LibraryErgonomics

Library Ergonomics: 

Library Ergonomics

Introduction: 

Introduction People working in libraries perform numerous manual handling tasks, such as shelving books and maneuvering book carts. These tasks can put stress on the back, shoulders, arms, hands and wrists, and can increase the risk of repetitive stress injuries. This presentation focuses solely on library manual handling tasks. For information about Repetitive Stress Injuries and Computer Ergonomics, please refer back to the Ergonomics web page.

Shelving: 

Shelving

Risk Factors for Shelving Tasks: 

Risk Factors for Shelving Tasks Weight of books Reaching and bending High repetition rate of tasks

Tips for Safe Shelving: 

Tips for Safe Shelving Reaching overhead puts stress on your shoulders, arms and upper back Use foot stool when shelving books on high shelves

Tips for Safe Shelving: 

Tips for Safe Shelving Carrying too many books while shelving can put stress on your arms and shoulders Carry only the book being shelved

Tips for Safe Shelving: 

Tips for Safe Shelving Bending at the waist puts stress on your back Squat when shelving books on low shelves Keep your back straight

Tips for Safe Shelving: 

Tips for Safe Shelving Lifting heavy books can put stress on your wrists, arms and shoulders Use two hands to lift heavy books, such as bound volumes of serials Use two-handed power grip to disperse load and maintain neutral hand positions while shelving

Tips for Safe Shelving: 

Tips for Safe Shelving Pinch grip strength is approximately 25% of the strength of using the whole hand, increasing the risk of wrist injury Avoid use of a pinch grip when shelving

Tips for Safe Shelving: 

Tips for Safe Shelving Switch back and forth between using your left and right arms for shelving to lessen the weight and strain on your dominant arm, hand and wrist If practical, locate heavy books at waist height

Recommended Maximum Weights for Shelving Tasks: 

Recommended Maximum Weights for Shelving Tasks These weights are approximate. Individual factors such as age, size and level of physical fitness will affect the amount you can lift.

Book Carts: 

Book Carts

Risk Factors for Book Carts: 

Risk Factors for Book Carts Awkward wrist, hand and arm postures Strain on shoulder and back muscles Collisions

Tips to Prevent Accidents While Using Book Carts: 

Tips to Prevent Accidents While Using Book Carts Walk at a normal or slow pace while pushing a cart Ensure that the book cart allows sufficient foot space for your natural gait Keep the book cart close to your body

Tips to Prevent Accidents While Using Book Carts: 

Tips to Prevent Accidents While Using Book Carts DO NOT use a damaged cart, particularly one with faulty wheels DO NOT use a cart in which your vision is obstructed, whenever possible

Tips for Maneuvering Book Carts Safely: 

Tips for Maneuvering Book Carts Safely Push rather than pull the book cart Pull book carts when exiting elevators Pull carts through swinging doors Push from the end, not the sides

Tips for Maneuvering Book Carts Safely: 

Tips for Maneuvering Book Carts Safely Get help when moving a large or fully loaded cart

Tips for Maneuvering Book Carts Safely: 

Tips for Maneuvering Book Carts Safely Use carts with handles, whenever possible

Inspecting Book Carts: 

Inspecting Book Carts Prior to using a book cart, check for the following Loose and/or worn out wheels Stability Ease of movement Ease of maneuverability It is important to maintain all book carts, paying particular attention to the wheels

Lifting and Carrying: 

Lifting and Carrying

Lifting and Carrying: 

Lifting and Carrying Bend at the knees and keep your back straight Pull the load close to you and lift with your legs * A ten pound object will put 100 pounds of pressure on back *

Lifting and Carrying: 

Lifting and Carrying Get help when lifting large, heavy or awkward loads Carry loads close to the body Place heavy loads at waist level, whenever possible Take a step and turn rather than twisting

Lifting and Carrying: 

Lifting and Carrying Do not carry too many books at one time

Work Organization: 

Work Organization

Work Organization: 

Work Organization Take stretch breaks Vary tasks, whenever possible Switch hands and arms Work at a comfortable pace Too fast a pace does not allow the body to recover from repetitive or forceful motions