoided by ensuring that the rotation axis of the tool or
machine coincides with the rotation axis of the forearm.
Raynaud's Syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome occurs when blood vessels and nerves in
the hands constrict from conditions such as cold temperature,
vibration or emotion. The hands, fingers or finger tips may
become cold, blue, numb, and lose fine manipulative ability.
Upon recovery, the hands become red, accompanied by a
burning sensation. It can be confused with the one-sided
numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome.
22. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:
Corrective actions to prevent CTDs include adjusting the
height of work tables, conveyors and seats; automating
tasks to eliminate manual handling;
reducing the frequency of tasks or increasing the frequency
to a point where automation is necessary;
reducing the size or weight of loads; providing arm rests;
redesigning hand tools so that the axis of rotation or
application of force coincides with the axis of rotation of
the arm; providing operator training ( as explained further
in the presentation)
using careful pre-placement screening to identify high risk
employees; changing load positions in relation to the body
or hands; minimizing the time that a load is held in the
hands; and eliminating gloves if they cause a problem or
trying different gloves.
23. Among recommendations to help prevent the
development of CTDs are these:
Low frequency vibration in hand tools should be
eliminated or reduced.
Wrist deviation from the straight position should be
minimized especially where a great deal of force must be
exerted.
Where possible, a closed fist (rather than a pinch)
should be used to reduce tendon tension
24. 1. Hand tool corrections
Each year, hand tools are the source of approximately 6
percent of all compensable injuries. Improper use of hand
tools and defective tools can cause biomechanical stress
and injuries.
Types of injuries frequently reported include broken bones,
contusions, loss of eyes and eyesight, and puncture
wounds. Additionally, fingers, tendons and arteries are
severed from the use of cutting tools.
Basic safety precautions mandate that tools always be kept
in good condition and be used properly. Workers should be
careful to use the proper tool for the job performed. Figure
illustrates particular hand tools with ergonomically
designed features
26. 2. Hand and Wrist Postures
Some hand tools may force the wrist to assume
awkward postures. The wrist position affects the
effective strength of the contracting muscles.
Therefore, as the angle of the joint increases or
decreases from the neutral position, there is more
stress on the tendons. Ulnar deviation is the bending
of the wrist toward the little finger, and radial
deviation is the bending of the wrist toward the
thumb. Extension is bending the wrist up and back,
and flexion is bending of the wrist down towards the
palm
27.
28. 3. Finger and Hand Grips
The grips used most frequently to hold objects are
shown in Figure. The tip grip (pinching) is a position
grasp used for precise manipulations.
The side grip is also classified as a precision grip.
Repeated use of these grips creates stress on the two
tendons controlling the thumbs and fingers.
The power grip requires the thumb to align with the
long axis of the forearm and the wrist assumes a slight
ulnar deviation. The posture may be stressful when
combined with high repetition and extreme force.
29.
30. 4. Seating
Almost 50 percent of workers in the industrial world
are thought to suffer from back problems. Many back
problems originate from improper sitting positions.
Complications that may arise from poor seating
conditions include:
Lumbar damage from lack of support in the lumbar
region.
Damage to the erector spine muscles due to sitting
without back support.
Damage to the knees, legs, and lumbar region, from
sitting without footrests of the proper height.
Damage to various muscle groups
31. A. Proper Sitting Positions
Proper sitting contributes to the physical well-being of
a worker. It may also add as much as 40 minutes of
production to each worker’s day if the chair is properly
selected and customized to support the lower back.
The ideal position for sitting at work exists when there
is a slight curve in the lumbar region of the back, as is
found in the standing position. The worker’s shoulders
should be relaxed, with the upper arms hanging down
loosely. During work, the neck should not be bent too
much
32.
33. B. Guidelines to Chair Adjustment
The human body dimension that provides a starting
point for determining correct chair height is the
“Popliteal” height.
Figure illustrates the Popliteal height. This is the
height from the floor to the point at the crease behind
the knee. The chair height is correct when the entire
sole of the foot can rest on the floor or footrest and the
back of the knee is slightly higher than the seat of the
chair. This allows the blood to circulate freely in the
legs and feet.
The back of the chair should be adjusted so that it
catches the concave portion of the back’s lumbar
region.
34.
35. 5. Physical Space Arrangements
For workspace to be functional, both the user of the
space and the work to be performed must be
considered. Workspace arrangements should consider
worker comfort, physical constraints and performance
requirements.
Four basic considerations regarding the worker that
must be taken into account are:
What the worker needs to see.
The amount of communication needed with co-workers
and supervisors.
Equipment and material that the worker must be able
to work with and reach.
Body clearances that are needed by the worker.
36. 6. Driving
The goal of ergonomics is to fit your car so you can
drive in a way that maximizes the natural ability of
your body to move and respond to physical stress. This
minimizes exposures to risk factors that may result in
injury or illness.
37. Here are 10 easy things to look for before you
start your next drive:
Remove items from your pockets, such as a wallet or keys,
which may press on soft tissue as you sit down. This compression
can reduce circulation or press on nerves and other soft tissues.
Position items that you may need during your drive :
sunglasses, tissue, if you have allergies like the rest of us, throat
lozenges or mints, etc. Place these in a location so you do not
have to reach for them while driving. If you have to reach for an
item, take the time to pull over in a safe place instead of risking
an accident and/or injury due to awkward reaching.
Buckle up! If the seat belt strap is uncomfortable, take a short
piece of large diameter soft pipe insulation or foam and place it
on the part of the strap that is not comfortable against your body.
If you like to spend money, purchase a shoulder strap cushion at
your favourite store where car accessories are sold.
38. Adjust your mirrors so that you do not have to crane your neck to
see. If you have a blind spot in your car you can attach a small mirror
your dashboard to improve your view.
Lumbar support – the lower part of your back should feel supported.
If it is not supported by your car seat you can roll up a small towel and
place it in the curve of your lower back. A lumbar roll is a cylindrical
shaped pillow sold at back stores and physical therapy offices. This is
more expensive but some people like the support of foam and they also
like to spend money.
Back tilt – The least amount of pressure on the back occurs when your
seat back is at 100-110 degrees so that you are slightly reclined. The seat
back should fully support your back. If you cannot recline your seat
back, take frequent breaks from your upright posture by shifting your
weight side to side and using small upper body motions to relax the
back (see the Wellness Centre staff for more ideas on exercises and
stretches while driving).
Seat cushion length – when seated in your car, scoot your tale bone as
far back to the seat back as possible. After doing this, you should be
able to place your hand comfortably between the back of your knee and
the front of the seat. If you cannot do this, add a pillow or back cushion
to your car seat to move you forward.
39. Seat pan tilt – the seat of your car should allow for your
knees to be slightly lower than your hips. This opens up
your hip flexors and increases circulation to the back and
decreases pressure on the lower back.
Stepping up and stepping out – If you drive one of those
large vehicles with a high step up/down add an extra step or
slowly step in and out of your vehicle versus jumping down.
Over time, the jumping down can cause compression to
your spine. Straps and other hand assist devices for holding
on to should be checked frequently for wear and tear.
Steering wheel grip – “the best posture is the next
posture.” It is advisable to keep two hands on your steering
wheel except when shifting gears. Change your hand
postures frequently to improve circulation and reduce
fatigue.
40. There are common postures that should be
avoided :
The death grip – this grip results in decreased circulation and muscle
tension. Your grip should be light. If your knuckles are white, you are gripping
too hard!
The one arm cool dude -the wrist rests at 12 o’clock on the steering
wheel and the fingers flop over the top. Not only does this cause compression
of soft tissue of the wrist, but it reduces circulation at the neck and shoulder,
too.
Arms straight out in front to reach the steering wheel –
you should be able to drive with your shoulders relaxed and your arms close to
the sides of your body. If you have to reach too far forward your steering wheel
maybe too far away. You can try tilting the steering wheel upwards and using a
light grasp lower on the steering wheel.
One arm propped on your window – this posture decreases
circulation at the neck and shoulder and may compress soft tissue on the
arm/wrist.
43. Epidemiology of Back Injuries
Short Term or acute effects:
• Sharp Surfaces
• Dropped Material
• Struck-by Moving Materials
• Mechanical Stress
• Slips and Falls
“Simpler” Cause and effect relationship
44. Chronic or Long Term Effects
• Back Ache or Pain
• Disc Degeneration
Cause and effect not as simple, more
difficult to analyze
45. Material Handling
•Lifting/Lowering
•Pushing/Pulling
•Carrying
•Weights and
Forces
•Frequency of
Activities
•Load Center of
Gravity
46. Job Risk Factors
• Weight of the Object
• Location (position of load
w.r.t. worker)
• Frequency of Lifts
• Stability of the Load
• Hand Coupling
• Workplace Geometry
Twisting/Stooping
• Environmental Factors
48. Examples of
Manual Handling Controls
• Avoid extreme range of motion when lifting
• Redesign work station/work area to allow
freedom of movement
• Provide handles on material handling
equipment
• Provide lift-assist devices and tables
• Unit Load Concept
49. Job Design
Minimize reach and lift
distances
• Keep off floor
• Work station design
•Frequency
• Relax time standard
• Rotation
• Work-Rest allowances
50. Job Design
•Minimize Weight
• Mechanical aids
• Carton capacity
• Balance contents
•Convert
• Carry to push/pull
• Push over pull
• Use large heels
51. Training
•Focus on awareness
and avoidance
•Get object as close to
body as possible
•Planning
•Use of handling aids
•Back Schools
•Strength and fitness
important
54. WISHA
If the job is a hazard
• Reduce weight of load
• Increase weight of load so that it requires
mechanical assistance.
• Reduce the capacity of the container, Etc.
55. Overexertion injuries
A plethora of epidemiological studies reported in the
literature reveal beyond doubt a strong association
between exertion and injuries to the various regions of
the human body.
A number of cross-sectional and case studies have
shown that various disorders were caused in the neck
and shoulder regions by increased muscle contraction.
The rapid increase of upper limb repetitive strain injury
(RSI) or cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) has been
largely attributed to the loads of posture force levels,
and repetition of posture and/or force application.
56. Components of the overexertion
theory
Force of exertion
A reliable measure of strength is a single maximal
voluntary contraction exerted over a period of up to
five seconds
The value of strength varies in different activities.
Different levels of strength exertion have different levels of
physiological demands.
the duration for which a muscular contraction can be
sustained depends on the level of contraction.
57. Contractions of the levels of 15 to 20 per cent only can be
held indefinitely as a continuous hold. Higher levels of
contraction impede the blood supply and thereby
availability of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles doing
the work.
Furthermore, such an occlusion of the blood supply also
interferes with the removal of metabolites, which results
in a sensation of pain.
58. Relationship between exertion and risk of overexertion injuries.
The graph shown (taken from biomechanics in ergonomics, by
shrawan kumar) clearly indicated that there is a direct
relationship between the MVC and job mediated risk. Also,
higher the constant work level (CWL) higher the risk. Whereas
the preferred work level (PWL) is at neutral risk.
59. Duration of exertion
The significance of the time variable of exertion is
dependent upon the type of contraction, the
magnitude of contraction, the recovery period
and the repetition of the activity in question.
the strength required on the job increases the
injury incidence also increases.
60. Relationship between the frequency of job activity and
the job mediated risk of overexertion injuries.
Therefore, from the graph, we can conclude that the repetitions of a
simple job also need to be controlled. The management of an industry
would do well to rotate its employees if the job has a very high
frequency. It is true that a more experienced employee yields better
results. But an employee who is ailing yields nothing.
61. So, we can conclude that,
making even small changes in material handling habits can
result in a large decrease in the chances for a vocational
injury for a worker.
The weight lifted/carried/transferred is not same for
everybody or even for the same person in different
positions. The people responsible for the worker class
should take note of this, and implement this for a better
and more effective workforce.
The resting periods vary from job to job and can change
drastically for an individual and must be taken into
account, or the worker faces the danger of being burned
out. Which leave him, and the industry dissatisfied, hence
must be kept in mind. The industrial employers should
make the resting cycles small but many, instead of only
some long cycles.
62. Common Job mediated injuries and
prevention techniques.
Workplace injuries happen all the time. The most
susceptible employees who experience workplace
injuries are those working in more dangerous areas
such as construction sites and factories. However
the most common types of injuries which have
greatly affected both employees and employers are
those that we don't necessarily think as dangerous
but are nevertheless detrimental to the health and
safety of workers.
63. Here are some of the most common and disabling workplace
injuries according to the 2008 Workplace Safety Index:
1. Overexertion-- This includes injuries related to pulling,
lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing
activities at work. Overexertion has consistently been a
number one workplace injury among the surveys and
statistics.
2. Fall on Same Level Surfaces-- This pertains to falls on wet
and slippery office floors. Other related examples are falls
and slips especially by elderly people on snow covered
pathways on their way to work.
3. Fall to Lower Level - This type of fall happens from an
elevated area such as roofs, ladders, and stairways.
64. 4. Bodily Reaction-- These are injuries caused by slipping and tripping
without falling.
5. Struck by Object-- Objects that fall from shelves or dropped by another
person. These can cause very serious injuries.
6. Struck against an Object - This happens when a person accidentally runs
into concrete objects such as walls, doors, cabinets, glass windows, table,
chairs etc.
7. Highway Incident - Transportation used for business purposes such as
trucks and cars may be involved in an automobile accident just like any
regular traveller.
8. Caught in/ compressed by - This type of injury usually occurs in a
factory where large and dangerous machinery is used. Sometimes little
or no precaution in its usage may endanger the safety of its operators.
Exposure to extreme temperature is also an example of this workplace
injury.
65. 9. Repetitive Motion - This type of workplace injury is one of those less
obvious but definitely harmful ones in the long run. Repetitive
motions such as typing and using the computer 24/7 can strain
muscles and tendons causing back pain, vision problems, and carpal
tunnel syndrome.
10. Assaults and violent acts - Attacks caused by office politics and other
arguments have led to serious physical injuries.
11. Since workplace injuries will surely affect the employee's physical
and mental health, it is clearly stated by the law that they are
entitled to receive proper compensation for the damages. Workplace
injuries can cause a major disability that is ultimately detrimental to
the employee's work and personal life. So in the event that the
company fails to address this concern, the worker may sue the
company for the damages and medical expenses.
66. Prevention
There are a lot of ways that employers and employees can
do in order to prevent work related injuries. First is a
careful planning of the office or work area from the
location of the equipment, tables and chairs, and also
warning signs for other dangerous equipment.
Using engineering control systems, work materials can
minimize awkward positions, strenuous handling, and
repetitive motion problems. Manuals on the proper use of
work tools should be regularly updated and enforced to the
employees.
It is also best if the management can include fitness and
exercise programs to avoid overexertion. Finally, employees
should realize that being extra careful will definitely go a
long way. Preventing work injuries will always be a two way
street for both employers and employees.
67. Nature of injury or illness of non-fatal
occupational injuries and illnesses involving days
away from work, 2003
Nature of injury Percent
Sprains, strains 42.9
Bruises, contusion 9
Cuts, lacerations 7.3
Fractures 7.2
Heat Burns 1.5
Carpal tunnel syndrome 1.7
Tendonitis .6
Chemical burns .6
Amputations .6
Multiple Traumatic Injuries 3.6
Other 25.0
68.
69. Sprains and strains were the leading nature of injury or illness in every
major industry sector in 2003, with 33 percent of these cases occurring in
the trade, transportation, and utilities major industry sector and an
additional 19 percent in the education and health services major industry
sector.
The three occupations with the overall greatest number of injuries and
illnesses were labourers and material movers; heavy and tractor-trailer
truck drivers; and nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants.
Labourers and material movers, and heavy and tractor-trailer truck
drivers often suffered sprains and strains to the trunk or lower
extremities, stemming from overexertion or contacts with objects or
equipment.
Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants predominantly suffered sprains
and strains to their trunk (typically their back), due to overexertion
related to lifting or moving patients.
70. Preventing common injuries
Back injuries
Low back pain is the most common and costly of work
related musculoskeletal disorders. Other back injuries
include:
spinal disc rupture (particularly of the lower lumbar spine)
nerve compression (the most common is sciatica nerve
pain)
muscle spasm of the back/hip muscles
Aggravation of a pre-existing degenerative condition.
71. The major causes of back injuries are:
Manual tasks such as lifting, pushing and pulling (by far the major cause at 50%)
frequent twisting postures
slipping, tripping and falling
static sitting or standing for long periods
sustained fixed postures (even the most comfortable)
Vibration (particularly plant and vehicle seating).
Ways to control hazards
Redesign the work and the manual tasks to eliminate or minimise the degree of
handling required.
If working with a bent back: take short breaks to straighten your back and stretch.
If lifting repeatedly: take regular breaks, particularly in hot weather when you
fatigue faster.
If continuously sitting: stand and walk occasionally. Store some work items just out
of reach so you have to move.
If standing for long periods: occasionally sit on a high stool or a sit/stand chair.
When you need to position a load in another direction: turn with your whole body.
Do not twist your trunk.
Store loads close to where you need them to save double handling.
Return mechanical aids to where they belong so others can locate them easily.
Alternate heavy jobs with light jobs.
Use assistance to move heavy or awkward loads.
72. Upper limb injuries
Upper limb injuries are common in keyboard work and
processing, production and manufacturing industries.
They affect nearly all soft tissues of the upper limb
(including muscles, tendons, tendon sheaths, nerves
and blood vessels) and may affect the lower limb.
Common injuries include tendon disorders (like
tendonitis), nerve disorders (like carpal tunnel
syndrome) and neurovascular disorders (like
Raynaud's Syndrome which affects the circulatory
and nervous systems).
73. Upper limb injuries are caused by:
repetitive motions (such as packing or sorting)
static postures or sustained exertions (such as gripping and
manipulating a hand tool that is too big)
forceful exertions (such as lifting a heavy load or cutting
with a blunt knife).
vibration
compression or contact stress (caused by hard or sharp
edges)
awkward postures
working in low temperatures
prolonged duration and frequency of work
psychosocial stresses.
74. Ways to control hazards
Redesign the work and the manual tasks to eliminate
or minimise the degree of handling.
Remove or reduce repetition in the job.
Modify the workplace layout.
Modify equipment.
Maintain equipment.
Provide task-specific training (given in combination
with other control options).
75. Survey results and conclusions
drawn
(the survey conducted can be found at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LVJ7DV7 and the
answer collected can be seen after completing the
survey.)
76. The Survey Conducted
1. Were you aware that there are ergonomically stable chair, keyboard and
other materials available very easily?
No, and I don't frankly know what "ergonomically" means.
Yes I have heard of them, but don't know how effective they are.
Yes, I have heard of them, and plan to use some of them.
Yes, and have used several, but don't think they make much difference.
Yes, and use them to my extreme satisfaction.
2. Do you drive an automobile? If yes then how often?
No, not really.
Yes, but only if I need to. I don't like doing it.
Yes, I do it as often as I have to, I can't really get anywhere without it.
Yes, I do it often, my work requires me to.
Yes, I love to drive. I like taking long drives several times a week.
77. 3. How tiring do you find driving as a work?
Driving = work? not really. It is fun. I don't get tired at all even after long
hours of driving a vehicle.
Very tiring. I try avoid doing it myself as often as possible. My muscles ache
because of it.
Only a little bit tiring. I don't really mind doing it. After all it is not like you
can avoid it.
Other (please specify)
4. Have you ever had a work related injury? like a muscle pull or a
bone fracture? Can you please describe it please if yes?
5. Have you ever quit a job/ thought seriously about quitting it,
because you are uncomfortable, tired a lot at it? If yes, then why?
6. have you ever had a driving related injury or an accident? if yes,
can you please describe the injury and how it happened? Even if
you were you not behind the wheel.
78. 7. How often do you find yourself straining your neck
because you forgot to adjust your side/back view
mirrors?
79. Question1) were you aware that there are ergonomically stable
chair, keyboard and other materials available very easily?
50 No, and I frankly know what
"ergonomically means
45
40
Yes, I have heard of
35 them, but don't know how
30 effective they are
25
Yes, I have heard of
20 them, and plan to use some
of them
15
10 Yes, I have used several, but
5 don't think they make much
difference
0
%age Yes, and I use them to my
satisfaction
80. Conclusion: people have either not heard of them
(ergonomic friendly products) at all, or have not been
satisfied with their marketing/ final product. There
needs to be a more focused market on this so people
can make use of them more efficiently.
81. Question2) Do you drive an automobile? If yes then how
often?
No, not really
35
30
Yes, but only if I need to.
I don't really like doing it
25
Yes, I do it as often as I
20 have to, I can't really get
anywhere without it
15 Yes, I do it often, my
work requires me to
10
I love to drive. I Like
5 taking long drives
several times a week
0
%age
82. Conclusion: contrary to popular belief, most people do
not relish the idea of driving excessively, and they see
it more as a ‘thing they have to do in the new world.’
Or they avoid it all together. If the drive was more
comfortable, and less of a stressful activity, more
people would enjoy a necessary task that they have to
perform. Today, a number of solutions are available to
make the driving less stressful a task, as posted further
on.
83. Question3) How tiring do you find driving as a work?
40
Driving is not work. I
don't get tired even
35
after long hours of
driving.
30
Very tiring. I try to
25 avoid doing it myself as
often as possible. It
20 makes my muscles ache
Only a little tiring. I
15 don't really mind doing
it. It is not like I can
10 avoid it.
I don't drive
5
0
%age
84. Conclusion: A very large number of people either treat
driving as a tiresome work, or don’t do it at all. That
seems to point out, that driving and by that
extension, prolonged sitting is uncomfortable. It can
be made more comfortable by some aforementioned
postures and ways.
85. Question4) Have you ever had a work related injury?
like a muscle pull or a bone fracture? Can you please
describe it please if yes?
Responses (very similar responses have not been written
repeatedly)
Yes, While gyming it happens very often, when muscles
expand and you tend to put more pressure it gets to a point
when u find it hard to move your limbs for even the most
common things that you normally do.
neck, shoulder , upper back discomfort from the extremely
uncomfortable lab stools
Yes, I have pulled my back out twice at my current job.
Pulled muscle in back, pulled hamstring, dislocated knee
cap, spinal compression, and separated shoulders, among
many others at my job.
Yes, I have pulled my back out twice at my current job.
86. Upper back, and neck pain due to sitting hunched over my PC.
Tendinitis on my right thumb: According to the doctor its due to the
excessive use of the thumb in activities such as
texting, videogames, writing and use of devices such as an iPod. Its
also known as the iPod finger or a Nintendo or a blackberry finger.
Yes, muscle tear during my work as an Army Officer.
Back and neck pain while sitting in front of laptop.
shoulder dislocation
Yes. Back ache and muscle pull in hand because of long hours in
front of PC.
Etc
Conclusion: the most common injuries mentioned here are
job related injuries, and they discourage people from
working hard, and spread job dissatisfaction. Also, the
some of the injuries mentioned here are due to improper
postures in front of computers, which are a big part of the
modern life. So, the importance of a good posture is very
significant.
87. Question5) Have you ever quit a job/ thought seriously about
quitting it, because you are uncomfortable, tired a lot at it? If
yes, then why?
yes...not happy with boss...
yup, quit one of my internships once when they made me travel 2
hours daily in a really uncomfortable way.
Yes. the discomforts mimics the pain seen in spondilitis patients
Yes, got tired of it and found a better job hence left it
Yes, when I had the problem with excessive dust, and they
wouldn’t take a very inexpensive action needed to get rid of it. It
showed me I wasn’t important enough, so.
Conclusion: when administration fails to show the employee they
matter by avoiding taking care of their safety/comfort, it breeds
dissatisfaction, anger, and result of human resources.
88. Question6) How often do you find yourself straining your neck
because you forgot to adjust your side/back view mirrors?
not really I adjust as and when required
Never, first thing I check, even when getting into my own car
very very often
quite often
Sometimes, but usually I don't forget.
Quite some times.
not often
twice a day
Seldom
Conclusion: A high number of people forget to adjust the mirrors
while driving, and have to strain their neck because of it. That
can and usual does result in CTDs.
89. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE
SCOPE OF WORK
This project gives the various postures for a better health, for avoiding CTDs/MSDs and
ergonomic stability of an environment, various material handling techniques, hand
tool corrections, the design for a home stair support railing, and various techniques to
improve the sitting and driving experience.
•Small and slight changes in the equipments/ chairs/ space arrangement/ lifting
methods ensure that the posture and the blood supply to all the nerves and
vessels are optimised.
•Material handling risks can be minimized by the help of proper training, a
conscious decision to follow the correct lifting methods.
•Overexertion injuries are caused by either doing too big a job, or doing it too
many times. The preferred work level for an employee makes the job mediated
risk minimal. It is the duty of the industrial administration to ensure that the
workforce is not abused or made to burn out.
90. The survey conducted can be summed as:
the market for ergonomics paraphernalia is not evolved, and needs to
be developed in order to help people.
Driving, or simply sitting for long durations can be made more
comfortable, and should be given more attention; as it a big part of the
modern day life.
Job satisfaction depends very significantly on the comfort level/safety of
the employee. It is the job of administration to make sure the job
mediated risk is minimized to increase loyalty and job security for their
work force.
91. Future Scope
There should be further research on the safety and hazard
factors for industries, and also in the field of ergonomics as
a whole.
The administration of employers should develop a system
to ensure no employee is burned out or is at a risk of job
mediated injuries.
All over the world, UN has labour laws in effect. But in
India, they are ignored or worse, have not been
implemented at all. The implementation of these laws is
fairly simple, and should help the industry too.
The ergonomically efficient models and consumer products
available in the market receive a very lukewarm review and
can be much developed upon. Better products will ensure
that the vocational injuries and CTDs are minimized.
