CIS onsite Injury Prevention Services
Would you like solutions for addressing your employees’ soft tissue sprains and strains?
CIS onsite offers boots on the ground, 24/7 onsite coverage. We customize our onsite programs to meet your site’s specific needs. We work hand in hand with out partners (facilities) to prevent injuries at the workplace. One consistent provider of injury prevention for all your national sites.
6 reason workplaces need an injury prevention program.
- Prevent Workplace Injuries, Illnesses, and Deaths
- Reduce Lost-Work Days
- Increase Productivity and Quality
- Raise Employee Morale
- Decrease OSHA Recordables
- Reduce Workers’ Compensation Claims and Costs
For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.
8 Fundamental Ergonomic Principles for Better Work Performance
Have you ever heard the term, “ergo eyes”?
It’s an expression that means seeing the world through the lens of fundamental ergonomic principles. Once you know and internalize these ergonomic principles, you’ll never want to go back.
Just imagine walking through the plant floor and instantly being able to identify risk factors that contribute to soft tissue injuries and disorders. Seeing the world through ergo eyes is like being able to see the potential injuries that could mar your stellar safety record so you can proactively make workplace design improvements to prevent that from happening.
So, here are eight fundamental ergonomic principles to help you identify ergonomic risk factors and maintain your stellar safety record.
Principle 1. Maintain Neutral Posture
Neutral postures are postures where the body is aligned and balanced while either sitting or standing, placing minimal stress on the body and keeping joints aligned.
Neutral postures minimize the stress applied to muscles, tendons, nerves and bones and allows for maximum control and force production.
The opposite of a neutral posture is an “awkward posture.” Awkward postures move away from the neutral posture toward the extremes in range of motion. This puts more stress on the worker’s musculoskeletal system, is a contributing risk factor for Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), and should be avoided.
Following are examples of Neutral vs. Awkward postures for the wrist, elbow, shoulder and back. When you put on your “ergo eyes”, you’ll immediately begin to notice when workers are in awkward postures and when they are maintaining a neutral posture.
Neutral and awkward wrist postures
Neutral and awkward elbow postures
Neutral and awkward shoulder postures
Neutral and awkward back postures
Principle 2. Work in the Power / Comfort Zone
This principle is very similar to maintaining a neutral posture, but is worth expounding upon here.
The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between mi-thigh and mid-chest height. This zone is where the arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort.
This can also be called the “hand shake zone” or “comfort zone.” The principle here is that if you can “shake hands with your work”, you are minimizing excessive reach and maintaining a neutral posture.
Working from the power / comfort / handshake zone ensures that you are working from proper heights and reaches, which reduces MSD risk factors and allows for more efficient and pain-free work.
Now when you notice workers who are working with extended reaches and at improper heights, you’ll know they are outside their comfort zone and risk factors are present.
Principle 3. Allow for Movement and Stretching
The musculoskeletal system is often referred to as the human body’s movement system, and it is designed to move.
Working for long periods of time in a static position will cause your body to fatigue. This is what is known as static load.
For example:
- Raise your hands over your head for the next 30 minutes
- Remain standing in the same position for the next 8 hours
- Write with a pencil for 60 minutes straight
If you do those things, you will experience static load. The first few seconds or minutes don’t seem too bad, but the cumulative effect of holding these seemingly stress-free positions over time will cause fatigue and discomfort.
Now, what is the first thing you will naturally do once you when you are finished with these tasks?
You will stretch.
You’ll stretch out your shoulders and back. You’ll stretch out your legs and maybe do some squats. You’ll stretch out your fingers and wrist.
Stretching reduces fatigue, improves muscular balance and posture and improves muscle coordination. Everyone is an athlete in life, so you need to prepare your body for work by warming up to improve performance and lower injury risk. A warm-up stretching regimen is a great way to prepare your body for work.
It is also beneficial to take periodic stretch breaks over the course of your work day to get your blood moving and restore your energy.
Principle 4. Reduce Excessive Force
Excessive force is one of the primary ergonomic risk factors. Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle effort increases in response to high force requirements which increases fatigue and risk of an MSD.
There are numerous conditions that affect force, but the idea is to recognize when a job or task requires excessive force and then find ways to reduce that force.
Eliminating excessive force requirements will reduce worker fatigue and the risk of MSD formation in most workers. Using mechanical assists, counter balance systems, adjustable height lift tables and workstations, powered equipment and ergonomic tools will reduce work effort and muscle exertions.
Principle 5. Reduce Excessive Motions
Repetitive motion is another one of the primary ergonomic risk factors. Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature, and are frequently controlled by hourly or daily production targets and work processes. High task repetition, when combined with other risks factors such high force and/or awkward postures, can contribute to the formation of MSD. A job is considered highly repetitive if the cycle time is 30 seconds or less.
Excessive or unnecessary motions should be reduced if at all possible. In situations where this is not possible, it is important to eliminate excessive force requirements and awkward postures.
Other control methods to consider are Job enlargement, job rotation and counteractive stretch breaks.
Principle 6. Minimize Contact Stress
According to OSHA, contact stress results from continuous contact or rubbing between hard or sharp objects/surfaces and sensitive body tissue, such as soft tissue of the fingers, palms, thighs and feet. This contact creates localized pressure for a small area of the body, which can inhibit blood, nerve function, or movement of tendons and muscles.
Examples of contact stress include resting wrists on the sharp edge of a desk or workstation while performing tasks, pressing of tool handles into the palms, especially when they cannot be put down, tasks that require hand hammering, and sitting without adequate space for the knees.
Principle 7. Reduce Excessive Vibration
Multiple studies have shown that regular and frequent exposure to vibration can lead to permanent adverse health effects, which are most likely to occur when contact with a vibrating tool or work process is a regular and significant part of a person’s job.
Hand-arm vibration can cause a range of conditions collectively known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), as well as specific diseases such as white finger or Raynaud’s syndrome, carpel tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Vibration syndrome has adverse circulatory and neural effects in the fingers. The signs and symptoms include numbness, pain, and blanching (turning pale and ashen).
Principle 8. Provide Adequate Lighting
Poor lighting is a common problem in the workplace that can affect a worker’s comfort level and performance. Too much or too little light makes work difficult – just imagine trying to do your job without sight!
Dimly lit work areas and glare can cause eye fatigue and headaches and improperly lit areas put workers at greater risk for all types of injuries.
Providing workers with adjustable task lighting is often a simple solution to lighting problems. At a computer workstation, take steps to control screen glare, and make sure that the monitor is not placed in front of a window or a bright background.
Conclusion
Workplace ergonomics doesn’t have to be as difficult or complicated as brain surgery. The ergonomic principles included in this article are mostly common sense – it’s the practical, day-to-day application of these principles that is challenging for many companies.
By developing your “ergo eyes” and adhering to these fundamental ergonomic principles, you can help your company identify risk factors that oftentimes go unnoticed, measure that risk with an objective ergonomic evaluation and implement control measures to reduce/remove ergonomic risk factors.
Source: https://ergo-plus.com/fundamental-ergonomic-principles/
For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.
9 summer safety tips for you and your family
Whoa — it feels like just yesterday that we were bundled up in knit hats, parkas and rainboots. But with school nearly out and sunshine in the forecast, summer is coming up fast.
While summer break is prime time for relaxation, nothing can dampen the mood like getting hurt or sick. Hitting the beach, hosting a cookout or headed on a camping trip? Plan ahead for how you’ll stay illness- and injury-free.
As you get ready, keep in mind these summer safety tips for the whole family:
- Water. Whether you’re in a pool, lake or ocean, stay alert. Always supervise young swimmers, and consider using life jackets or floats for added protection. Life vests are essential for boating, too. And you may want to leave a “float plan” behind with a friend. That way, someone on land knows where you are if something happens when you’re out on the water.
- Sun. UV rays can damage your skin before you realize it. Remember to put on — and reapply — sunscreen often (SPF 30 is great). Also choose protective clothing and accessories like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Seek shade when the sun is at its hottest.
- Heat. High temperatures can lead to illnesses like heatstroke, heat rash, cramps or exhaustion. Drink plenty of water and watch for headaches or nausea. These can be signs of heat-related illness. Think someone has heatstroke? Move them into the shade and give them water, then get medical help.
- Fireworks. Sure, Roman candles, pinwheels and sparklers add excitement to summer celebrations. But they also come with the risk of fires and injuries. If you can’t resist an at-home display, follow all safety guidelines and keep a bucket of water nearby to douse any flames. Even safer: Skip the DIY and find a professional fireworks display.
- Insects. Bug bites are not only itchy and irritating; they also carry the risk of illness. Use bug spray, wear protective clothing and check for ticks after you’ve been outdoors, especially in wooded areas. Love perfume? So do bees. It’s best to avoid strong scents when spending time outside.
- Kids and fur family. Don’t forget that even on mild days, the inside of a car can get dangerously hot. Never leave kids or pets alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. If you’re headed to the playground, take a close look at the equipment before letting little ones roam. Are there any potential hazards or damage? Is the surface below it covered with bark chips or other materials, to cushion falls? If not, choose another place to play.
- Bikes/scooters/skateboards. Helmets are essential when you or a family member gets rolling on two wheels or four. Before biking or skating, check that everybody’s helmets fit well. Replace them if needed for maximum protection from falls or accidents.
- First aid: Keep your first-aid kit well-stocked and nearby for minor injuries. Check your supplies regularly and refill as needed to stay prepared for any situation.
- Get travel ready. Before leaving home for a summer adventure, make time for a check-up with your healthcare provider. They can help get your vaccinations up to date, refill your prescriptions and address any health concerns so you can travel with peace of mind. It’s also a good idea to read up on local safety recommendations, especially if you’re traveling to a new place.
By following these tips, you can lower the risks and make the most of all the sunny season has to offer.
Source: https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/9-summer-safety-tips-you-and-your-family
For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.
