Ergonomics for Women in the Trades: Ergonomics for Women in the Trades Jennifer Hess, DC, MPH Labor Education and Research Center, University of Oregon


Today’s Workshop: Today’s Workshop Goal is to provide you with a better understanding of ergonomics in your job by: looking at why ergonomics and bodymechanics are important reviewing musculoskeletal anatomy discussing chronic injury and women specific factors discussing risk factors for injury analyzing job tasks


Is there a problem?: Is there a problem?


The Problem is WidespreadThe Top 12 Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC): SIC Industry WMSDs per year These 12 SICs alone account for 20% of WMSDs Source: SHARP Report No. 40-4a-2000 The Problem is Widespread The Top 12 Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC)


National Statistics: National Statistics $20 million for 2.73 million claims (1993) up to $100 million in indirect costs Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) effect 7% of population 14% of doctor visits 62% of those with MSD report limitations $21,453 for each upper extremity claim


Oregon Statistics: Oregon Statistics ~30,564 disabling claims 35% due to overexertion 10,700 claims @ $9200 ea = $98,416,000. 54% due to strains and sprains Back strains/sprains are 24% of all claims 16,500 claims @ $9200 ea = $151,841,950.


Anatomy: Anatomy bones: support frame of body muscles: stabilize and are the levers that move body tendons: connect muscles to bones ligaments: connect bones to bones, provide support discs: shock absorbers and assist movement of the spine nerves: carry sensation and movement information


Bones: Bones


Ligaments: Ligaments


Nerves: Nerves


Facet Joints and Disc: Facet Joints and Disc


Intervertebral Disc : Intervertebral Disc


Disc Movement: Disc Movement


Disc Herniation: Disc Herniation


Wrist: Wrist


Carpal Tunnel: Carpal Tunnel


Shoulder: Shoulder


Specific to Women: Specific to Women Women work smarter! Menstrual cycles influence our bodies ligaments more stretchy the week prior to period ligaments get more stiff at the onset of the period water retention may contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms Knee joint angle (Q angle) greater due to broader hips 13° males, 18 ° females knee under slightly more stress Stature tools and work stations may not be designed for our frames Strength may play a role in injury cause or prevention


How do Injuries Occur?: How do Injuries Occur? Direct trauma acute injuries sharp pain immediately after lifting heavy equipment injury after tripping over rebar and falling Indirect trauma chronic injuries back pain from lifting concrete hoses daily for several months/years numbness in the hand from years of operating power tools


Chronic Injuries: Chronic Injuries Musculoskeletal injuries that result over time from a variety of factors tool/worksite design bodymechanics stress level of fitness prior injury They have several names: RMI: Repetitive Motion Injuries RSI: Repetitive Strain Injuries CTD: Cumulative Trauma Disorder WRMS: Work-related musculoskeletal disorder


What happens in a chronic injury?: What happens in a chronic injury? Tissue irritation: muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs Microtrauma: small tears in the tissues Production of scar tissue: like a blob of super glue Adhesions form, tears combine Process continues as long as activity continues Results in  flexibility  strength  function Can lead to an acute injury or eventual disability


Examples of Chronic Injuries: Examples of Chronic Injuries


What is Egonomics?: What is Egonomics?


What is Bodymechanics?: What is Bodymechanics? Using your body to the best mechanical advantage Bodymechanics complements ergonomics Trade-off between short term energy efficiency (fatigue) and long term wear-n-tear


Bodymechanics Examples: Bodymechanics Examples lift with legs instead of back bend from the hips keep the task close to body keep spine in neutral posture maintaining the 3 curves use a wide, scissored stance keep your nose between toes test the load get help from coworkers


Ergonomics Defined: Ergonomics Defined Finding the best ‘fit’ between a worker and her job conditions Goal is to create a safe, comfortable environment for workers that is also productive Usually accomplished by redesigning tools or the work process “Make the tool fit the person”


What makes a tool "ergonomic"?: What makes a tool "ergonomic"? Ergonomics is not an inherent attribute of tools It is common sense To be "ergonomic" a tool must: Fit the user Be easy to use Improve comfort Improve performance improve health and safety


Ergonomic Examples: Ergonomic Examples


Ergonomic Examples: Ergonomic Examples


What are the risk factors for injury?: What are the risk factors for injury?


Slide32: Awkward Postures High Hand Force Highly Repetitive Motion Repeated Impact Heavy, Frequent or Awkward Lifting Moderate to High Hand-Arm Vibration Look for These Indicators:


When is a task a hazard?: When is a task a hazard? Risk factors become a hazard when the duration of exposure gets longer the work intensity increases there are a combination of risk factors


Awkward Postures: Being in these work positions for more than 2 hours total per day Hands above head Elbow above shoulder Back bent forward more than 30 degrees Neck bent more than 30 degrees Squatting Kneeling Awkward Postures


Slide35: Neck or Back Bent Forward More than 30º For more than 2 hours per day


Slide36: Squatting or Kneeling For more than 2 hours per day


Slide37: Working with the Hands Overhead For more than 2 hours per day


Slide38: High Hand Force More than 2 hours per day of: Pinching 2 or more pounds weight or 4 or more pounds force Gripping 10 or more pounds weight or force


Highly Repetitive Motion: Highly Repetitive Motion Workers repeat same motion every few seconds for more than 2 hours per day with: neck shoulders elbows wrists hands


Slide40: Repeated Impact Using hands or knees as a hammer more than 10 times per hour more than 2 hours per day


Heavy, Frequent, or Awkward Lifting: Heavy, Frequent, or Awkward Lifting Lifting objects more than: 75 lbs. once/day 55 lbs. more than ten times/day 10 lbs. more than twice/minute for more than 2 hours per day 25 lbs. above shoulders, below knees, or at arms length for more than 25 times/day


Slide42: Moderate to High Hand-Arm Vibration Moderate Level more than 30 min/day more than 2 hours/day High Level


How to Achieve Ergonomic Solutions?: How to Achieve Ergonomic Solutions? practice good bodymechanics observe your job for risky tasks alter tasks as needed or able talk with your supervisor about purchasing ergonomic tools adapting existing tools adapting the work environment


Ergonomic Solutions: Ergonomic Solutions Heavy loads get help use cart/dolly use smaller quantities Repetitive activities rotate jobs rotate body part Awkward postures is there another way to do it? Vibration use tools with dampeners take breaks, rotate jobs


Obstacles to Ergonomic Improvements: Obstacles to Ergonomic Improvements Cost when workers supply their own tools Disincentives for reporting injuries and problems Little incentive for employers to pay for ergonomic changes to reduce chronic injuries Ergonomic improvement = Productivity improvement = Loss of jobs?? A need to prove we can do the job


Conclusion: Conclusion Staying healthy at work is about using the best tool possible (ergonomics) using your body to the best mechanical advantage (body mechanics) physical conditioning (stretching and strength training) using your head for safe work practices