CSUSM ERGONOMICS
Self Administered Study Program
Part of the Ergonomics Resource Fund Program
Risk Management and Safety Operations - Craven 4700
Curricula
 What is Ergonomics
 The benefits of an Ergonomic program
 Ergonomic related injuries and their causes
 Identifying Ergonomic Risk Factors
 Office Ergonomics
 Control Strategies to minimize risk
 What you can do to prevent injury
Note - Industrial Ergonomics is addressed in specific
presentations orientated to a particular work environment
The benefits of an Ergonomic
program
 DECREASED INJURIES, ILLNESSES,




AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
COSTS.
INCREASED EFFICIENCY AT WORK.
INCREASED PHYSICAL WELL BEING.
DECREASED ABSENTEEISM AND
TURNOVER.
INCREASE IN EMPLOYEE MORALE.
What is Ergonomics?
“Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions
and job demands to the capabilities of employees.” ( U.S.
Dept. of Health)
Ergonomic principles are used to improve the “fit” between
the worker and the workplace.
A practical approach to Ergonomics considers the match
between the person, the equipment they use, the work
processes and the work environment.
A persons capabilities, physical attributes and work habits
must be recognized to improve ergonomic factors in the
workplace.
Risk Management and Safety is pleased to present this first
step in helping our colleagues at CSUSM become
ergonomically knowledgeable and make them eligible for
the Ergonomic Resource Fund Program.
Ergonomic related injuries and their causes
The following slides will provide initial information
concerning some of the most common occurring
ergonomic injuries, it is not a comprehensive list and
all significant discomfort should be examined by a
Health Care Professional.
Any exercise program to help strengthen the body
components need to be approved by a persons HCP.
The Quickie
Quiz #201108
Just a quick quiz to see
how much you already
know about your body
systems that may be
affected by ergonomic
set-up and movement
issues.
This is not a pass/fail
quiz, just informational
and to get you into the
scope of the program.

A CTD is what? _______________________________

(what about MSD and RMI’s!?)
Do you think all the muscle and bone systems interact?
YES
NO
 # of US adults who will suffer Low back pain ______


An ergonomic Evaluation will fix all your problems?
YES
NO

A CTD is what? Cumulative Trauma Disorder –
means it usually is not a sudden spontaneous event; the terms MSD =
The Answers
Please…..
There were no trick
questions.
This basic
information should
help you in your selfevaluation process.
Musculo-skeletal Disorders,
RMI’s = Repetitive Motion Incidents.
Do you think all the muscle and bone systems interact?
YES ; if functioning correctly they all work together
 # of US adults who will suffer Low back pain 80-85% = WOW!


An ergonomic Evaluation will fix all your problems?
NO; if only we could, but we can help some and prevent others
EMPHASIS
As you saw with a great
many people
experiencing back pain it
is important to address
that area and the
associated muscle/bone
structures that are likely
to cause the greatest
discomfort.
Back issues can affect or
exacerbate neck/shoulder
and upper arm as well as
hip and upper leg areas.
The self evaluation
process will help you
understand the need for
proper alignment in your
set-ups.
TYPES of
FORCE
INJURIES
• BENDING OVER
• TWISTING
• FALL or LONG TERM
SEATED COMPRESSION
Other Ergonomic Related
Injuries include;
 Tendonitis
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 Tennis Elbow
 Neck and Back injuries
 Strains/Sprains
 Bursitis
 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
 Trigger finger
EXAMPLE of
Bending force
injury potential
Identifying Ergonomic Risk
Factors
CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT
INCREASE THE CHANCES OF DEVELOPING A
MUSCULO-SKELETAL DISORDER (MSD).
THE LIKELIHOOD OF DEVELOPING AN
INJURY IS DEPENDENT ON THE FREQUENCY
AND DURATION OF EXPOSURE TO RISK
FACTORS.
BOTH OCCUPATIONAL AND PERSONAL RISK
FACTORS CAN AFFECT AN INDIVIDUALS
WELL BEING AT HOME OR WORK.
Risk factors and causes of MSD’s
1
1
 Repetition
 Force
 Awkward Posture
 Static Posture
 Contact Stress
 Temperature Extremes
 Vibration
 Psycho Social
Repetition
1
2
 Occurs when the same or similar movements are
performed frequently.
 Repetition can also occur when different tasks are
performed if those tasks have the same movements.
 Injury may result from repetition when the tissues
do not have adequate time to recover.
Force
1
3
 Force is the amount of physical effort required by a
person to do a task or maintain control of tools or
equipment.
 A pinch grip produces 3-5 times more force on the
tendons in the wrist than a grip with the whole
hand.
 With excessive force the muscles are contracting
much harder than normal, this can lead to stress
on the muscles, tendons and joints.
Awkward Posture
1
4
 Is a deviation from the “neutral” body position.
 A “neutral” body position is safest and most
efficient position in which to work.
 Awkward posture puts stress on muscles,
tendons and joints.
Neutral
Awkward
Static Posture
1
5
 Static posture occurs when one position is held for a
prolonged period of time.
 The muscles will become fatigued from a lack of
blood flow during a static posture.
 This fatigue can lead to discomfort and even injury.
Contact Stress
1
6
 Contact stress is caused by any sharp or hard object
putting localized pressure on a part of the body.
 Contact stress will irritate local tissues and interfere
with circulation and nerve function.
Temperature Extremes
1
7
 Environmental conditions such as
extreme heat or cold can place
stress on tissues.
 Extreme cold constricts blood
vessels and reduces sensitivity and
coordination of body parts.
 Excessive heat can result in
increased fatigue and heat stress.
Psycho-social Issues
1
8
 Stress, boredom, and anxiety can contribute to the
possibility of developing a MSD.
 Psycho-social issues can create increased muscle
tension and reduce a person’s awareness of work
technique.
OFFICE ERGONOMICS
BY APPLYING ERGONOMIC PRINCIPLES TO THE
OFFICE SETTING, RISK FACTORS ARE MINIMIZED,
PRODUCTIVITY IS INCREASED, AND OVERALL
WORKPLACE QUALITY IS IMPROVED.
THE WORKSTATION MUST BE ADJUSTED TO
PROMOTE A NEUTRAL POSITION WHILE A PERSON
WORKS.
WHEN ADJUSTING A WORKSTATION, KEEP IN
MIND THAT ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT INTERACTS.
MAKING ONE ADJUSTMENT MAY ALTER ANOTHER.
Self Evaluation Process - Adjusting the Workstation
 Adjust the Chair.
 Adjust reach requirements.
 Adjust focal requirements.
If you find it useful to print out the following checklists that may
be of assistance in evaluating your work-station area.
Remember to set your printer to print “current page” or you can
put in the numbers of the pages. (23-26)
One of the reasons it is important to understand the chair adjustments and
fit to the user is many chairs look similar yet are designed for a specific
purpose. The chair on the left below (Fig. A) is a simple conference chair
with only 2 adjustments while the chair on the right (Fig. B) has 10
adjustments so that it can be fit to the 95 percentile of users.
Important
note: Please do
not purchase
chairs from
catalog pictures
or outlet stores.
They are often
inferior quality
and have not been
evaluated to fit
the end user.
Contact RM&S
Ext. 4502 to setup an evaluation.
Figure A
Figure B
Self Evaluation Process – Adjust the Chair
Chair Adjustments (as applicable):
 Height
 Seat Pan
 Arms (up/down, in/out, forward
back, swivel in out)
 Lumbar support (built in or
adjustable)
 Tilt Lock /Rocker Lock
 Head rest (some units are built
in, others can be added on)
Some chairs have levers that will perform
multiple adjustments. The chair above shows a
tilt lock bar, and a rocker/tension bar both
which have multiple settings
Workstation Reach/Alignment:
 Monitor(s) Height/Eye-line
 Monitor(s) Alignment to Keyboard/ User
 Mouse Reach and angle
 Keyboard Tray – Height and angle
 Keyboard legs in flat position
Model Example with return
and old CRT monitor.
Self Evaluation Process – Adjust Reach and
Alignment Requirements Recommendations
Workstation Reach/Alignment:
 Monitor(s) Height/Eye-line (2”-3” from top of monitor edge)
 Monitor(s) Alignment to Keyboard/ User (“H” key is centered
on monitor or where two units meet, and the center of the
users chest.)
 Mouse Reach and angle (back by the edge of the keyboard,
slightly above if the tray allows, and use the arm/shoulder to
move the mouse – not the wrist)
 Keyboard Tray – Height and angle (dependent on user size/height
and workstation design)
 Keyboard legs in flat position (or angled using an approved
footrest)
Self Evaluation Process – Distance/Focal Requirements
Focal /Distance Requirements:
 Phone reach/position (headset?)
 Distance to monitor
(seated/standing) 24”-30”
 Monitor(s) screen tilt angle (glare?)
Check your workstation before you
place the equipment in position, e.g.
 Where is the best place for the
monitor(s)?
Where should the keyboard tray
be?
Where does the CPU go?
Should I have wireless?
Will I being doing a lot of calling?
Will I benefit from a sit/stand setup?
Environmental considerations:
 Lighting (ambient, office, task,) (what type, how many?)
 Temperature/HVAC Vents (Where are they, call Facility
Services (Ext. 4600) if you think you need adjustments – DO
NOT block vents.)
Remember the Source
Had a tough day?
Computer giving you problems?
Going to an important meeting?
Need to relax?
The following slides are to revisit
the most common areas of
ergonomic discomfort….
Typical workstation problems
And another Typical workstation problems
Or even this typical workstation problems
Additional Resources
You may visit the RM&S website and check out the following
(http://www.csusm.edu/rms/safety_programs/ergonomics.html)
Ergonomics in the Office General Information
Ergonomics Tips
Stretching Exercises
Back Pain
Lifting Techniques
Your Back is Your Life!
Eye Strain
Ergonomics for Computers
Computer Checklist
Workstation Techniques
Thank you for your Diligence
You are ready to begin the process of applying for assistance through the
Ergonomics Resource Fund. To finish this segment of the process do the
following;
 Print the Certificate of Completion,
 Sign and date the certificate
 Have your Supervisor/MPP sign & date the Certificate
 Fill out the Application forms and follow the directions for completing
the application process.
Risk Management and
Safety
Certificate of Completion for
Ergonomic Self Evaluation
This certificate authenticates that
____________________________________
(Print Name Clearly)
has successfully completed the Ergonomic Self Evaluation
Training Program administered by Risk Management and
Safety at California State University San Marcos, on
__________________
Date
___________________
Signature of Employee
___________________
Signature of Supervisor/MPP