OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
OSH 141

1
 What is Ergonomics
• Ergonomics is concerned with the way
people interact with products, including
how they feel, sound, smell and even
taste.

• The keys on a computer keyboard are

suitably sized and spaced for human
fingers.
• Door handles are placed at a
comfortable height for adults.
• Mobile phone display screens’ text and
symbols can be easily read by the naked
eye.
 What is ergonomics
• The word "Ergonomics" comes from two
Greek words "ergon," meaning work, and
"nomos" meaning "laws."

• Today, however, the word is used to describe

the science of "designing the job to fit the
worker, not forcing the worker to fit the job."
 What is Ergonomics
And why do we need it?

Effects on the Operator Effects on the Company

• Fatigue
• Pain • Poor Quality
• Illness – sprains, back • Absenteeism
ache, etc • Higher costs
• Low morale • Higher employee turnover
• Frustration & Irritation & training
 What is Ergonomics
And what is the benefit?
• Higher productivity
• Higher Quality
• Reduced operator injury
• Increased morale
• Greater job satisfaction
• Lower medical & insurance
costs
• Reduced lost time
• Lower absenteeism
• Less employee turnover
 BIOMECHANICS
The science of measuring the amount of force put on the
muscles and joints of people when working in different
positions.
Biomechanics basically helps in determining which
positions make use of an individual’s muscular strength.
A muscle’s ability to perform is affected by the way it is
used or another way to say it is the activity the muscle is
performing.
The activity can be either Static or Dynamic.
 BIOMECHANICS
• STATIC - Holding one object or body part in one
position for an extended period. Eg. Standing or sitting
in a parking booth or at a microscope.
• Think about how tiring you get when you sit or stand in
one position for a long period of time.
• In an office might be at the computer all day without a
break, think about how tiring that feeling is.
• Or it could be standing in one position all day
performing the same tasks or driving for several hours.
Muscles fatigue faster when they are held in one
position.
 BIOMECHANICS
• DYNAMIC - An activity created by the rhythmic
contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Eg.
Walking

• Dynamic work positions, that is positions that

change, allow muscles to rest during the
relaxation phase.

• what do muscles do during the relaxation

phase?
 ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS

WORKERS - what they bring to the job

TOOLS - what they bring to the worker
 ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS
• Worker is anyone who performs the task:
office workers, custodial, operator.
• Each brings his/her height, weight, reach,
strength & ability

• Tool- layout, tool shape, biomechanics.

• Does it fit the worker?
• Does the tool apply pressure on tissues,
muscles, tendons, nerves or blood vessels.
 ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS
• TASKS - what the worker must do

• ENVIRONMENT- the conditions surrounding the

worker and the tool

• Task- repetitive, physically demanding, “specialized”,

new for the employees, software design, new
technology, change, training, job satisfaction, support
systems, rest breaks, management system, shift work,
production quotas, size, speed. Etc.
 ERGONOMIC STUDY AREAS
• Poorly designed tasks such as those requiring
personnel to repeatedly place their bodies or
extremities in awkward positions can cause
problems.

• Environment for the employee and the

machine- machine design, furniture, work
surfaces, heat, cold, noise, humidity, low light,
bright light.
• The environment is not completely controlled.
• It is not a vacuum, but a complex environment
 ERGONOMIC FOCUS

The Task
The Tool

The User
The Work /Operator
Station and
Environment
 ERGONOMIC FOCUS
• When focusing on the tool, the task, and the
environment you are trying to find the best
combination for the worker(the user/operator).
• If the right combination is not achieved then
ergonomic problems may arise when the
workstation, equipment, tools, or environment
do not fit the workers well.
• This stress can cause immediate or long-term
damage to muscles, nerves, tendons, and joints.
• Most of these ergonomic problems/injuries are
caused specifically by forceful or repetitive
 RESULTING INJURIES
• Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD),
Or
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI),
Or
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
 HOW SERIOUS ARE MSD
• MSD do not include injuries caused by slips, trips, falls,
or other similar accidents.

• They can differ in severity from mild periodic

symptoms to severe chronic and debilitating
conditions.

• MSD account for:

– 1/3 of all lost day injuries each year
– These injuries cost business $15-20 billion in
worker’s compensation each year
 COMMON CAUSES

• Repetitive and/or prolonged activities

• Awkward postures/positions for an extended
time
• Static postures
• Vibration
• High/low Temperatures for an extended time
• Forceful exertions
ERGONOMIC STRESS AREAS

Hip

Knee
 SIGNS OF MSD

• Decreased range of • Decreased grip strength

motion • Loss of balance
• Loss of function • Swelling
• Deformity • Redness
• Cramping
• Loss of color
 SYMPTOMS OF MSD
• Muscle fatigue or pain
• Aching
• Burning
• Numbness
• Stiffness
• Tingling
 EXAMPLES OF MSD
• TENDONITIS- An inflammation of the tendon.
Typically occurs in the shoulder, wrist, hands, or
elbow.

• CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME- Irritation of the

median nerve, which runs through a bony channel in
the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Usually results
from excessive flexing or twisting of the wrist.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
 MSD CONT.

• TRIGGER FINGER SYNDROME- Tendons in the fingers

become inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and a loss
of dexterity.

• EYE STRAIN - The eyes become strained as a result of

poor lighting, glare or viewing from awkward
positions.
 MSD CONT.

• HAND/ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME- Tingling,

numbness, blanching, loss of dexterity in the
hand/arm

• MUSCLE STRAIN – Pain in muscles

WHAT CAN WE DO?
• Administrative controls

• Work practice controls

• Engineering controls
 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS

• Employee rotation/job task expansion

• Physical adjustments to the work pace
• Redesign of work methods
• Alternative tasks
• Breaks
 WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS

• Safe & proper work techniques & procedures

• Training
• Physical conditioning period
What’s
wrong
with
this picture?
What’s
wrong with
this
picture?
 POSTURE & ANGLES

• Whether your tasks are performed while

sitting or standing, always maintain proper
posture & angles--and avoid:
Awkward positions, and
Extreme reaches for materials
 BODY ANGLES

• HEAD
• SHOULDERS
• ELBOWS
• HANDS
• WAIST
• LEGS
• FEET
 BODY ANGLES
Head-
• Should be straight and balanced over the spine while
looking forward.

• Eliminate the flexed-neck position.

• Center the monitor in front of you and position the

top of the monitor 2” to 3” above seated eye level.

• Keep your neck in a neutral or aligned position.

.
 BODY ANGLES

Shoulders
• Keep level and straight and relaxed.

• If the chair has armrests make sure are adjusted

correctly so are not hunching up your shoulders.

• Adjust chair so back is supported with proper lumbar

curve
 BODY ANGLES
Elbows-
• Keep elbows is a slightly open angle (100-110 degrees)
with your wrists is a straight position.
• A keyboard that tilts can help you keep the correct
position if changing the position of the chair.
• Keep the mouse within close reach so do not have to
stretch to use it.
• Adjust the height of the armrests so they allow the
user to rest arms at their sides and relax their
shoulders while keyboarding.
• Elbows and lower arms should rest lightly so as not to
cause circulatory or nerve problems.
 BODY ANGLES
Hands and wrists
• Your hands should be slightly lower than your
elbows.
• Keep wrists neutral.
• The safe zone of movement for your wrist is about 15
degrees in all directions.
Waist-
• Straight and not twisted.
• Keep at 90-120 degree angle.
• Hips should be against the back of the chair.
 BODY ANGLES
Legs
• Thighs should be parallel to the floor and the knees at
about the same level as the hips.
• If you feel pressure on the back of the thigh, lower the
chair slightly.
• Back of knees 3” to 4” away from chair to prevent the
seat from cutting off circulation to the lower legs.
• You should be able to easily slide your fingers under the
front area of the thigh.
• The chair should be long enough and wide enough to
support your hips and thighs.
• Not all ergonomic chairs are made the same.
 BODY ANGLES

Feet
• Place your feet flat on the floor.
• Use a foot rest if needed.
 SITTING POSTURES
Which of thee positions are wrong/right
 SITTING POSTURES
All correct.
• The lower back is supported by the chair and
the fits the curve of the spine.
• The back of the knees are 3-4 inches from the
chair, the feet are flat on the floor, the elbows,
arms, and wrists are at neutral positions.
• The monitor is kept at eye level.
• This individual is changing his position (not
being static) without comprising the “correct”
positions.
MORE ANGLES…
 MORE ANGLES…
• Center the monitor in front of you at least 20” to
30” (some individuals prefer 30-40”) away and
position the top of the monitor 2” to 3” above
seated eye level. You should be able to view the
screen with a slight downward gaze without
turning or tilting your head up or down.
• Standards require that the user’s viewing area
should be located between 0 and 60 degrees
below the horizontal plane.
• If you wear bifocals this could change your
position. Bifocal users often tilt their necks and
MORE ANGLES…
 MORE ANGLES…

• Notice the positions/angles of the monitor

and work materials.
• Notice the position of the arms, hands, head,
etc.
• The workstation and related items are all
within a comfortable range to prevent
extensive reaching, twisting, or awkward
positions.
• To help maintain proper positions use tools
and equipment such as headphones,
What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture
What’s wrong with this picture
What’s wrong with this picture
What’s wrong with this picture
 ENGINEERING CONTROLS
• Workstations
• Tools/equipment
• Facilities
 WORKSTATIONS

The objective is to:

• Fit the workstation to the employee
• Reduce awkward positions

This can be done by using two methods:

 WORKSTATIONS CONT.
Standard Way Innovative Way
– Adjustable – Cut legs off
workstation – Add blocks
– Adjustable chair – Build foot rest
– Foot rests – Thick book
– Adjustable monitor – Build platform
– Document holder
 TOOLS

• Use of Force or of grip-strength

– Longer/shorter and thicker/thinner handles
• Repetitive motion
– Ratcheting mechanism or gears
– Power tools
• Electric stapler
• Electric knife
• Spring-loaded returns
 TOOLS CONT.
• Awkward positions
– Bent or curved handles
– Extensions or add-ons
– Headphones
– Support equipment overhead
– Step stool
• Forceful exertions
– Soft-touch keyboards/buttons
– Lifting devices
What’s wrong
with this
picture?
What’s
wrong
with this
picture?
 TOOLS CONT.

• Static positions
– Anti-fatigue mats
• Vibration
– Anti-vibration materials
– Anti-vibration
mounts/handles
– External support
– Anti-vibration gloves
 FACILITIES
• Lighting
• Providing optimal illumination for
multi-worker offices is difficult as a 60-year old
worker requires up to 10 times more light than
a 20 year-old worker.
 FACILITIES
• Temperature-
• Elevated temperatures and humidity can be
harmful.
• Low temperatures can reduce finger flexibility
and accuracy.
• Keep in mind that temperature can be
affected by several factors including type of
work, clothing and heat sources, and amount
of airflow.
 FACILITIES
• Noise-
• Excessive noise levels above 90 decibels (dBA)
and noise peaks above 100 decibels cause
headaches and increases blood pressure,
muscle tension and fatigue.
• High exposure over a long period of time
causes deafness and other audiological
disorders.
• Short term exposure causes irritability and
distraction.
 EYE
• Eye comfort exercises
– Blinking
– Yawning
– Focus change
 EYE Palming
• While seated, brace elbows on the edge of the
desk

• Let weight fall forward

• Cup hands over eyes and close eyes

• Inhale slowly through nose & hold for 4

seconds
 EYE Movements
• Close eyes and slowly & gently move eyes up
to the ceiling, then slowly down to the floor

• Repeat 3 times

• Close eyes and slowly & gently move eyes to

the left, then slowly to the right

• Repeat 3 times
 NECK STRETCH

• Tilt ear towards shoulder

• Reach up and touch top of head with palm to

hold in tilted position

• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times (come

out of stretch slowly)

• Reverse side and repeat

 Pec Corner Stretch
• Stand at a corner about a foot away from the wall with
forearms on opposite sides of the corner.

• One foot should be forward.

• Elbows should be at slightly below shoulder height

• Keep abdominals tight to avoid arching back

• Lean gently towards corner by bending the front knee

until a stretch is felt in front of the chest.

• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times

 Overhead Reach

• Take a deep breathe and reach up over head

with both arms.

• Hold 5-10 seconds

• Exhale and lower slowly

• Repeat 2-3 times

 Shoulder Pinch
• Place arms behind head being careful not to
press hand into head

• Relax shoulders, and squeeze shoulder blades

together while keeping shoulders back and
down

• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times

 Shoulder Shrug

• Sitting up straight, slowly bring shoulders up

toward your ears.

• Hold positions 5-10 seconds

• Then bring the shoulders down and hold

• Repeat 2-3 times

 Chair Rotation Stretch

• Sit in chair and place feet flat on floor

• Reach across your body and grab the back of

the chair

• Pull gently to increase stretch in mid back

• Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 5 times

 Arms Behind Back Stretch
• Hold hands behind back and grasp hands
together

• Pull shoulder blades back and down

• Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times

 Thoracic Spine Extension Stretch
• Lie on your back with a pillow under your
knees. Place a firmly rolled towel under your
shoulder blades across your upper back

• Raise arms up as you inhale

• Lower arms as you exhale, and hold a couple

of seconds

• Do this 5 times
 Prop Ups or Press Ups

• Lie on stomach and either prop up on forearms or if

wrists are not compromised, press up through hands.

• Let stomach sag, and allow back to arch without

using back muscles.

• If propped on elbows, hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 5

times

• If on hands, press up and down slowly 10 times

 Foot Rotations

• While sitting upright, slowly rotate each foot

from the ankles 3 times in one direction

• Then rotate 3 in the opposite direction

 Wrist Flexed & Extended
• Hold arm straight at waist height

• With fingers of other hand, gently press down above

the knuckles, bending wrist down. (DO NOT hold at
the fingers to push down.)

• Hold 5-10 seconds and repeat 2-3 times

• For extending, hold onto palm of hand and stretch

wrist back. (DO NOT pull on fingers.)

• Hold 5-10 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

 Finger Massage

• VERY gently, massage the fingers of each hand

individually.

• Move toward the nail gently.

• Massage the space between your fingers to

widen and relax
 Finger Squeeze

• Squeeze a foam block OR the edge of your

desk firmly with all fingers

• Hold for 3 seconds

• Relax your grip

 ERGONOMICS PROGRAM

• Essential elements:
– Management Leadership and employee
participation
– Hazard information and reporting
– Job Hazard Analysis and Control
– Training
– MSD Management
– Program evaluation
Tools/Methods of Workstation
Design
• Anthropometry

• Design Guidelines

• Design Tools
 Anthropometry

• Measurement of human
dimensions

• Anthropos = human

• Metrikos = measuring
 People Are Different

Age Differences Height Differences

Anthropometric Data
 Anthropometric Data

• You will notice that there are dimensions for

both males and females.

• When designing workstations we would like to

accommodate a large part of the population.

• One way to do that is to design workstations

to fit workers from very small (5th percentile
female) to very large (95th percentile male).
 Anthropometric Data
• Tall people will define clearances and small
people will define reaches.

• The above data is for a person in a standing

posture.

• Some key dimensions to consider are elbow

height and eye height.

• The elbow height dimension can be used to

Anthropometric Data
 Anthropometric Data

• Here is similar data for seated people.

• You could use this data again to determine

work surface height and seating dimensions.

• You could also use data like knee height to

determine clearances for bottom of
workstations.
Using Anthropometric Data

• Design for the extremes

• Design for an adjustable

range

• Design for the average?

 Design Guidelines
The data from anthropometry and other sources are
usually taken and converted to guidelines that can be
used to design work stations.
Posture Definitions
 Posture Definitions
• In the diagram above it shows several types of
postures.

• The most important concept is the idea of the neutral

posture.

• This is where the body has the least amount of stress.

• Notice both the hand postures and the arm postures.

• There are similar drawings used to define trunk and

leg postures.
Affect of Posture on Grip Strength
 Affect of Posture on Grip Strength
• The slide shows some additional affects of posture.
• Not only are the body parts at least stress in the
neutral postures, they are also at their strongest.
• The pictures above show that when people deviate,
flex, or extend their hands and wrists they are not able
to exert as much grip force (squeezing a handle like
pliers).
• If work requires a person to work in one of these
postures and they have to use tools that require a
certain amount of force, it is possible that they will not
be able to perform the work due to the reduction in
strength that the person is able to apply.
Acceptable/Unacceptable
Work Positions
 Acceptable/Unacceptable
Work Positions
• The concept that we are trying to reinforce
here is that work needs to be in front of the
employee.

• We need to design tasks in this manner.

• Reaching behind the body or working with the

upper arm raised should be avoided.
Effect of Workstation Design
on Posture
 Effect of Workstation Design
on Posture
• In the slide you can see the effects of work
station design on posture.
• If this were a task where a person was placing
chicken parts in totes or removing products from
a conveyor you could see the impact of
orientation and height.
• Totes placed too high can cause poor hand and
wrist postures.
• If it is too high it can also cause poor arm
postures as well.
Reach/Work Envelopes
 Reach/Work Envelopes

• The slide show reaches for employees.

• The first picture shows the overhead shot of a worker
at a work station.
• It defines acceptable reaches and work zones for
people.
• The next shot shows the side view for a seated person.
• It shows the acceptable reaches for a person who has
to grasp an object.
• You will notice that both pictures express the reaches
in arcs.
Reach/Work Envelopes
Work Surface Heights
 Work Surface Heights

• These two diagrams show the ranges for work

station heights for both seated and standing
work.

• As you will notice the heights vary based on

the type of task being performed.
 THE END

•QUESTIONS