Types of Problems - University at Buffalo

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Who’s Got your Back?
(What you don’t know about Office
Ergonomics)
Carol Schmeidler/Kelly
Haidar
January 9, 2013
1
Agenda
Background
Applications/Limitations
Definitions
Problems
Solutions
Backs
Equipment
Other Situations
Resources
2
What This Isn’t
• The end-all, cure-all
• Infallible
• Guaranteed to help 100%
3
What This Is
• Not rocket science!
• Helpful
• Based on current
standards and
recommendations
• Information for the
workplace
• Information for home
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But First, Let’s Stretch!
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But First, Let’s Stretch!
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What is ergonomics?
From Greek words “ergon” (work)
and “nomos” (law), or…
Fitting jobs to people to prevent or
minimize the occurrence of injury
Not limited to computer use!
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Where does our information
come from?
Government requirements
Agency Recommendations
Industry-Specific Guidelines
Other colleges/universities
Manufacturers
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It’s not just computers, but…
9
It’s not just computers…
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Types of Problems
Head and neck
Shoulders and Upper arms
Backs - ~85% of people at one time
Wrists and Hands
Other issues not caused by, but affected
by work activities
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Caveat Ergo
Other possible causes of problems:
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Hobbies outside of work
Medical conditions (diabetes, pregnancy)
Medications
Second/Third jobs
Age-related disorders
A pain in the wrist isn’t always Carpal
Tunnel!
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Solutions – Basic Principles
Design ergonomics into any job
Pre-planning is the best course of
action
THERE IS NO “ONE SIZE FITS ALL”
It’s not just the furniture! Habits must
also change
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Solutions
Environment affects behavior
Movement is critical
Minimize extreme postures
Avoid contact stress
Take breaks!
Education Education Education
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Solutions – Basic Principles
Minimize extreme postures
≥ 90° angles in knees, hips, elbows
Avoid contact stress
Adjust what you can
Improvise
Take breaks!
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Solutions
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Solutions
Chairs:
• While standing, seat at knee level
• Feet flat on floor (foot board)
• Room between chair edge and knees
• Backrest supports lower
back curve
• Shoulders upright, not
hunched or low
• Arms rest at sides, 90° angle at elbows
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Solutions
Work Surface
Elbow height
• Adequate leg room
• Adjustable keyboard trays
• Store supplies at work surface level
(don’t bend)
•
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Solutions
Monitor
• Directly in front of you
• Approximately arm’s length away
• No squinting required
• Top of monitor even with eyebrows
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Solutions
Keyboard
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Directly in front of you (“J”)
Negative tilt
Do not use keyboard “feet”
Neutral, straight wrists
Don’t rest on wrist rests
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Solutions
Mousing
Hand in straight line with forearm
• Do not bend wrist
• Mouse should same height as and directly
adjacent to keyboard
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Arranging Your Workstation
Accessories
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Headset or shoulder rest
Document holder – adjacent to monitor
Foot rest
Monitor Arm
Mice, Keyboards
Advice
Turn whole body, don’t twist
• Breaks – 1 min./30 min. or 20/20/20
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Solutions
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Laptop Use
Same requirements
Docking Stations
Use laptop as monitor (stand)
Aux. keyboard and mouse
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Standing vs. Sitting
Keyboard at elbow height
Top of monitor even with tops of
eyebrows
Anti-fatigue mat to stand on
Solid foot rest?
Alternate standing
with sitting
25
Lighting the Way
Different tasks require different levels
of light
“Old eyes” need more light
Computer glasses
One source of overhead lights
Task lighting avoids glare, provides
additional light when/where needed
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Solutions
Changing habits is also very
important
Posture
Breaks – stretches?
Arrangement of work station
Following suggestions
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Remember that…
The best solutions  the most
expensive
Gadgets, bells & whistles can’t
substitute for training and
good practices
The best way to prevent
problems is to design them
out at the beginning
Be creative in finding solutions
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A Word or Two about Backs
Remember what we said about 85% of
the US population reporting back pain?
There are many causes; some
preventable, some not
There are things you can
do to prevent or limit
back problems
Proper Lifting Techniques
Solutions
Carrying
Carry in the “Power Zone”
• Redesign process to limit/eliminate need to carry
• Reduce bulk/weight of materials to be carried
• Reduce distance
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Solutions
Pushing/Pulling
Know the route
• Push rather than pull
• Minimize weight
• Stay close to load, bend knees
• Adjustable handles to keep grip within Power Zone
• Ensure good visibility
• Avoid twisting/turning
•
Assistive Devices
These can be helpful, but must be
combined with proper body positioning,
etc.
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Assistive Devices
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Workstation Evaluations
Assessments provided upon request!
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Resources
Your local Safety & Health Professional
Recommendations
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www.osha.gov
www.nih.gov/od/ors/ds/ergonomics/lab1.html
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/
http://www.seating-ergonomics.com/index.html
“The Ergonomics Guide to Computer Workstations – AIHA
publication
Other Universities
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www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/
www.ergo.human.cornell.edu/
www.yale.edu/ergo/
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Resources
Vendors/Service Providers
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www.humanscale.com
www.alimed.com
www.ergoboy.com
www.ergotron.com
www.officeorganix.com
www.askergoworks.com
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Questions? Thank you!!
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