Ergonomics Topics - Ergonomics Topics In General

Ergonomics can be defined as the science of being able to adapt to the work processes and also the conditions in order to fit the physical capabilities of workers. The only aim is to reduce the possibilities of musculoskeletal injuries by eliminating or even minimizing the risk factors for having musculoskeletal injuries (MSI).

Injuries to soft tissues such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage and also the nervous system come under MSI. A few of the most common examples would include repetitive strain injuries such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also involves back injuries such as muscles, ligaments and even spinal ligaments.

For a worker to suffer MSI's, they involve many risk factors. Use of excessive force during work may result to sprain on the back of the human body. Certain movements if repeated on a daily basis may lead to cramps in parts of the body which are under too much pressure. Awkward and static postures if maintained for a long time and not changed from time to time may result in a stiff body. If the load is too heavy and is handled manually without any help of machinery then it leads to major sprains to most parts of the body.

It also depends on the design of the workplace and also the tools and equipment that is used in those places. If they are not of good quality then it tends to affect the workers more than productivity. If the work is not well organized then the tendency of inuring a few may be there as hose few may exert more pressure than the other workers thus leading to injuries to a few workers. Working in cold temperatures also leads to major MSI's.

These kinds of risks are found in many workplaces and industries. A few such places may be the forest products, heavy manufacturing, construction as well as meat packing places and slaughter houses. Clerical workers may also be susceptible to such MSI's as they sit in front of a computer all day long. This in turn puts a strain on their eyes as well as their sitting posture may get affected by it if not done in the proper manner.

Regardless of excellent tests and measures, modern back specialists confess that up to eighty percent of all cases have no clear physiological reason. In fact, many pain-free people show stuffed discs in x-rays. Strength, health, and back x-rays are not superior predictors. Jobs with heavy or recurrent lifting are high risk, as are jobs involving prolonged standing or sitting. Lifting with the legs is easy on the back, but hard on the legs and muscles. Lifting with the back puts sprain on the disks but is less draining. On one hand, they may help repeat wearers to lift cautiously. On the other hand, they may give wearers a false senses of greater force, hopeful them to lift more than they should.

Ergonomic hazards would be included in workplace hazard issues as well as injury prevention information on a wide range of topics. Information on material handling and back injuries are available on back belts, lifting, pushing and pulling and also material handling aids. In the case of office ergonomics it gives out information of ergonomic furniture as office layout and design as well as computer work. As for MSIs, risk factors, design hazards, wrist splints and ergonomic hand tools information is provided by the repetitive motion injuries.

• Cassandra Bagley
• 27/03/2009, 6:59 PM
• 0 Comments