Notes on Ergodynamics and Dynamics

ERGODYNAMICS ! ! Ergonomics + Dynamics! • Ergonomics is the science matching jobs and job tasks to the specific capabilities of each employee! • Ergonomics is the science of making things comfy and efficient ! • Dynamics = movement ! ! Why is it important? ! • Work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most prevalent, most expensive, and most preventable workplace injures in the US! • The most widespread occupational health hazard facing our nation today! ! By the Numbers.. ! • MSDs account for $1 of every $3 spent for workers compensation ! • $15-$20 billion in workers compensation cost per yer! • 1.8 billion Workers in the US report a work related MSD per year ! • MSDs account for 34% of all lost- workday injuries and illnesses! ◦ Injuries to the wrist result in longest absence (typically a month for carpal tunnel syndrome)! ! Who is Most at Risk?! • Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants! • Laborers not involved in construction work ! • Construction laborers ! • Custodians and other cleaners ! • Carpenters ! • Assemblers ! • Cooks ! • Stock handlers and baggers! • Registered nurses ! • Truck drivers ! ! Why Do ATCS and other Health Care Providers Care?! 1. Work ! 2. You deal with patients ! 3. You might get injured on the job! • AND... some of you clients might be seeing you for a work related musculoskeletal disorder ! • OR... you may be hired by an actual company to be an ergonomic specialist to reduce WC claims and save Company money! ! Ergonomic Risk Factors ! • Force (lifting, moving) ! • Repeated of sustained activities (repetitive motions over and over)! • Postural stresses and awkward positions (attempting to carry more things than needed)! • Localized mechanical stresses and pressure (tilting head to talk on phone, doing massages)! • Vibration (typing, walking without shoes, repetitive force)! • Twisting during material handling (moving objects and awkwardly twisting back, shoveling snow..)! • Awkward postures! ! Causes and Effects • Environmental Factors! ◦ Wet floors, poor lighting ! • Equipment Factors ! ◦ Poorly fitted taping or massage tables ! • Patient Related Factors ! ◦ The less helpful they are... the harder on you ! • Personnel Factors ! ◦ Fatigue, no training, rushed, general health! ! Most Common Place for Injury ! • Upper Extremity ! ◦ Shoulder ! ◦ Elbow! ◦ Wrist ! • All regions of Back ! ◦ Lower Back ! ◦ Cervical Region ! ! Common Work Related Cervical Spine Injuries! • Headaches ! • Stress ! • Neck pain ! • Shoulder Pain ! ! Head and Neck Position ! • Optimal Position = LESS STRESS ! ◦ Like a string is being pulled straight up from the crown of your head! ◦ Chin tucked! • Forward Head Position = More Stress ! ◦ Chin Tilted up ! ◦ Head jutted forward ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Common Symptoms ! • Headache ! • Neck Pain! • Shoulder and Upper Back Pain! • Upper Extremity Pain and Numbness! • Decreased ROM! • Upper Extremity Weakness ! • Dizziness and Visual Changes ! ! Predisposing Risk Factors ! • Static posture (Not Moving) ! • Age! • Dynamic Posture ! • Heredity ! • Excessive force! • Constant repetition ! • Poor Workstation Design ! ! Common Work Related Upper Extremity Injuries ! • Muscle Strain/tears ! • Tendonitis ! • Bursitis ! • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ! ! Common Symptoms ! • Shoulder and Upper Extremity Pain ! • Upper Extremity Numbness / Tingling! • Muscular Weakness! • Decreased ROM ! ! Predisposing Risk Factors! • Static and dynamic posture ! • Degenerative changes ! • Increased Force! • Large Breast Size! • Breast Feeding ! • Excessive Force! • Constant Repetition ! • Poor Work Station Design ! ! Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Common Lumbar Region Injuries ! • Muscular Strain ! • Ligament Sprain! • Degenerative Disc Disease ! • Narrowing discs leading to spinal nerve irritation ! ◦ Discs natural dehydrate with age, leading to decreased thickness! • Arthritis ! • Disc bulge/herniation ! ! Optimal Low Back Position ! • Lumbar spine should rest with a slight inward curve! • This position places LESS STRESS on muscles, ligaments, discs, and vertebrae! • Primary Role of Lumbar discs is to ABSORB SHOCK ! • Secondary Role is to ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE ROM! ! Common Symptoms ! • Low back/buttock pain ! • Lower extremity pain and altered sensation ! • Decreased Strength ! • Decreased ROM! ! Predisposing Risk Factors! • Static posture (not moving)! • Age! • Twisting of lumbar spine ! ◦ Increased stress on facet joint and or disc ! ◦ Nerves are more susceptible to compression ! • Dynamic posture ! • Heredity ! • Pregnancy ! • Excess body weight ! • Excessive Force! • Constant repetition ! ! Pro Tips! • Provide proper training for use with ergonomic devices ! ◦ Lifting, moving, pushing, pulling...! • Encourage the use of good body mechanics ! • Avoid awkward, stressful postures like reaching ! • Practice correct posture ! • Lift objects with large back muscles, not rotator cuff! ◦ Shoulder blades down and in ! • Pivot on feet instead of twisting ! ◦ Take a step!! • Get assistance ! ◦ Use a friend or assistive equipment ! • Push rather than Pull ! ! ! • Bend with the knees ! ◦ Use your legs, not your back!! • Adjust your work station ! • Take Breaks!! ! Whats Normal Posture? ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Workstation Adjustments ! • Always start with the Chair...! • Keyboard & mouse adjustment ! • Monitor Adjustment ! • Alternate between writing and typing ! • Alternate between standing and siting ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !