Reference : SPINE ERGONOMICS by Malcolm H. Pope, Kheng Lim Goh, and
Marianne L. Magnusson
Liberty Safework Research Centre, Departments of Environmental and Occupational
Medicine and Bio-Medical Physics and Bio-Engineering, University of Aberdeen,
Aberdeen, AB25 2ZP Scotland, United Kingdom; e-mail: m.pope@biomed.abdn.ac.uk
ERGONOMICS by Kroemer and Kroemer Second Edition
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and cognitive abilities. It aims to increase employee efficiency and health while preventing damage, difficulties, and unnecessary activities or movements. Proper ergonomic design considers anthropometric data like age, gender, height, and weight, as well as human abilities related to senses, endurance, speed, and strength.
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and tasks to fit human capabilities. It aims to prevent repetitive stress injuries by matching jobs, tools, and work environments to individual workers. The field originated during the Industrial Revolution to improve productivity as new technologies like assembly lines were introduced. Today, ergonomics is applied in various settings like offices, hospitals, and product design to reduce injuries, increase comfort, and improve overall worker health, safety, and performance. Proper ergonomic practices can help organizations through decreased costs from factors such as absenteeism and employee turnover.
Ergonomics is the science of designing workplaces to fit workers' capabilities to reduce injury risk. Poor ergonomic design can cause musculoskeletal disorders by requiring awkward postures, forceful motions or repetitive tasks without rest. Common issues include back strains, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Ergonomic solutions adapt tools, workstations and jobs to workers' bodies through adjustable equipment, job rotation, breaks and training. Proper ergonomics can prevent injuries while improving productivity and worker comfort.
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human interactions with elements of a work system to optimize human well-being and system performance. Poor ergonomics in offices can cause repetitive strain injuries from tasks like computer use. Common risk factors are repetition, sustained postures, awkward postures, and contact stress. Improving ergonomics reduces injuries and improves productivity. Recommendations include adjustable seating and workstations, taking breaks, avoiding strain, and controlling lighting, temperature, humidity, and noise.
Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment and focuses on preventing repetitive stress injuries. It considers differences in individual workers as well as environmental and physical stressors. The document outlines key ergonomic principles like permitting various postures and using large muscle groups. It discusses common injuries from overexertion and improper lifting as well as how to address issues through stretching, taking breaks, and assessing task setups. Proper ergonomics of computer workstations, equipment sizes, and neutral postures are emphasized.
Ergonomics is defined as the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to human capabilities. The goal of ergonomics is to improve health and productivity by designing tasks, equipment, and workspaces to match human physical and cognitive abilities. It takes into account physical, cognitive and organizational factors like repetitive strain injuries, mental workload, shift work and job satisfaction. Ergonomics principles can be applied to work environments as well as other settings like driving to help prevent accidents and injuries.
Ergonomics is defined as the science related to designing equipment and tasks to maximize productivity and reduce user fatigue and stress. The field has its origins in the 19th century and gained prominence due to high accident rates from poorly designed cockpits during World War I. Ergonomic principles are now commonly applied in workplace design to reduce musculoskeletal injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Benefits of ergonomics include increased employee comfort, satisfaction, and productivity as well as lower health care costs and improved morale for employers.
This document discusses ergonomics and its importance in various domains. It defines ergonomics as the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks to match human capabilities. The document outlines objectives of understanding ergonomics and its types, including micro and macro ergonomics. It discusses domains of ergonomics like physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics. The document also covers risk factors, injuries, and recommendations for various work environments like healthcare, schools and offices to avoid ergonomic issues.
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and cognitive abilities. It aims to increase employee efficiency and health while preventing damage, difficulties, and unnecessary activities or movements. Proper ergonomic design considers anthropometric data like age, gender, height, and weight, as well as human abilities related to senses, endurance, speed, and strength.
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and tasks to fit human capabilities. It aims to prevent repetitive stress injuries by matching jobs, tools, and work environments to individual workers. The field originated during the Industrial Revolution to improve productivity as new technologies like assembly lines were introduced. Today, ergonomics is applied in various settings like offices, hospitals, and product design to reduce injuries, increase comfort, and improve overall worker health, safety, and performance. Proper ergonomic practices can help organizations through decreased costs from factors such as absenteeism and employee turnover.
Ergonomics is the science of designing workplaces to fit workers' capabilities to reduce injury risk. Poor ergonomic design can cause musculoskeletal disorders by requiring awkward postures, forceful motions or repetitive tasks without rest. Common issues include back strains, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Ergonomic solutions adapt tools, workstations and jobs to workers' bodies through adjustable equipment, job rotation, breaks and training. Proper ergonomics can prevent injuries while improving productivity and worker comfort.
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human interactions with elements of a work system to optimize human well-being and system performance. Poor ergonomics in offices can cause repetitive strain injuries from tasks like computer use. Common risk factors are repetition, sustained postures, awkward postures, and contact stress. Improving ergonomics reduces injuries and improves productivity. Recommendations include adjustable seating and workstations, taking breaks, avoiding strain, and controlling lighting, temperature, humidity, and noise.
Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment and focuses on preventing repetitive stress injuries. It considers differences in individual workers as well as environmental and physical stressors. The document outlines key ergonomic principles like permitting various postures and using large muscle groups. It discusses common injuries from overexertion and improper lifting as well as how to address issues through stretching, taking breaks, and assessing task setups. Proper ergonomics of computer workstations, equipment sizes, and neutral postures are emphasized.
Ergonomics is defined as the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to human capabilities. The goal of ergonomics is to improve health and productivity by designing tasks, equipment, and workspaces to match human physical and cognitive abilities. It takes into account physical, cognitive and organizational factors like repetitive strain injuries, mental workload, shift work and job satisfaction. Ergonomics principles can be applied to work environments as well as other settings like driving to help prevent accidents and injuries.
Ergonomics is defined as the science related to designing equipment and tasks to maximize productivity and reduce user fatigue and stress. The field has its origins in the 19th century and gained prominence due to high accident rates from poorly designed cockpits during World War I. Ergonomic principles are now commonly applied in workplace design to reduce musculoskeletal injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Benefits of ergonomics include increased employee comfort, satisfaction, and productivity as well as lower health care costs and improved morale for employers.
This document discusses ergonomics and its importance in various domains. It defines ergonomics as the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks to match human capabilities. The document outlines objectives of understanding ergonomics and its types, including micro and macro ergonomics. It discusses domains of ergonomics like physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics. The document also covers risk factors, injuries, and recommendations for various work environments like healthcare, schools and offices to avoid ergonomic issues.
This document discusses how ergonomics can help increase productivity in an educational institution. It begins by defining ergonomics as the study of human interaction with the working environment. It then discusses how applying ergonomic principles to education can benefit students' learning and teachers' teaching. Specific ways ergonomics can help educators mentioned include protecting health, enhancing the learning experience, preventing long-term issues, and allowing students to reach their full potential. The document also provides examples of ergonomic products that can help teachers, such as mobile stands, presentation keyboards, and ergonomic chairs and desks. It emphasizes that ergonomic classrooms can improve student concentration and motivation by addressing their physical needs.
Ergonomics the work natural law uk boys (5)Nikhil Boble
Ergonomics is defined as the science of designing workplaces to fit human physical dimensions and prevent injuries while increasing comfort and productivity. The word was coined in 1857 and comes from Greek words meaning "work" and "natural laws." There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity, and aesthetics. Examples of ergonomic design include office furniture that maintains natural body positions and dental practices focused on patient safety. Benefits include increased comfort, decreased stress, time savings, improved morale and productivity. Future directions may include more automation, energy management visualization tools, and integration into quality management and health standards. The conclusion emphasizes that work injuries are preventable through ongoing risk assessment.
This document discusses office ergonomics and how to design workstations to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It defines ergonomics as designing tools and tasks to fit the worker, not the other way around. It notes that MSDs cause 600,000 injuries requiring time off work annually, with women more affected due to job duties. Proper ergonomic setup of chairs, keyboards, monitors and other equipment can help reduce repetitive stress and injuries by promoting neutral postures. Questions about ergonomic issues can be directed to the Safety and Environmental Health department.
This document discusses ergonomics and defines it as fitting the workplace to the worker in order to increase safety, efficiency, and productivity. It describes musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can develop over time from repetitive motions or prolonged awkward postures. Specific risk factors for MSDs are identified like repetition, force, vibration, static postures, and inadequate recovery time between tasks. Signs and symptoms of MSDs are explained along with the importance of early reporting. Methods for avoiding MSDs through neutral postures, proper lifting, micro-breaks, and adjustable workstations are covered. Examples of ergonomic issues with material handling, computers, and specific jobs are provided and the benefits of improved ergonomics like increased
Ergonomics aims to optimize human well-being and system performance by understanding interactions between humans and other elements of a system. The document discusses ergonomics in industrial and everyday contexts. It defines ergonomics and examines factors considered like body measurements, posture, and environment. Common causes of injury like repetitive motions are explained. Guidelines for proper seating, hand and finger positions, and tool design aim to prevent cumulative trauma disorders. Physical workspace arrangements must also account for worker needs and constraints. The overall goal is to reduce workplace injuries and improve efficiency.
The document discusses several fundamental ergonomic principles for maintaining neutral posture, working in the power zone, allowing movement and stretching, reducing excessive force, motions and vibration, minimizing contact stress, and providing adequate lighting. Following these principles can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders by placing minimal stress on the body and avoiding awkward postures.
1. The document discusses ergonomic awareness and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), outlining five signal risk factors for MSDs: repetitive motion, frequent or heavy lifting, contact stress, unsupported or awkward positions, and vibrating tools or equipment.
2. It describes signs and symptoms of MSDs and recommends reporting any persistent symptoms. It also provides tips to reduce risk factors like using lifting aids, rotating jobs, and avoiding awkward postures.
3. Guidelines for safe lifting are presented, noting the lower back is weakest and recommending a semi-squat lift. Factors like load weight, distance, and frequency can increase lifting hazards.
Ergonomics is the scientific study of the relationship of employees to their physical environment, including the work-space and related tools. This has become an active area in the research fields to increase the comfort (and productivity) of employees.
OrthoTexas in Irving, Texas provides total and partial shoulder replacement surgery to treat various shoulder conditions like osteoarthritis, fractures, rotator cuff tears, and injuries. The surgery relieves pain, restores movement, and improves functionality so patients can perform daily activities. OrthoTexas surgeons specialize in shoulder replacements at their location on 2001 North MacArthur Blvd., Suite 255 in Irving.
This document discusses the six disciplines of ergonomics: physiology, psychology, general engineering, physics, biomechanics, and anthropometry. Physiology understands how the human body responds to the work environment. Psychology understands cognitive human interaction in work. General engineering develops appropriate tools and equipment designs. Physics uses science and engineering concepts to describe body motions and forces during activities. Biomechanics deals with the mechanical elements and motion of the human body in work. Anthropometry defines physical measures of a person for comparisons.
The document discusses ergonomics and defines it as the study of human capabilities in relationship to work demands. It outlines some ergonomic principles for minimizing unnecessary static work and reducing forces on the body, including permitting various postures and using larger muscle groups. However, applying these principles requires skilled self-observation and posture adjustment, which most people lack without special training. The Alexander Technique is presented as a training program that can develop these skills to help people practice ergonomic principles and reduce injury risks by alerting them to misused body positions and excessive static work or muscle force during everyday activities.
Ergonomics is the study of human interaction with products, processes, and systems to optimize safety, comfort and productivity. Good ergonomic design considers human abilities and limitations, such as force, flexibility, sight and hearing. Poor ergonomic design can lead to repetitive motion injuries by requiring unnatural movements or excessive force over long periods. Key principles for ergonomic design include adjusting workstations to appropriate heights, limiting twisting and bending, reducing noise and glare, and allowing for rest breaks to prevent injury.
The document discusses ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at the workplace. It defines ergonomics as fitting the job to the worker rather than forcing the worker to fit the job. Common MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome and back strain caused by repetitive motions, awkward positions, and lack of breaks. The document recommends applying ergonomic principles such as using proper posture, taking breaks, and adjusting work tools, equipment, and workstations to reduce strain and prevent MSDs.
This document provides an overview of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including:
1. Defining ergonomics as modifying jobs to fit people's capabilities and reduce MSDs through engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE.
2. Detailing that MSDs are injuries caused by repetitive motions, forceful exertions, awkward postures, contact stress, or vibrations and affect over 1.8 million workers annually.
3. Explaining employers have a general duty to provide a hazard-free workplace under OSHA regulations regarding unregulated hazards like MSDs.
This document discusses ergonomics factors in industries. It defines ergonomics as the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks to match human physiological, anatomical, and psychological characteristics. It notes that ergonomic controls can be engineering, administrative, or work practice related. The document emphasizes that ergonomics is important because musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of lost time injuries and their costs are twice the average workers' compensation claim. It lists several physical, environmental, cognitive, and strength factors that ergonomics addresses and notes the benefits of ergonomics include decreased injuries, increased productivity, and improved morale.
Key Areas to consider for Treatment in Sports PhysiotherapyKusal Goonewardena
Kusal Goonewardena, APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist, shares his thoughts on
1. Understanding pain
2. How to utilise this understanding to explain various treatment patterns for
- Low back pain (Thoracic spine dysfunction)
- Shoulder injuries (Subscapularis / Infraspinatus)
- Headaches (Anterior cervical spine / Subscapularis)
- Ankle injuries (The inferior tibiofibular joint)
This document defines ergonomics and discusses its objectives and importance in workstation design. Ergonomics is defined as the scientific study of designing jobs to fit workers rather than forcing workers to fit jobs. The objectives of ergonomics include improving relationships between people, equipment, workplaces and environments to increase efficiency, productivity, safety and comfort while reducing physical workload risks. Ergonomics is important for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries by considering factors like posture, lifting techniques and equipment arrangement. The document provides examples of ergonomic principles for lighting, chair and workstation design.
As part of ILRI Ergonomic program, EOHS is planning to carry out ergonomic awareness across ILRI Nairobi campus. The sessions will provide information on the basic overview of the principles of ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic exercises that will help to avoid injury problems related to poor ergonomics. The sessions will be conducted by qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists and are designed to provide employees with the knowledge they need to prevent musculoskeletal problems.
This is the presentation made during the awareness.
This paper looks at some of the issue regarding computer workstation design and chair selection. It discusses some of the common musculoskeletal problems including carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, shoulder an low back problems caused by computer use.
“Ergonomics & Manual Handling” is a 1-day training course specifically for those;
people responsible for performing manual handling activities and
the personnel who manage or conduct workplace risk assessments required by the Health and Safety Regulations on Manual Handling Operations.
Introduction
The course includes a thorough description of the Manual Handling Operations and the Ergonomics principles that that should be applied to reduce the risk of manual handling injury..
This approach not only delivers legal compliance, but will help reduce body-related sickness and absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, insurance premiums and compensation claims and improve the productivity of the workforce.
This one-day training course covers ergonomics and manual handling. It is intended for those who perform manual handling tasks or conduct workplace risk assessments. The course provides a thorough description of manual handling operations and ergonomics principles to reduce injury risk. Applying ergonomics can help reduce body-related illness and injuries, lower costs, and improve productivity. After the course, participants will be able to identify injury risks, develop ergonomic solutions, and complete risk assessments to priorize safety issues. The training is suitable for managers, safety professionals, supervisors, and operators.
This document discusses how ergonomics can help increase productivity in an educational institution. It begins by defining ergonomics as the study of human interaction with the working environment. It then discusses how applying ergonomic principles to education can benefit students' learning and teachers' teaching. Specific ways ergonomics can help educators mentioned include protecting health, enhancing the learning experience, preventing long-term issues, and allowing students to reach their full potential. The document also provides examples of ergonomic products that can help teachers, such as mobile stands, presentation keyboards, and ergonomic chairs and desks. It emphasizes that ergonomic classrooms can improve student concentration and motivation by addressing their physical needs.
Ergonomics the work natural law uk boys (5)Nikhil Boble
Ergonomics is defined as the science of designing workplaces to fit human physical dimensions and prevent injuries while increasing comfort and productivity. The word was coined in 1857 and comes from Greek words meaning "work" and "natural laws." There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity, and aesthetics. Examples of ergonomic design include office furniture that maintains natural body positions and dental practices focused on patient safety. Benefits include increased comfort, decreased stress, time savings, improved morale and productivity. Future directions may include more automation, energy management visualization tools, and integration into quality management and health standards. The conclusion emphasizes that work injuries are preventable through ongoing risk assessment.
This document discusses office ergonomics and how to design workstations to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It defines ergonomics as designing tools and tasks to fit the worker, not the other way around. It notes that MSDs cause 600,000 injuries requiring time off work annually, with women more affected due to job duties. Proper ergonomic setup of chairs, keyboards, monitors and other equipment can help reduce repetitive stress and injuries by promoting neutral postures. Questions about ergonomic issues can be directed to the Safety and Environmental Health department.
This document discusses ergonomics and defines it as fitting the workplace to the worker in order to increase safety, efficiency, and productivity. It describes musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can develop over time from repetitive motions or prolonged awkward postures. Specific risk factors for MSDs are identified like repetition, force, vibration, static postures, and inadequate recovery time between tasks. Signs and symptoms of MSDs are explained along with the importance of early reporting. Methods for avoiding MSDs through neutral postures, proper lifting, micro-breaks, and adjustable workstations are covered. Examples of ergonomic issues with material handling, computers, and specific jobs are provided and the benefits of improved ergonomics like increased
Ergonomics aims to optimize human well-being and system performance by understanding interactions between humans and other elements of a system. The document discusses ergonomics in industrial and everyday contexts. It defines ergonomics and examines factors considered like body measurements, posture, and environment. Common causes of injury like repetitive motions are explained. Guidelines for proper seating, hand and finger positions, and tool design aim to prevent cumulative trauma disorders. Physical workspace arrangements must also account for worker needs and constraints. The overall goal is to reduce workplace injuries and improve efficiency.
The document discusses several fundamental ergonomic principles for maintaining neutral posture, working in the power zone, allowing movement and stretching, reducing excessive force, motions and vibration, minimizing contact stress, and providing adequate lighting. Following these principles can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders by placing minimal stress on the body and avoiding awkward postures.
1. The document discusses ergonomic awareness and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), outlining five signal risk factors for MSDs: repetitive motion, frequent or heavy lifting, contact stress, unsupported or awkward positions, and vibrating tools or equipment.
2. It describes signs and symptoms of MSDs and recommends reporting any persistent symptoms. It also provides tips to reduce risk factors like using lifting aids, rotating jobs, and avoiding awkward postures.
3. Guidelines for safe lifting are presented, noting the lower back is weakest and recommending a semi-squat lift. Factors like load weight, distance, and frequency can increase lifting hazards.
Ergonomics is the scientific study of the relationship of employees to their physical environment, including the work-space and related tools. This has become an active area in the research fields to increase the comfort (and productivity) of employees.
OrthoTexas in Irving, Texas provides total and partial shoulder replacement surgery to treat various shoulder conditions like osteoarthritis, fractures, rotator cuff tears, and injuries. The surgery relieves pain, restores movement, and improves functionality so patients can perform daily activities. OrthoTexas surgeons specialize in shoulder replacements at their location on 2001 North MacArthur Blvd., Suite 255 in Irving.
This document discusses the six disciplines of ergonomics: physiology, psychology, general engineering, physics, biomechanics, and anthropometry. Physiology understands how the human body responds to the work environment. Psychology understands cognitive human interaction in work. General engineering develops appropriate tools and equipment designs. Physics uses science and engineering concepts to describe body motions and forces during activities. Biomechanics deals with the mechanical elements and motion of the human body in work. Anthropometry defines physical measures of a person for comparisons.
The document discusses ergonomics and defines it as the study of human capabilities in relationship to work demands. It outlines some ergonomic principles for minimizing unnecessary static work and reducing forces on the body, including permitting various postures and using larger muscle groups. However, applying these principles requires skilled self-observation and posture adjustment, which most people lack without special training. The Alexander Technique is presented as a training program that can develop these skills to help people practice ergonomic principles and reduce injury risks by alerting them to misused body positions and excessive static work or muscle force during everyday activities.
Ergonomics is the study of human interaction with products, processes, and systems to optimize safety, comfort and productivity. Good ergonomic design considers human abilities and limitations, such as force, flexibility, sight and hearing. Poor ergonomic design can lead to repetitive motion injuries by requiring unnatural movements or excessive force over long periods. Key principles for ergonomic design include adjusting workstations to appropriate heights, limiting twisting and bending, reducing noise and glare, and allowing for rest breaks to prevent injury.
The document discusses ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at the workplace. It defines ergonomics as fitting the job to the worker rather than forcing the worker to fit the job. Common MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome and back strain caused by repetitive motions, awkward positions, and lack of breaks. The document recommends applying ergonomic principles such as using proper posture, taking breaks, and adjusting work tools, equipment, and workstations to reduce strain and prevent MSDs.
This document provides an overview of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including:
1. Defining ergonomics as modifying jobs to fit people's capabilities and reduce MSDs through engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE.
2. Detailing that MSDs are injuries caused by repetitive motions, forceful exertions, awkward postures, contact stress, or vibrations and affect over 1.8 million workers annually.
3. Explaining employers have a general duty to provide a hazard-free workplace under OSHA regulations regarding unregulated hazards like MSDs.
This document discusses ergonomics factors in industries. It defines ergonomics as the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks to match human physiological, anatomical, and psychological characteristics. It notes that ergonomic controls can be engineering, administrative, or work practice related. The document emphasizes that ergonomics is important because musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of lost time injuries and their costs are twice the average workers' compensation claim. It lists several physical, environmental, cognitive, and strength factors that ergonomics addresses and notes the benefits of ergonomics include decreased injuries, increased productivity, and improved morale.
Key Areas to consider for Treatment in Sports PhysiotherapyKusal Goonewardena
Kusal Goonewardena, APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist, shares his thoughts on
1. Understanding pain
2. How to utilise this understanding to explain various treatment patterns for
- Low back pain (Thoracic spine dysfunction)
- Shoulder injuries (Subscapularis / Infraspinatus)
- Headaches (Anterior cervical spine / Subscapularis)
- Ankle injuries (The inferior tibiofibular joint)
This document defines ergonomics and discusses its objectives and importance in workstation design. Ergonomics is defined as the scientific study of designing jobs to fit workers rather than forcing workers to fit jobs. The objectives of ergonomics include improving relationships between people, equipment, workplaces and environments to increase efficiency, productivity, safety and comfort while reducing physical workload risks. Ergonomics is important for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries by considering factors like posture, lifting techniques and equipment arrangement. The document provides examples of ergonomic principles for lighting, chair and workstation design.
As part of ILRI Ergonomic program, EOHS is planning to carry out ergonomic awareness across ILRI Nairobi campus. The sessions will provide information on the basic overview of the principles of ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic exercises that will help to avoid injury problems related to poor ergonomics. The sessions will be conducted by qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists and are designed to provide employees with the knowledge they need to prevent musculoskeletal problems.
This is the presentation made during the awareness.
This paper looks at some of the issue regarding computer workstation design and chair selection. It discusses some of the common musculoskeletal problems including carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, shoulder an low back problems caused by computer use.
“Ergonomics & Manual Handling” is a 1-day training course specifically for those;
people responsible for performing manual handling activities and
the personnel who manage or conduct workplace risk assessments required by the Health and Safety Regulations on Manual Handling Operations.
Introduction
The course includes a thorough description of the Manual Handling Operations and the Ergonomics principles that that should be applied to reduce the risk of manual handling injury..
This approach not only delivers legal compliance, but will help reduce body-related sickness and absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, insurance premiums and compensation claims and improve the productivity of the workforce.
This one-day training course covers ergonomics and manual handling. It is intended for those who perform manual handling tasks or conduct workplace risk assessments. The course provides a thorough description of manual handling operations and ergonomics principles to reduce injury risk. Applying ergonomics can help reduce body-related illness and injuries, lower costs, and improve productivity. After the course, participants will be able to identify injury risks, develop ergonomic solutions, and complete risk assessments to priorize safety issues. The training is suitable for managers, safety professionals, supervisors, and operators.
This document discusses musculoskeletal injuries among sonographers. It notes that approximately 80% of sonographers experience such injuries, with 20% experiencing career-ending injuries on average after 5 years working in the field. Common injuries include shoulder, elbow, neck, and back pain. Risk factors include poor posture, forceful movements, and repetitive motions involved in scanning. Proper ergonomics including adjustable equipment, varying tasks, stretching, and taking breaks can help prevent such injuries.
IRJET- Study on Incorrect Sitting & Standing Posture and its Implication on N...IRJET Journal
This document discusses neck pain caused by improper sitting and standing posture, especially when using computers. It begins by defining musculoskeletal disorders and neck pain, noting that neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability. Prolonged improper posture when sitting and working on a computer can lead to tightening of the neck muscles over time. Maintaining a neutral neck position is important to prevent recurring neck pain. The document also discusses levers in the body and how forces affect the cervical region of the neck. Keeping good posture when sitting and taking breaks from the computer can help minimize risks of neck pain.
Ergonomics is defined as the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system. The document discusses the definition, objectives, and advantages of ergonomics. Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimize risk of injury or harm. The objectives of ergonomics include optimizing human and machine integration to increase productivity safely and efficiently. Advantages include improved health, mental insight, productivity, decreased pain, higher quality work, eliminated hazards, increased employee engagement, encouragement of safety, and happier employees and management.
Ergonomics is the study of fitting jobs and workplaces to human capabilities. It aims to maximize productivity while minimizing risks of musculoskeletal disorders. There are three types of ergonomics - physical, cognitive, and organizational. As a facilities planner, one should apply ergonomic principles to provide a safe work environment and workstations. Proper ergonomics can prevent injuries by reducing risk factors like repetitive motions, awkward postures, forceful exertions, and static loading.
Ergonomics aims to optimize human well-being and system performance through understanding interactions between humans and other elements. Dentists face musculoskeletal disorders from uncomfortable postures during work. Occupational diseases are increasing, with musculoskeletal disorders among the most common due to improper ergonomics. Applying ergonomic principles can help reduce risks like static postures and muscle imbalances while increasing productivity, safety, quality and decreasing fatigue through measures like maintaining good posture, alternating tasks, and adjusting equipment height.
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and tasks to maximize productivity by reducing fatigue and discomfort. Common ergonomic injuries in the workplace include cumulative trauma disorders from repetitive motions and static postures. The goals of ergonomics are to reduce injuries, increase productivity and safety, and decrease fatigue and errors. Risk factors for injuries include force, repetition, awkward postures, static postures, and contact stress. Proper ergonomic practices include adjustable workstations, stretching, lifting techniques, and training to reduce risks.
The document discusses the topic of ergonomics. It defines ergonomics as the design of workplaces, tools, and tasks to match human physiological and psychological characteristics. The goal of ergonomics is to fit the job to the person rather than forcing the person to fit the job. The main purposes of ergonomics are to improve productivity, reduce errors and injuries, and improve human performance and well-being. Musculoskeletal disorders are a major risk from poorly designed work and ergonomics aims to reduce these risks. The document outlines several principles of ergonomics including maintaining neutral postures for the back, neck, arms, wrists, and other parts of the body.
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and work environments to fit human abilities and limitations. It aims to optimize health, safety, and productivity. When applied to sewing environments, ergonomics considers factors like chair design, table heights, lighting, and material handling to prevent injuries from repetitive motions or awkward postures over time. Proper ergonomic setup is important for sewing areas to reduce fatigue, pain, and risks of long-term musculoskeletal issues through adjustable, ergonomic equipment choices and consideration of human factors in task and workplace designs.
This document summarizes a case study analyzing recommended weight limits (RWL) and safe lifting practices for workers in a Bangladeshi brick industry. It discusses how repetitive or prolonged lifting can lead to fatigue, injuries, and decreased productivity over time. The study examines anthropometric measurements of workers to determine individual lifting capacities and recommends maximum weight limits. It applies the revised NIOSH lifting equation, which calculates a recommended weight limit based on load weight and six task variables, to identify lifting guidelines. The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and back pain by applying safe lifting limits tailored to each worker's physical dimensions and tasks.
Ergonomics is defined as fitting the job to the worker. Occupational therapists and physical therapists can contribute to ergonomics by evaluating workplaces and tools to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and ensure accessibility for those with disabilities. Examples of areas therapists can assess include posture, repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and vibration. Therapists are knowledgeable in anatomy, injury prevention, and the needs of different populations - skills that complement ergonomists who focus more on engineering, equipment design, and safety analysis. Collaboration between the fields can enhance workplace and tool design.
1. Ergonomics is the science of designing jobs to fit workers rather than forcing workers' bodies to fit jobs. It aims to reduce physical stress and prevent injuries.
2. Standing for prolonged periods at work can cause health issues like leg swelling and back pain due to lack of movement. Garment inspectors who stand all day are especially at risk.
3. Recommendations for reducing risks of standing work include providing footrests, allowing short walks every 15 minutes, and implementing work-rest schedules to allow the body to recover from physical stress.
Ergonomics is the study of fitting jobs to workers' physical capabilities and limitations to optimize safety, comfort and productivity. It emerged in response to high rates of musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive or sustained awkward positions. Ergonomic principles aim to reduce injuries by identifying and minimizing risk factors like forceful exertions, awkward postures, repetition and vibration. Proper ergonomic practices like frequent stretching, taking breaks and maintaining neutral postures can help prevent cumulative trauma disorders and musculoskeletal strains or sprains.
This document summarizes a research article that evaluates a workstation to improve worker productivity by reducing musculoskeletal disorders like back pain and shoulder injuries. The researchers conducted surveys and interviews with workers at a transformer manufacturing plant to understand common issues. They used tools like RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) to analyze worker postures and identify risks. Finally, they developed a new, ergonomic workstation design with features like adjustable seating and back support to address issues and improve posture. Testing of the new workstation found it reduced postural stress and risks of musculoskeletal disorders, helping to improve both worker health and productivity.
Ergonomics aims to fit the work environment to the employee by improving the match between them. This can provide improved comfort, reduced injuries, higher productivity and better job satisfaction. Ergonomics focuses on reducing risk factors like awkward posture, high repetition, excessive force, contact stresses, vibration and extreme temperatures. The goal is to design jobs that fit people by accounting for individual differences. The benefits include improved efficiency, quality and satisfaction, while risks involve increased errors and fatigue. Ergonomics draws from fields like engineering, medical sciences, biomechanics, mathematics and behavioral sciences.
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
This document discusses work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in the banking sector. It notes that WRMSDs affect tendons, muscles and nerves as a result of exposure to work risks like force, repetition, awkward posture, vibration and cold temperatures. Banking workers are at risk if not trained in proper ergonomics. Common WRMSDs for bankers include neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and back problems. The document recommends solutions like physiotherapy, ergonomic training, early reporting, and addressing issues before they become chronic. Proper ergonomic design of workstations and lifting techniques can help prevent overuse injuries and support productivity and health.
The document discusses ergonomics in dentistry. It defines ergonomics and explains that poor ergonomic design can lead to issues like fatigue, discomfort, injuries, errors and lower productivity. It outlines ergonomic design goals like productivity, safety and health. It also discusses common ergonomic stressors in dentistry and how to prevent injuries by identifying risk factors, educating staff, and modifying equipment and work practices. Examples of how to apply ergonomics include instrument design, lighting, chair adjustment and scheduling to promote neutral postures and reduce force requirements. Musculoskeletal disorders that can result are also outlined.
AI in customer support Use cases solutions development and implementation.pdfmahaffeycheryld
AI in customer support will integrate with emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance service delivery. AR-enabled smart glasses or VR environments will provide immersive support experiences, allowing customers to visualize solutions, receive step-by-step guidance, and interact with virtual support agents in real-time. These technologies will bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences, offering innovative ways to resolve issues, demonstrate products, and deliver personalized training and support.
https://www.leewayhertz.com/ai-in-customer-support/#How-does-AI-work-in-customer-support
Sri Guru Hargobind Ji - Bandi Chor Guru.pdfBalvir Singh
Sri Guru Hargobind Ji (19 June 1595 - 3 March 1644) is revered as the Sixth Nanak.
• On 25 May 1606 Guru Arjan nominated his son Sri Hargobind Ji as his successor. Shortly
afterwards, Guru Arjan was arrested, tortured and killed by order of the Mogul Emperor
Jahangir.
• Guru Hargobind's succession ceremony took place on 24 June 1606. He was barely
eleven years old when he became 6th Guru.
• As ordered by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, he put on two swords, one indicated his spiritual
authority (PIRI) and the other, his temporal authority (MIRI). He thus for the first time
initiated military tradition in the Sikh faith to resist religious persecution, protect
people’s freedom and independence to practice religion by choice. He transformed
Sikhs to be Saints and Soldier.
• He had a long tenure as Guru, lasting 37 years, 9 months and 3 days
Height and depth gauge linear metrology.pdfq30122000
Height gauges may also be used to measure the height of an object by using the underside of the scriber as the datum. The datum may be permanently fixed or the height gauge may have provision to adjust the scale, this is done by sliding the scale vertically along the body of the height gauge by turning a fine feed screw at the top of the gauge; then with the scriber set to the same level as the base, the scale can be matched to it. This adjustment allows different scribers or probes to be used, as well as adjusting for any errors in a damaged or resharpened probe.
Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) Calculator ManualMassimo Talia
The aim of this manual is to explain the
methodology behind the Levelized Cost of
Hydrogen (LCOH) calculator. Moreover, this
manual also demonstrates how the calculator
can be used for estimating the expenses associated with hydrogen production in Europe
using low-temperature electrolysis considering different sources of electricity
Supermarket Management System Project Report.pdfKamal Acharya
Supermarket management is a stand-alone J2EE using Eclipse Juno program.
This project contains all the necessary required information about maintaining
the supermarket billing system.
The core idea of this project to minimize the paper work and centralize the
data. Here all the communication is taken in secure manner. That is, in this
application the information will be stored in client itself. For further security the
data base is stored in the back-end oracle and so no intruders can access it.
Digital Twins Computer Networking Paper Presentation.pptxaryanpankaj78
A Digital Twin in computer networking is a virtual representation of a physical network, used to simulate, analyze, and optimize network performance and reliability. It leverages real-time data to enhance network management, predict issues, and improve decision-making processes.
A high-Speed Communication System is based on the Design of a Bi-NoC Router, ...DharmaBanothu
The Network on Chip (NoC) has emerged as an effective
solution for intercommunication infrastructure within System on
Chip (SoC) designs, overcoming the limitations of traditional
methods that face significant bottlenecks. However, the complexity
of NoC design presents numerous challenges related to
performance metrics such as scalability, latency, power
consumption, and signal integrity. This project addresses the
issues within the router's memory unit and proposes an enhanced
memory structure. To achieve efficient data transfer, FIFO buffers
are implemented in distributed RAM and virtual channels for
FPGA-based NoC. The project introduces advanced FIFO-based
memory units within the NoC router, assessing their performance
in a Bi-directional NoC (Bi-NoC) configuration. The primary
objective is to reduce the router's workload while enhancing the
FIFO internal structure. To further improve data transfer speed,
a Bi-NoC with a self-configurable intercommunication channel is
suggested. Simulation and synthesis results demonstrate
guaranteed throughput, predictable latency, and equitable
network access, showing significant improvement over previous
designs
Null Bangalore | Pentesters Approach to AWS IAMDivyanshu
#Abstract:
- Learn more about the real-world methods for auditing AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management) as a pentester. So let us proceed with a brief discussion of IAM as well as some typical misconfigurations and their potential exploits in order to reinforce the understanding of IAM security best practices.
- Gain actionable insights into AWS IAM policies and roles, using hands on approach.
#Prerequisites:
- Basic understanding of AWS services and architecture
- Familiarity with cloud security concepts
- Experience using the AWS Management Console or AWS CLI.
- For hands on lab create account on [killercoda.com](https://killercoda.com/cloudsecurity-scenario/)
# Scenario Covered:
- Basics of IAM in AWS
- Implementing IAM Policies with Least Privilege to Manage S3 Bucket
- Objective: Create an S3 bucket with least privilege IAM policy and validate access.
- Steps:
- Create S3 bucket.
- Attach least privilege policy to IAM user.
- Validate access.
- Exploiting IAM PassRole Misconfiguration
-Allows a user to pass a specific IAM role to an AWS service (ec2), typically used for service access delegation. Then exploit PassRole Misconfiguration granting unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
- Objective: Demonstrate how a PassRole misconfiguration can grant unauthorized access.
- Steps:
- Allow user to pass IAM role to EC2.
- Exploit misconfiguration for unauthorized access.
- Access sensitive resources.
- Exploiting IAM AssumeRole Misconfiguration with Overly Permissive Role
- An overly permissive IAM role configuration can lead to privilege escalation by creating a role with administrative privileges and allow a user to assume this role.
- Objective: Show how overly permissive IAM roles can lead to privilege escalation.
- Steps:
- Create role with administrative privileges.
- Allow user to assume the role.
- Perform administrative actions.
- Differentiation between PassRole vs AssumeRole
Try at [killercoda.com](https://killercoda.com/cloudsecurity-scenario/)
Prediction of Electrical Energy Efficiency Using Information on Consumer's Ac...PriyankaKilaniya
Energy efficiency has been important since the latter part of the last century. The main object of this survey is to determine the energy efficiency knowledge among consumers. Two separate districts in Bangladesh are selected to conduct the survey on households and showrooms about the energy and seller also. The survey uses the data to find some regression equations from which it is easy to predict energy efficiency knowledge. The data is analyzed and calculated based on five important criteria. The initial target was to find some factors that help predict a person's energy efficiency knowledge. From the survey, it is found that the energy efficiency awareness among the people of our country is very low. Relationships between household energy use behaviors are estimated using a unique dataset of about 40 households and 20 showrooms in Bangladesh's Chapainawabganj and Bagerhat districts. Knowledge of energy consumption and energy efficiency technology options is found to be associated with household use of energy conservation practices. Household characteristics also influence household energy use behavior. Younger household cohorts are more likely to adopt energy-efficient technologies and energy conservation practices and place primary importance on energy saving for environmental reasons. Education also influences attitudes toward energy conservation in Bangladesh. Low-education households indicate they primarily save electricity for the environment while high-education households indicate they are motivated by environmental concerns.
10. Relation to Ergonomics
study of the relation between people and their work environment.
Used to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the design of physical
work.
Science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work.
Used to increase employee safety and comfort and to optimize work performance and
quality
18. Relation to Ergonomics
study of the relation between people and their work environment.
Used to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the design of physical
work.
Science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work.
Used to increase employee safety and comfort and to optimize work performance and
quality
23. is better than pulling
Lets you use larger muscles
with less strain on the back Less likely to slip
Editor's Notes
Your sacrum (from the Medieval Latin os sacrum, meaning holy bone), the flat triangular bone situated between your hips, is actually five fused vertebrae. This fusion isn't complete until you're about 25 or 30. This part is the lowest and last curve in your spine. The curve, called the lumbosacral curve, helps support body weight.
Below the sacrum is the tail end of your spine, called the coccyx or tailbone. Again, several fused vertebrae (generally 3–5) form the coccyx.
he cervical region (neck)
the thoracic region (chest)
the lumbar region (lower back) &
the sacral region (pelvic)
THERE ARE TWO FORWARD BENDS IN CERVICAL AND LUMBAR AND ONE BACKWARD BEND ON THE CHEST AREA
Discs are actually composed of two parts: a tough outer portion and a soft inner core, and the configuration has been likened to that of a jelly doughnut (see a healthy disc with Figure 1).
The outer portion of the disc (annulus fibrosus) is the tough circular exterior composed of concentric sheets of collagen fibers (lamellae) that surround the inner core.
The inner core (nucleus pulposus) contains a loose network of fibers suspended in a mucoprotein gel.
The Spine and pelvis support the weight of the body parts above them and transmit
the load to the legs via the hip joints. They are also involved in movement. Almost all
movements of the torso and head involve the spine and pelvis in varying degree.
As Spine Connects
and transmit
the load to the legs via the hip joints. They are also involved in movement. Almost all
movements of the torso and head involve the spine and pelvis in varying degree.
As Spine Connects
As Spine is connected to such organs, improper posture of the spine through the years may lead to some complications or Strains such as Lower Back Pain,
And where could improper posture be developed from? Why does it occur?
Well it is ofcourse due to the products we use everyday, like the chair due to its unmatched design, that’s why IES do their or our best to develop a design that would lessen the strain to the worker especially when it performs a repetitive task.
Prevention is by far the treatment
of choice. Improved muscle function can be preventative. Poor coordination and motor
control systems are as important as endurance and strength. Fixed postures should be
avoided. Seats offering good lumbar support should be used in the office
For, if there would be less strain or fatigue it would be equal to a Comfortability and Satisfaction of the Worker, where ergonomics is all about.
study of the relation between people and their work environment.
3. Used to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the design of physical work.
4. Science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work.
5. Used to increase employee safety and comfort and to optimize work performance and quality
Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace
The main risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders can be categorised under one of
four headings:
• Force
• Posture
• Repetition
• Duration of task
spine. It is probable that proprioception deficits are
associated with LBP and low back injuries. Proprioception decreases with aging,
with lack of exercise, and in those with LBP. A system with feedback has been
successfully used to rehabilitate those with chronic LBP.With prolonged exposure
to lifting or excessive postures such as full flexion, the viscoelastic structures of the
lumbar spine will become stretched out due to creep. Gedalia et al. (17) reported
that laxity in the viscoelastic structures desensitizes the mechano-receptors within
and causes loss of reflexive stabilizing forces from the multifidus muscles. The first
10 minutes of rest after cyclic loading results in fast partial recovery of muscular
activity; full recovery is not possible even with rest periods twice as long as the
loading period. Thismayincrease the risk of instability, injury, and pain in the spine.
Causes of low back pain
Low back and shoulder girdle pain are major problems in the industrialised world.
Frequently, the pain is of an acute form and is due to muscular fatigue. This type of
pain usually subsides within hours or days if the sufferer rests. However, for some
individuals the pain is chronic and may be indicative of an underlying pathology.
In these cases, it may be difficult to construct a complete causal explanation and
medical advice may be required.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
study of the relation between people and their work environment.
3. Used to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the design of physical work.
4. Science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work.
5. Used to increase employee safety and comfort and to optimize work performance and quality
Lifting
LBP is associated with lifting, but instructions for the “proper” technique have
been controversial. The principle is to hold the object as close to the body as
possible, which is more important than keeping a straight back (18). Brinckmann
et al. (19) reported that spinal loading during forward bent posture results in
a height decrease or deformation of lumbar vertebrae. Other things affect the
way we lift. Chen (20) showed that when muscle fatigue occurs in the arms, the
lifting strategy becomes more stressful on the back, and whole-body lifting should
be avoided in order to reduce the risk of injury to the lower back. The worker
should use smooth lifting technique without jerking to minimize the effect of
dynamic loads on the spine.
Asymmetric lifting
is associated with an increased risk of lowback disorders according to Kingma et al.
(23); small deviations of a lifting movement from the sagittal plane can increase
risk of low back disorders. Antagonistic cocontraction affects spinal stability and
spinal compression. For antagonistic cocontraction to be beneficial, stability must
increase more than spinal load. Antagonistic cocontraction is beneficial at low
trunk moments typically observed in upright postures (24). Granata et al. (25)
found that weight, task asymmetry, and job experience (level of experience) affect
the magnitude and variability of spinal load during repeated lifting exertions.
Gagnon & Smith (26) also point out that slower lifts with reduced acceleration
when lifting moderately heavywork may present less of a risk to lowback disorder.
With regard to our aging workforce, bending and lifting activities generate loads
on the spine that exceed the failure load of vertebrae with lowbone mineral density.
This yields a high factor of risk (ratio of load on spine to failure load of bone) (27).
In critical tasks with twisting, it is important to have the worker turning with the
feet to reduce the torsional loads on the intervertebral discs. The relative merits of
back-stooped posture versus knee lifts are debated. However, lifting a bulky load
with an erect back increases the intradiscal pressure (IDP) compared to the backstooped
posture because of the increased moment arm and the vertical component
of body weight and hand forces. However, shear forces are greater when lifting
with the back flexed and the articular capsule and the posterior ligaments may
be overstrained. Workers may lift loads with their backs rather than their legs to maximize the available energy. IDP is similar with back lift and leg lift if the load
moment arm is constant. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) has been proposed as a
major source of column support.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Causes of low back pain
Although the anatomy of the spine is well understood, finding the source and cause
of low back pain can be a much more elusive problem for clinicians. Pain is unlikely
to arise from the intervertebral discs themselves since only the outer parts contain
nerve endings in the adult.
Similar reasoning rules out pain from the capsules of the apophyseal joints.
Apophyseal joints are hinge-like joints that allow the flexion, extension and torsion of the spine. These joints also interlock the vertebra to make the spine more stable.
Likely
sources of pain are the posterior ligaments and the back muscles. These may be
irritated by mechanical trauma due to damage to or degeneration of bony structures,
or the pain may be due to fatigue. Nerve root compression can also be a source of
pain. Pain from the sacroiliac joint can sometimes be mistaken for low back pain
(DonTigny, 1985) and evidence is accumulating that the sacroiliac joint is the source
of pain below L5–S1 (Schwarzer et al., 1995).
Back pain can occur for non-work-related reasons and from unrelated structures
such as the kidneys. Colds and flu may cause complaints of pain in the back. Back
pain is a complex problem (Waddell, 1982) and detailed investigation of back
problems is best left to expert clinicians. If a worker complains of back pain, the
ergonomist’s natural inclination is to search for causes in the workplace. In the
case of strenuous jobs, this may be appropriate but, in less obvious cases, nonoccupational
and potentially more serious causes should also be considered.
Pulling pushing
Ayoub & McDaniel (33) found that body posture plays an important role in the
force capability in both pushing and pulling and is probably very important in
the etiology of pulling or pushing LBP injuries. Friedrich et al. (34) found that
combined walking and pushing under vertical space constraints was associated
with increased lumbar flexion and thoracic extension. The latter increasewas due to
an attempt to enhance abdominal muscle strength. The health care professions are
at a high risk ofLBP, and pushing-pulling activities are no exception. Lavender et al.
(35) found the most hazardous tasks performed by emergency medical technicians
included pulling a victim from a bed to a stretcher, the initial descent of a set of
stairs when using the stretcher, and lifting a victim on a backboard from the floor.
Posture
The posture at work can cause LBP. We have already mentioned the antagonistic
muscle activity and the effect on spinal loading. McGill et al. (36) pointed out
that anterior shear load on the lumbar spine increases the risk of LBP. Bending
forward allows the spine to fully flex; this changes the line of action of the largest
extensor muscles and reduces their effectiveness to support anterior shear forces.
In fact, in this position, the muscles become inactive and the person is hanging by
their soft tissues. McGill et al. (36) found that fully flexing the spine renders the
lumbar extensor muscles ineffective for supporting anterior shear forces. Anterior
shear load on the lumbar spine is highly related to the risk of back injury. Jobs
such as seated warehouse shipper, gardener, and construction worker require such
postures. Potvin et al. (37) also pointed out that during lifting, the risk of injury to
the spine may be increased more by the degree of lumbar flexion than the choice
of stoop or squat technique. McGill & Brown (38) measured creep response of the
lumbar spine from nine min of full flexion posture. Full recovery took »30 min.
Many workers have to work in extreme postures. Gallagher et al. (39) found that
the effect of the kneeling posture, used in construction and mining, is increased
Although the aetiology of musculoskeletal problems involves several factors, it is
known that pain can be caused or exacerbated by excessive loading of joints and
muscles. This can occur not only as a result of traumatic events but also owing to
sustained exposure to particular working postures. Nachemson (1966) used a needle
transducer to measure the hydrostatic pressure in the third lumbar intervertebral
disc. Disc pressure was found to be higher in sitting than in lying down but was
reduced when the sitter reclined against a backrest. Other researchers (e.g. Adams
and Hutton, 1985; Andersson, 1986; Keegan, 1953; Schierhout et al., 1992) have
also presented data that support the notion that it is not whether we stand or sit
that causes undue postural stress but how.
Can low back pain be prevented?
Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of specific ergonomic interventions are
given in later chapters. In general, the evidence that low back pain can be prevented in
the general population is not promising, as is evident in the following review papers.
Linton and van Tulder (2001) reviewed controlled trials of prevention programmes
and found that exercise had a mild protective effect. Van Tulder et al. (2000) found
that exercise was ineffective as a form of therapy for acute low back pain but that
there was some evidence that it was effective as therapy for chronic low back pain in
facilitating the return to normal daily activities, including work. On balance, there
seems to be some evidence that exercise is beneficial, particularly if it strengthens
the trunk or improves endurance of the trunk muscles. The mechanisms by which
exercise may help are unknown. It is of interest that Stevenson et al. (2001) found
that personal fitness is an important defence against low back pain. Their prospective
study of manual workers handling more than 5000 kg/day showed that those
who did not get back problems had stronger static leg strength and endurance and
could move their upper bodies faster than those who went on to develop problems.
Although the aetiology of musculoskeletal problems involves several factors, it is
known that pain can be caused or exacerbated by excessive loading of joints and
muscles. This can occur not only as a result of traumatic events but also owing to
sustained exposure to particular working postures. Nachemson (1966) used a needle
transducer to measure the hydrostatic pressure in the third lumbar intervertebral
disc. Disc pressure was found to be higher in sitting than in lying down but was
reduced when the sitter reclined against a backrest. Other researchers (e.g. Adams
and Hutton, 1985; Andersson, 1986; Keegan, 1953; Schierhout et al., 1992) have
also presented data that support the notion that it is not whether we stand or sit
that causes undue postural stress but how.
Can low back pain be prevented?
Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of specific ergonomic interventions are
given in later chapters. In general, the evidence that low back pain can be prevented in
the general population is not promising, as is evident in the following review papers.
Linton and van Tulder (2001) reviewed controlled trials of prevention programmes
and found that exercise had a mild protective effect. Van Tulder et al. (2000) found
that exercise was ineffective as a form of therapy for acute low back pain but that
there was some evidence that it was effective as therapy for chronic low back pain in
facilitating the return to normal daily activities, including work. On balance, there
seems to be some evidence that exercise is beneficial, particularly if it strengthens
the trunk or improves endurance of the trunk muscles. The mechanisms by which
exercise may help are unknown. It is of interest that Stevenson et al. (2001) found
that personal fitness is an important defence against low back pain. Their prospective
study of manual workers handling more than 5000 kg/day showed that those
who did not get back problems had stronger static leg strength and endurance and
could move their upper bodies faster than those who went on to develop problems.
Although the aetiology of musculoskeletal problems involves several factors, it is
known that pain can be caused or exacerbated by excessive loading of joints and
muscles. This can occur not only as a result of traumatic events but also owing to
sustained exposure to particular working postures. Nachemson (1966) used a needle
transducer to measure the hydrostatic pressure in the third lumbar intervertebral
disc. Disc pressure was found to be higher in sitting than in lying down but was
reduced when the sitter reclined against a backrest. Other researchers (e.g. Adams
and Hutton, 1985; Andersson, 1986; Keegan, 1953; Schierhout et al., 1992) have
also presented data that support the notion that it is not whether we stand or sit
that causes undue postural stress but how.
Can low back pain be prevented?
Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of specific ergonomic interventions are
given in later chapters. In general, the evidence that low back pain can be prevented in
the general population is not promising, as is evident in the following review papers.
Linton and van Tulder (2001) reviewed controlled trials of prevention programmes
and found that exercise had a mild protective effect. Van Tulder et al. (2000) found
that exercise was ineffective as a form of therapy for acute low back pain but that
there was some evidence that it was effective as therapy for chronic low back pain in
facilitating the return to normal daily activities, including work. On balance, there
seems to be some evidence that exercise is beneficial, particularly if it strengthens
the trunk or improves endurance of the trunk muscles. The mechanisms by which
exercise may help are unknown. It is of interest that Stevenson et al. (2001) found
that personal fitness is an important defence against low back pain. Their prospective
study of manual workers handling more than 5000 kg/day showed that those
who did not get back problems had stronger static leg strength and endurance and
could move their upper bodies faster than those who went on to develop problems.
Although the aetiology of musculoskeletal problems involves several factors, it is
known that pain can be caused or exacerbated by excessive loading of joints and
muscles. This can occur not only as a result of traumatic events but also owing to
sustained exposure to particular working postures. Nachemson (1966) used a needle
transducer to measure the hydrostatic pressure in the third lumbar intervertebral
disc. Disc pressure was found to be higher in sitting than in lying down but was
reduced when the sitter reclined against a backrest. Other researchers (e.g. Adams
and Hutton, 1985; Andersson, 1986; Keegan, 1953; Schierhout et al., 1992) have
also presented data that support the notion that it is not whether we stand or sit
that causes undue postural stress but how.
Can low back pain be prevented?
Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of specific ergonomic interventions are
given in later chapters. In general, the evidence that low back pain can be prevented in
the general population is not promising, as is evident in the following review papers.
Linton and van Tulder (2001) reviewed controlled trials of prevention programmes
and found that exercise had a mild protective effect. Van Tulder et al. (2000) found
that exercise was ineffective as a form of therapy for acute low back pain but that
there was some evidence that it was effective as therapy for chronic low back pain in
facilitating the return to normal daily activities, including work. On balance, there
seems to be some evidence that exercise is beneficial, particularly if it strengthens
the trunk or improves endurance of the trunk muscles. The mechanisms by which
exercise may help are unknown. It is of interest that Stevenson et al. (2001) found
that personal fitness is an important defence against low back pain. Their prospective
study of manual workers handling more than 5000 kg/day showed that those
who did not get back problems had stronger static leg strength and endurance and
could move their upper bodies faster than those who went on to develop problems.