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This list is by no means exhaustive and is not intended to aid in the self-diagnosis of any medical condition. This page is meant for informational purposes only and cannot take the place of a diagnosis and treatment plan of qualified medical personnel. such as your family physician.
What is Ergonomics?
The word "ergonomics" is derived from the Greek words ergon, which means work, and nomos, which means laws. The Merrian-Webster dictionary defines it as "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely." In the scope of the modern workplace the term is used to denote a process by which the chances of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by the repetitive work-related tasks are minimized, if not eliminated.
What are ergonomic injuries?
Ergonomic injuries affect the musculoskeletal system – muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and discs in the back. Nerves and blood vessels, which are not technically part of the musculoskeletal system, can also be affected by these injuries.
What are common signs of ergonomic distress for those who work at a computer workstation?
- Upper back and neck discomfort.
- Eyestrain, burning eyes, headache.
- Shoulders and elbow discomfort.
- Lower back discomfort.
- Wrist and hand discomfort.
- Lower limb muscle cramps, aching, numbness.
What are some of the factors that can lead to ergonomic distress in the workplace?
- Awkward Postures, which might include: prolonged work with hands above the head or with the elbows above the shoulders; prolonged work with the neck bent; squatting, kneeling, or lifting; handling objects with back bent or twisted; repeated or sustained bending or twisting of wrists, knees, hips or shoulders; forceful and repeated gripping or pinching.
- Forceful Lifting, Pushing Or Pulling, which might include: handling heavy objects; moving bulky or slippery objects; assuming awkward postures while moving objects.
- Prolonged Repetitive Motion, which might include: keying; using tools or knives; packaging, handling, or manipulating objects.
- Contact Stress, which might include: repeated contact with hard or sharp objects, like desk or table edges.
- Vibration, which might include: overuse of power hand tools.
I have heard a lot about carpal tunnel syndrome, what exactly is it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tendons or ligaments in the wrist become enlarged, often from inflammation, after being aggravated. The narrowed tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist pinches the nerves that reach the fingers and the muscles at the base of the thumb. The first symptoms usually appear at night. Symptoms range from a burning, tingling numbness in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers, to difficulty gripping or making a fist, to dropping things. Some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are due to work-related cumulative trauma of the wrist.
Are all MSD's work-related?
No, they are not.
What can I do to determine if an MSD is work-related?
The OSHA web site offers the following answer to this common important question:
The determination of whether any particular MSD is work-related may require the use of different approaches tailored to specific workplace conditions and exposures. Broadly speaking, establishing the work-relatedness of a specific case may include:
- taking a careful history of the patient and the illness;
- conducting a thorough medical examination;
- characterizing factors on and off the job that may have caused or contributed to the MSD.
What is OSHA doing to address MSD's?
OSHA will use the General Duty Clause to cite employers for ergonomic hazards. Under the OSH Act's General Duty Clause, employers must keep their workplaces free from recognized serious hazards, including ergonomic hazards. This requirement exists whether or not there are voluntary guidelines." (From OSHA web page http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/FAQs-external.html)
What if I am an employer in an industry for which OSHA does not develop industry-specific guidelines?
Even if there are no guidelines specific to your industry, as an employer you still have an obligation under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) to keep your workplace free from recognized serious hazards, including ergonomic hazards. OSHA will cite for ergonomic hazards under the General Duty Clause or issue ergonomic hazard letters where appropriate as part of its overall enforcement program. OSHA encourages employers where necessary to implement effective programs or other measures to reduce ergonomic hazards and associated MSD's. (From OSHA web page http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/FAQs-external.html)
Does SOS Technologies offer an office ergonomics-based class?
Yes, we do. This 1.5-2 hour course gives employees a understanding of Cumulative Trauma Disorders, such are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis, and learn how to adapt jobs to avoid injuries. Warning signs and symptoms of CTD's are discussed. A workstation evaluation is reviewed, and stretching, warm-up, and relaxation exercises are covered.
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