Ergonomics is essentially the science in charge to adjust the work to the worker. The word comes from Greek Ergo (work) and Nomos (laws), and basically means "the laws of labor." Ergonomics, as a science, It is based on many other disciplines. First, professional ergonomists use the physiology, anthropometry and biomechanics to understand How to adjust the work to the worker. Once there is an understanding of body mechanics, professional ergonomists focus on engineering. “Ergonomically designed” equipment helps protect workers against one or more risk factors ergonomic. The cubicles are designed so that The work surface is adjustable to meet the height needs of workers. The mangoes of the clamps are designed with covers to allow the worker apply more pressure without causing unnecessary strain on the wrist and the trucks are designed to allow workers to move heavy objects and keep your back free of injuries. Professional ergonomists turn to science social to get information. Disciplines such as physiology, biomechanics, anthropometry and sociology explain the interactions of people with their work sites. In many occupations, work schedules cause stressful situations Ergonomists want to understand how people handle this stress, both as individuals and in society, in order to design better working conditions. Stress causes muscle tension, which is one of the many causes of MSD. MSD They cause pains that increase stress.
Finally, social science ergonomists turn to history. The first ergonomic disorders they were named by the occupations that caused them, because people who performed certain tasks suffered similar problems The "Carpenter's Elbow" was named thus because it is an inflammation of the elbow caused by the constant movement from front to back related to the use of a saw and a hammer. Now known as "Tennis elbow." Therefore, ergonomists seek repetitive movements that, throughout history, have proved to be the cause of MSD.
The work environment today seeks to achieve a “Paper reduction” and a specialization of work, the which increase the possibility of suffering some MSD. The paper reduction results in people having to be in front of computers more often, and for longer periods of time, while specialization de labor keeps workers in the same work stations performing the same work day by day. With production increases and reductions in work force, ergonomic incentives are found before a challenge.
Risk factors can exist in any occupation, from the construction site to the pharmacy, the Store or office. Everyone must understand that there are risks of injuries, but that there are certain risk factors that must be taken into account. The possibility of suffering an MSD grows if the activities and working conditions involve any of the following terms:
Whether sitting straight, lifting items properly or taking the necessary breaks, all the The world can do something to prevent MSD. To drink in mind the following concepts will complement the efforts to improve design and practices in the plant of work. These are common ergonomic principles that can be easily adapted to all organizations and work tables.
1. Maintain a neutral posture (that is, a right back). The neutral posture represents the natural position that The body wants to take. When standing in a posture neutral, you should be able to draw a straight line of the ear to the shoulder, the hip, the knee and the ankle. Work surfaces should be approximately level of the waist to prevent stretching while maintaining the elbow bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. When sitting, keep your back straight and knees bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and flat feet on the floor. Design work tables and office tables with in mind the following: “the longer the body in neutral position, better ”
One of the main causes of MSD, such like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, It is excessive repetition. There are several ways to prevent excessive repetition when working. Of being possible, try not to perform the same task all the day. Work on some files, and file them in the cabinets after about 20 or 30 minutes instead of wait until the end of the day to save them all at Same time. Try to vary your routine. If you do the same tasks every day, try to complete them In a different sequence. The key to preventing excessive repetition is of not sitting or doing Same things for hours and hours.
Both while standing and sitting, work surfaces need to help workers to Maintain a neutral posture. Work surface must be approximately waist high, preventing the worker from having to bend down to work or raise your shoulders to reach. A Worktable can fit a person, but cause another to work in an awkward posture. If possible, adjustable work surfaces are the best choice. This will allow different people work on the same work table (for example, warehouses or assembly lines). If it is not possible have adjustable work surfaces, adjust the table for the highest workers and provide platforms or banks for the lowest employees. If there is more than one work table in the company, set one to a higher level than the other and assign to Employees to work at the right table. The idea is to preserve as much as possible the neutral posture and keep employees working in position vertical.
Back injuries are the number one cause of Compensation claims by workers. There are two basic types of injuries in the back. The first are the direct result of slips, trips and falls, and normally They are not classified as MSD. The lugs in the back are the direct result of lifting objects incorrectly. Everyone knows the said "Lift with your knees, not with your back" and many companies have a Program of Back Injury Prevention, but also other measures can be taken to prevent such injuries First, design containers that contain a smaller amount of product to put less back strain Often, providers and distributors will gladly pack your products in smaller packages, because doing so too they will help maintain the safety of the backs of your employees. Manufacture or use containers with handles, to allow them to be held more easily. Make sure the containers agree with the product. A bowling ball in a box large cardboard does not combine, it is unstable and difficult of loading. Have enough wheelbarrows on hand and provide training on how to handle them safely, including: how to load trucks, lift and lower the load and push the truck instead to pull it Training employees is a good beginning to prevent back injuries, and application of simple engineering principles can Have a great reach.
Bursitis is an inflammation of the Bursal sac in the shoulder and can be the direct result of work repetitive with arms extended or stretched. He stretching also puts pressure on the back when lift objects repeatedly, even if they are light. Place the most frequently used objects near you. In an assembly line, the parts or most used tools should be nearby. Also, in an office, the books or equipment used more often they should be located closer. Similarly, also place the heavier objects. This way you will apply less back and shoulder pressure when lifting. He proper arrangement of the worktable can improve Many problems with the shoulders and back.
The first OSHA brochure (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [Administration of Occupational Safety and Health]) in relation to the ergonomics was about the packing industry of meats. One of the main factors that caused Alarm was the temperature. The cold environment causes excessive stress on the joints, increasing the chances of causing some MSD, for example tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. The extremes in temperature, whether cold or hot, put to the body under stress. The employees who work in such environments must receive adequate personal protective equipment and must be trained to its use. The employees of the packing plants of meat were provided with gloves, but the employees cut their fingers like this to be able to use the saws to cut the meat, exposing their fingers, without love, to extreme cold.
Make sure the tools are suitable for the weather, such as non-slippery handles, and provide training on the use of the equipment. Another concern Important environmental ergonomics is lighting. With too much light, computer users they suffer tiredness in the eyes due to the reflection of the light on the screen. If there is too little light it is difficult to see work, which also causes fatigue in eyes Provide adequate lighting in the areas of work and in offices that lack light. Another consequence of the lack of light is the possibility of trips, which may cause unfortunate back injuries Control environmental factors whenever possible and provide adequate equipment to operate safely where such factors They can't be controlled.
Recovery is an important part for the MSD prevention. A way to give the body some time to recover is taking breaks when working First, take advantage of any scheduled break offered by the company .. In addition, performing mild flexibility exercises during these breaks allows blood flow towards the parts of the body that have remained stationary and increases mobility and flexibility of the joints. It is also advisable to take micro-breaks Micro-breaks are pauses brief 20-30 seconds where employees suspend their tasks and perform flexibility exercises. It is recommended to take a micro-rest approximately every 15 minutes, especially in any job that is very repetitive, such as data entry. The idea of this break is simply to allow the body to rest briefly from any repetitive or strenuous work, without removing Employee performing the task. Once away from work tasks, the body begins to recover from stress and the small injuries suffered during the day. Stress emotional can cause MSD through stress muscular. Hobbies are an excellent way of releasing tensions but avoid those like playing the guitar that require rigid control and force. Keep these ergonomic principles in mind When practicing your hobbies and do not overdo it. Perform flexibility exercises before playing sports, make sure there is enough light for homework and, Above all, get enough sleep. Allowing the body have enough time to regenerate can be one of the most effective methods to reduce MSD
This is the first step in finding problems, before they become matters of gravity. Some of the known risk factors, such as mentioned above, are excessive vibrations, repetitive movements, awkward postures, extreme temperatures, lifting objects heavy and excessive application of force. One time that you understand what the risk factors are, it will be easier to identify them. In addition, it will be beneficial to provide employees with training About such factors. They do the work to daily and they will know exactly where to find sayings dangers Minimize as many of these as possible factors to improve the ergonomics of any specific task .
Confined spaces can present a series of dangers. George said many tragedies involving confined spaces have occurred because an employer did not issue a permit or did not conduct a risk assessment. In a scenario that George found, the dangerous atmosphere of a confined space was not properly evaluated because the equipment being used was outdated. There was a fire. "I've seen people enter the drains without a permit, and I didn't even know it was a confined space," he said. "Someone came in to pick something up and he collapses because the waiting person was distracted." If the risk assessment and the permitting process are successful, and all steps are followed, employers will have no problems, said George. "Everything is planned." "If you don't plan it correctly, plan a disaster."
