One must assess the problems, issues, risks.

Then formulate an action plan to reduce the risks.

There are several standard ‘ergonomics assessment’ instruments.

Some are easy; some highly complex.

Some are valid-reliable-accurate; others not so much.

We find simple, easy approaches work best.

REBA or RULA attempt to quantify degrees of risk.

NIOSH and WISHA assess low back lifting load risks.

There are several web sites that facilitate using these.

We often include these where we need number scores for risks.

We usually rely on our own PT-based checklist for Workplace MSD Risks

      (OK to copy and use)...

MSD RISKS ANALYSIS CHECKLIST...

Job _________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

code R = repetitive S = sustained F = forceful A = awkward X = present

____ Standing

____ Standing on ____ cement, ____ metal, ____vibrating surface

____ Foot switch operation

____ Holds _____ neck or ____ back in a ____ bent or ____ twisted posture

____ Kneeling or ____ squatting

____ Sitting

____ Poor chair design and/or: ____ Improper chair adjustment

____ Minimal variety of work postures; movement patterns; tasks

____ Forward head, rounded-shoulders, slouching posture

____ Lack of upper extremity weight bearing support

____ Keyboard, mouse or other data input

____ Shoulder elevation repeated or sustained

____ Elbows bent more than 90 degrees

____ Forearm supination

____ Loading across wrist (tennis elbow loading)

____ Wrist flexion or ____ wrist deviation

____ Grip ___________________________________________________________________________

____ Pinch __________________________________________________________________________

____ Combined thumb pinch with wrist deviation (deQuervain's risk)

____ Repeating same motion or cycle of motions every few seconds

Repetitions described__________________________________________________________________

____ Contact stress (edge or pressure or impact with hand or knee) ___________________________

____ Vibration ____during sitting _____during standing _____ in hand during grip

____ Improper tool selection and-or use __________________________________________________

Materials handling ____ lifting ____ carrying ____ pushing ____ pulling

Handling what _________________________________________________________________

____ Heavy.. wt = ______ average and ______ peak maximum

____ Frequent. frequency of lifts = ______ per hr; or ______ per day

____ Height lifted low est ht = ______ highest ht = ______

____ Reach with load at _____ from body

____ Twisting with load ____ degrees twisted

____ Lifting/carrying across obstructions _________________________________________________

____ With difficult grip or _____ cumbersome shape

____ Workers using unsafe lifting techniques

____ Pushing or pulling _______________________________________________________________

Worker demographics ________________________________________________________________

Production demands _________________________________________________________________

Politics ____________________________________________________________________________

Claims Hx _________________________________________________________________________

Notes:

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WEB LINKS FOR OTHER ERGO ASSESSMENT TOOLS...

       great tutorials here !

RULA...

http://ergo-plus.com/rula-assessment-tool-guide/

REBA...

http://ergo-plus.com/reba-assessment-tool-guide/

WISHA...

http://ergo-plus.com/wisha-lifting-calculator-guide/

LIBERTY MUTUAL’S MATERIALS HANDLING TABLES...

https://libertymmhtables.libertymutual.com/CM_LMTablesWeb/taskSelection.do?action=initTaskSelection

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Proper Computer Workstation Set-up

    ... new, revised guidelines !

Monitor… placed squarely in front; not off to one side;  top edge of screen at eye level

          Exception... bifocal glasses or progressive lensde require very poor neck posture...

          Use single-vision computer-distance glasses to allow better head-neck posture

Keyboard… Few inches of space in front of keyboard… place gel pad here for arm support

Keyboard tray… these are usually too low; but switching every hour between keyboard 

                placed in tray versus placed on desk provides work posture variety

Mouse… gel pad placed in front for hand-wrist rest…

               also switch between mouse versus trackball every 1-2 hours for wrist work variety

               work movement-posture variety

Document-holder…  papers held upright on document holder placed near the monitor; switch

           this hourly from left of monitor to right of monitor, for head posture variety.

Telephone…  do NOT hold telephone handset between head and shoulder... use head-set !

Pens-pencils…  place padded sleeve over pinch surface for padding

Stapler…  use electric stapler if stapling often

Chair…  Most important to be height-adjustable, then change that height about 2

           inches up or down every hour for posture variety, PLUS do a standing back-bend

           stretch every hour.

ALTERNATIVE… Many offices now use standing desks with tall chairs to allow workers to

            frequently switch between sitting work and standing.  This has been very well

            received by workers; much better work comfort.

Micro-stretching…  Perform SmartCare’s micro-stretches every hour, to maintain blood flow

              to working tissues throughout the work day.  This takes only 1-2 minutes. 

                 These work !!