ERGONOMICS.ppt

ERGONOMICS By Raylene M. Blandino M.S., PA-C ERGONOMICS-What is it? Derived from two Greek words: “Nomoi” meaning natural laws “Ergon” meaning work Hence, ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands History As early as 18th century doctors noted that workers who required to maintain body positions for long periods of time developed musculoskeletal problems. Within last 20 years research has clearly established connections between certain job tasks and RSI or MSD. Static work: musculoskeletal effort required to hold a certain position, even a comfortable one. Example: sit work at computers; keeping head and torso upright requires small or great amounts of static work depending on the efficiency of the body positions we chose. Elements at work (cont) Force: amount of tension our muscles generate Example: tilting your head forward or backward from a neutral, vertical position quadruples the amount of force acting on your lower neck vertebrae Increased force is d/t increase in muscular tension needed to support head in a tilted position 3 Main Ergonomic Principles: Work activities should permit worker to adopt several different healthy and safe postures. Muscle forces should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available Work activities s/b performed with joints at about mid-point of their ROM (esp. head,trunk,UE) The average person working at a keyboard can perform 50,000 to 200,000 keystrokes a day Overexertion, falls RMI are the most common cause of workplace injury An average of 125,000 back injuries due to improper lifting each year. Muscles overuse results in tiny tears in the muscles and scarring; these contribute to inflammation and muscle stiffness A Bit of Anatomy !! Overuse and small repetitive movements ie: CTD, RSI, MSD disturb balance of muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves Brachial plexus: nerve group that supply muscles and skin of UE, course down side of front of neck and