Ergonomics

	UAF Ergonomic Program		Ergonomic PowerPoint Presentation Ergonomic Self Evalution Form
	Potential Hazards & Possible Solutions Taken from OSHA web page		Ergonomic Web Links
	Virtual Ergonomic Evaluations		UAF Approved Chairs
	Avoiding the "Mouse Trap"		Laboratory Ergonomics University of Minnesota - Excellent site!
	Workstation Ergonomic Checklist		Workstation Discomfort Systems & Solutions University of Minnesota - Excellent site!

Ergonomics 

Ergonomics is nothing new, but there have been a number of improvements and advancements in the study of ergonomics recently.  Let's take a look at this important topic because everyone needs to know and understand the hazards associated with ergonomics.  With this information, you will be armed with the knowledge to prevent ergonomic related accidents and injuries.

Ergonomics is a fancy word for the science of arranging and adjusting the work environment to fit the employee's body.  Since accident statistics have been maintained, we have learned that most causes of poor productivity, poor quality and accidents are due to human error.  Equipment, objects and environmental characteristics influence human behavior.  Optimal performance is obtained when products, equipment, workstations and work methods are designed while keeping human capabilities and limitations in consideration.  Close harmony between equipment and people is the goal.  There are many things we can do to prevent ergonomic related injuries.  That is what this page is all about.... providing you the knowledge and direction in making your job safer, without injury.

The ergonomics program emphasizes computer users, but the information applies to every job and every type of workstation.  Ergonomics applies to work benches positioned at appropriate working heights.  It's using proper posture and ergonomics when using hand and power tools.  Ergonomics is using lifting devices when you can, rather than straining your back and other parts of your body.  Ergonomics is not only for the computer users, it's for everyone.

Your responsibility is to evaluate your work areas.  Do you have a better way of performing the job, where it takes less effort or force on your body to do the job?  By taking a few minutes to evaluate your work area you may be able to reduce the risk of injury.

Keep in mind, ergonomics is not just for the computer users; it's for everyone.  By learning the basics of hazard elimination of computer workstations; you can apply principles to any workstation.

If you have questions regarding Ergonomics, contact Carol Shafford or Annette Chism at 474-5413.

UAF Ergonomic Program

Environmental Health & Safety and Risk Management has developed a comprehensive Ergonomic Program at UAF. The program has three phases:

• Phase one - an educational seminar (one hour)
• Phase two - on-site evaluation
• Phase three - corrective actions

Carol Shafford is the program director, if you have questions regarding ergonomics, please contact her at 474-5413.

Responsibility:

Currently, there is no specific standard regarding ergonomics in the workplace. However, the legal basis for conducting an ergonomic assessment is found within the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Duties (General Duty Clause Section 5.) This section requires an employer to provide a work environment free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm.

Departments are encouraged to purchase adjustable equipment for the reasonable accommodation of users. Some users may have special needs, such as left-handedness, color blindness, vision impairment, etc. The goal should be flexibility to accommodate the user population so that personnel may interface effectively with equipment. Equipment should be sized to fit the individual user.

Purpose:

Ergonomic furniture should be designed to facilitate task performance, minimize fatigue and injury by fitting equipment to the body size, strength and range of motion of the user. Office furnishing, which are generally available, have adjustable components that enable the user to modify the workstation to accommodate different physical dimensions and the requirements of the job. Ergonomically designed furniture can reduce pain and injury, increase productivity, improve morale, and decrease complaints.

The purchase of equipment should be task specific to eliminate (a) static or awkward posture, (b) repetitive motion, (c) poor access or inadequate clearance and excessive reach, (d) display that are difficult to read and understand, and (e) controls that are confusing to operate or require too much force. Therefore, furniture that is selected should be suitable for the types of tasks performed and be adaptable to multipurpose use. Office workstations must be designed carefully to meet the need of the staff and to accomplish the goals of the facility.

Design objectives should support humans to achieve the operational objectives for which they are responsible. There are three goals to consider in human-centered design.

1. Enhance human abilities
2. Overcome human limitations
3. Foster user acceptance

To achieve these objectives, there are several key elements of ergonomics in the office to consider.

1. Equipment - video display terminals
2. Software design - system design and screen design for greater usability
3. Workstation design - chairs, work surfaces and accessories
4. Environment - space planning, use of colors, lighting, acoustics, air quality and thermal factors
5. Training - preparing the workers to deal with technology

Ergonomic Evaluations:

The responsibility to ensure employees are not in discomfort due to poor ergonomics rests with individual departments. Purchasing of equipment recommended in the evaluation will be made by your department. There could be situations where Loss Prevention money may be available; however, this is not a guarantee.

As employees have become more aware of the Ergonomic Program there have been numerous requests for on-site evaluations. Environmental Health & Safety and Risk Management (EHS&RM) can attend department staff meetings to introduce the program by completing phase one - the one hour educational training session. This training highlights ergonomic principles, how to maximize what you already have, exercises and a section on what can potentially harm you. After the training session the employees return to their workstations and apply the principles they learned. On-site evaluations are then offered to those who would like.

EHS&RM receives many calls from individuals requesting a new chair, as they feel their chair is inadequate. It is extremely time consuming to do one on-site evaluation, cover all that is in the one hour training, perform the one-on-one evaluation; only to have someone else in the office suddenly requesting an evaluation. This is the reason for the staff meeting approach, it saves time for your department and for the safety officer.

Potential Hazards and Solutions

Excerpts from OSHA Ergonomic Report, SIC 48 - Communications

Station Worker

The employee sits at a work station and types. The work station appears to have a printer, a CPU, a monitor and a keyboard on it. The document holder is located to the right of the monitor at approximately a 15 degree angle from straight ahead. There is a wrist pad attached to the front portion of the keyboard. The wrist pad is of a blocky construction and still appears to have edges which are sharp enough to cause tendon construction. The employees chair appears to be too high for the employees feet to touch the floor.

It is recognized that keyboard work, while it entails a minimum of forceful exertion, can have an injurious effect on the finger control tendons and tendon sheaths because of the rapid, frequent and sustained activation of the tendons. Sustained periods of frequent finger activity even with low force can be consistent with the development of UECTDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and tenosynovitis.

Employee appears to not be able to position her feet on the floor. This creates a situation where the chair exerts pressure on the back of the legs which can reduce circulation and binds the tendons located behind the knees. The pressure created is consistent with the development of musculoskeletal problems such as pain and discomfort of the lower back, legs and feet.

The keyboard is approximately 3 inches from the edge of the work station. When the keyboard is too close to the edge of the work station it creates fatigue in the arms of the operator as they are required to hold their arms in a static posture for long periods of time. There is also the tendency to rest the wrists on the edge of the table which can pinch and/or abrade the tendons. Muscle fatigue and tendon abuse is consistent with the development of UECTDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The employee appears to rest her left wrist on the corner of the pad that is placed in front of the keyboard. This pressure on the tendons of the wrist which control the fingers and could cause pressure or abrasion the tendons which is consistent with the development of UECTDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The video screen is tipped back at about a 20 degree angle from vertical. This angle can reflect the overhead lighting and create glare which is consistent with the development of eye strain and fatigue.

Virtual Ergonomic Evaluations

For University employees working at rural campuses, we have set up a Virtual Ergonomic Evaluations process were we can now do an evaluation via e-mail using digital pictures.

Procedure:

1. Take photos from four different positions:

   1. On the right side while the person is seated.

   2. On the left side while the person is seated.

   3. Over the person's shoulder showing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse (pointing device.)

   4. A wide angle shot with the person not in the office.

2. Using a scanner or digital camera software, load the photos onto your computer and save as jpegs.
3. Open a blank Work document. Type the following: Employee's name, department assigned to, immediate supervisors name, date photos were taken, phone number, email address, and a list with explanations of any pain or discomfort the employee has felt in the past six months.
4. Still in Word document, choose the Insert/Picture/From File. Insert the pictures one after another with spaces in between.
5. Save the Word file.
6. Email to Carol Shafford , attach the Word document and send email.

An evaluation will take place once the email has been received. Please be sure to have the employees phone number and email address on the Word document.

	Keep it close - Your input device should be located within easy reach, typically right next to the keyboard.  Select a keyboard tray that provides space for a mouse, use a mouse bridge (a mousing surface that slides over the number pad), or select a different type of input device such as a trackball or track pad that requires less space.
	Keep it straight - Select an input device that you can use while keeping your wrist in a straight position.  In addition to trackballs and track pads, light pens and joystick-type devices are possible options.  Some input devices come in different sizes, be sure to select the right size for you.
	Keep it clean - If your mouse becomes jumpy or loses sensitivity, the problem may be a buildup of a gummy substance on the rollers.  Remove the underside hatch of your mouse and clean the rollers to restore smooth performance.
	Keep it adjusted - Virtually all computers allow you to control the click speed and curser movement speed.  In addition, many input devices can be programmed to automate selected actions.  Use these features to reduce the burden on you.

Workstation Ergonomic Checklist

Workstation Discomfort Symptoms and Solutions

Laboratory Ergonomics

These three topics are links to University of Minnesota, Environmental Health and Safety Department. Excellent web site!

Return to Homepage

Page last update on 8/1/07 by A.Chism