CDT209-4 Safety Talks! a Safety Smart!

Magazine Publication

the original

S AFETY T ALKS! Ergonomics

Employ Ergonomics At Work

Ergonomics is a word that we hear a
lot of these days in the workplace, but
how does ergonomics really affect us?
Basically what ergonomics is all about
is making your tasks, the tools or
equipment that you use and your work
environment suitable to YOU. This
contributes to your safety, health and
over-all comfort. The science of
ergonomics takes into account the
limitations of the human body in work
situations, and the variations in human
sizes, shapes and abilities. It used to
be that people were expected to fit
themselves to the machine. Now the
machine is designed to fit the person.
An understanding of ergonomics can
help you to determine any adjustments
or changes needed for your work area.
Work stations, equipment and tools are
being designed with the needs and
comfort of workers in mind. But there
may be a lot you can do as an
individual to adjust your work area for
your own benefit.
Many individuals who do repetitive
work, such as computer terminal
operators or those who assemble
products, are subject to injuries in
their muscles and joints. These
injuries can be caused by posture
problems and by strain from repetitive
work. Common injuries are neck and
back strain from sitting in the same
position all day. These muscle aches
and pains can turn into permanent
injuries. Among the repetitive strain
injuries is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Take a look around your work station
and see how it can be improved to suit
YOU better.
Is your table or work bench at a
comfortable height? How about your
chair or stool?
Are your tools and
supplies positioned
so you can reach
them without
excessive bending,
stretching or
lifting?
How about the
tools that you use?
Are the handles the
right shape to
conform comfortably to
your hands without any
excessive bending of your
wrists? Should they be padded to
reduce impact or vibration?
If you stand up to work, is there a
which can permanently cripple the footrest so you can change position to
hands and wrists. It is caused by the rest your back and legs? Would you
kind of non-stop motion which occurs perform your tasks more easily at a
when an individual repeats a certain multi-purpose work station, where you
task all through their shift. can both stand or sit?
Can the lighting be improved?
This same worker may be battling Should the noise be reduced?
other discomforts without even Do you incorporate some breaks and
knowing it. A stool or a workbench stretching exercises into your work
set at the wrong height, a copy holder day to avoid strain injuries and
located on the wrong side of the fatigue?
computer terminal, a noisy printer
nearby, glare causing eyestrain Pay attention to how you feel when
these are all strikes against doing a you are working. Think of how you
good job in a safe, healthful and can improve your work station so that
comfortable atmosphere. you can work more comfortably and
safely.

The information presented in Safety Talks! has been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable. However, it cannot be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are contained in
this article nor that additional measures may not be required under particular or exceptional circumstances, or your own company procedures, or by federal, state/provincial and local law.
While every effort is made to ensure that information and recommendations contained within our publications represent the best current opinion on the subject, no guarantee or warranty is
made by Bongarde Communications Ltd. as to their absolute correctness or sufficiency of any representation contained within. MCMXCVIII Bongarde Communications Ltd., US Office:
P.O. Box 428, Oroville, WA 98844-0428. Canadian Office: 2315 Government Street, Penticton, BC V2A 4W5. Commercial Reproduction of any portion of Safety Talks! is prohibited by
both Federal and International Copyright Laws. To report violations of our copyright PLEASE CALL 1-250-493-2200 Local, state and federal regulations take precedence over this material.