Ergonomics is the study of people and their work tasks. The goal of this field is to minimize workplace injuries and illnesses through improved job design and methods.
What are repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma disorders?
They are a family of musculoskeletal or neurological illnesses ha are associated with repetitive tasks in which forceful exertions and/or awkward postures are required. Other common terms are repetitive strain injuries and work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
What are characteristics and symptoms of repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma disorders?
Characteristics may:
Occur from a single event or result from a build-up of tissue damage from many small injuries
Take weeks, months or years to develop
Produce no symptoms or exhibit no findings on medical tests in their early stages
Be associated with contributing factors present in work tasks and in home or recreational activities
Differ in symptoms and severity from individual to individual even though their work tasks or other activities are similar
Symptoms may include:
Pain from movement, from pressure or from exposure to cold or vibration
Change in skin color from exposure to cold or vibration
Numbness or tingling in a hand, wrist or arm
Decreased range of motion in the joints
Decreased grip strength
Swelling of a joint or part of finger, hand, wrist, arm, shoulder
Fatigue or difficulty in sustaining performance, particularly of small muscle groups
What are ergonomic risk factors?
A risk factor is any experience or exposure that increases the possibility of the occurrence or development of repetitive motion disorder or cumulative trauma disorder
What are ergonomic improvements?
Ergonomic improvements are changes made to improve the fit between a job and the capabilities of the employees performing it. They are engineering improvements, such as rearranging, modifying, redesigning or replacing tools, equipment, workstations, packaging, parts or products, and administrative improvements.
What types of solutions work best to control the risk factors?
A combination of improvements works best in controlling the risk factors.
What are the benefits of ergonomic programs?
Ergonomic Program benefits include:
Reduced work-related injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders by as much as 70%
Lower work-related injury costs by controlling ergonomic risk factors
Improved employee comfort and job satisfaction
Reduced absenteeism and turnover
Increased productivity
Compliance to health and safety laws
Will an ergonomic evaluation take away my pain?
The actual evaluation wonít take away your pain, but following recommendations regarding your job tasks and work area changes will most likely, with time, decrease and possibly eliminate pain associated with your work.
Can an ergonomist do more than tell me what do about my injury than what the doctor can?
Yes, a doctor can't see how you interact with your workstation or equipment, where your equipment or tools are located in relation to your positioning or recommend ergonomic equipment or job task changes to address your personal needs.
What can ergonomics do for computer users?
Assess equipment/postures with potential to cause injury; install/recommend ergonomic equipment, postures and activities that will help prevent future injury or offload current injuries.
How come I still have pain at my workstation even though my workstation was evaluated by an ergonomist?
Make sure your ergonomist is a certified professional, educated and qualified. Many people call themselves ergonomists who really are not. Assuming your ergonomist is for real, other things like home activities, fragile anatomy or inappropriate equipment could be responsible. Without an in-depth evaluation and follow-up to the source of continued pain is uncertain. And even though evaluated by a real ergonomist, follow-up with actual implementation of work area modifications is necessary.
Are there any simple things I can do myself?
Learn how to adjust your workstation. Reorganize what you need to get the job done the most effectively, eliminate extended reaches, stop spinal rotation/twisting, have a basic understanding of posture and take mini-breaks to stretch or walk.
I have good posture, but my back still hurts; what else can I do?
Your chair may not be adjusted correctly, providing appropriate lumbar support. Also, inadequate foot support can add strain to the spinal structures by dropping your knees lower than your hips. A good indication of needing a foot support is if you keep resting your feet on the chair base casters.
I have wrist pain; do I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Not necessarily; carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve in the carpal tunnel which can lead to weakness, tingling and numbness in the hand/middle, ring and little fingers. You may be at the beginning stage and should address your symptoms by a visit to a physician.
What is the best long-term solution to preventing cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive motion injuries?
Adjust you equipment and workstation to allow for neutral posturing. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort and address them by changing posture, equipment adjustments or equipment location.
What doses CPE mean?
Certified Professional Ergonomist
What is the difference between a CPE and an Ergonomics Evaluator?
A CPE must have a Masters of Science degree; 4 years direct experience in ergonomics and pass an 8-hour written exam. An ergonomics evaluator is not required to pass any tests or required schooling, but generally has on-the-job training and can have a medical or engineering background.
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