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Definition
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menefits of Ergonomics in the
Workplace

g Reduce the risk of CTD

g Increase productivity
g Increase safety
g Improve quality of work
g Decrease fatigue and error

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Cumulative Trauma Disorders
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  (CTDs) are health disorders
arising from repeated biomechanical stress to the hands,
wrist, elbows, shoulders, neck, back

 

  (MSDs) affect soft tissue of the
body in areas like the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand,
wrist, and fingers. These include nerves, tendons, cartilage,
ligaments, and muscles

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Most Common CTDs

g Carpal tunnel syndrome

g Low back pain
g Neck pain
g Tendinitis

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Risk Factors for CTDs

g Force
g Repetition
g Awkward Postures
g Static Postures
g Contact Stress
g Temperature Extremes
g Vibration
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Psycho-social

Issues
Risk Factors : FORCE

g amount of physical effort

required to maintain
control of equipment or
tools, or to perform a
task such as heavy
lifting, pushing, pulling,
or carrying
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Risk Factors : REPETITION

g Occurs when the same or similar movements

are performed frequently.

g Injury may result when the tissues do not have

adequate time to recover.

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Risk Factors : AWKWARD POSTURES

g Deviation from the ³neutral´

body position.

g Awkward posture puts stress

on muscles, tendons and
joints.

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Risk Factors : STATIC POSTURES

g Occurs when one position is

held for a prolonged period of
time.

g The muscles will become

fatigued from a lack of blood
flow during a static posture.

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Risk Factors : CONTACT STRESS

g Caused by any sharp or hard object putting

localized pressure on a part of the body.

g Will irritate local tissues and interfere with

circulation and nerve function.

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Risk Factors : TEMP. EXTREMES

g Can place stress on tissues.

g Extreme cold constricts blood

vessels and reduces sensitivity
and coordination of body parts.

g Excessive heat can result in

increased fatigue and heat
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  stress.


Risk Factors : VImRATION

g Can occur while using power

tools or while driving
equipment.

g Place stress on the tissues of

the fingers, hand and arms.

g Whole body vibration from

driving puts stress on the spinal
m tissues.

  

Risk Factors : PSYCHO-SOCIAL

g Stress, boredom, job

dissatisfaction and anxiety can
contribute to the possibility of
developing a MSD.

g Psycho-social issues can create

increased muscle tension and
reduce a person¶s awareness of
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work

 technique.
How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??

my applying ergonomic principles to the

workplace, risk factors are minimized,
productivity is increased, and overall
workplace quality is improved.

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How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??

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g Maintain proper posture at all

times.

g Maintain the natural ³S´ curves of

the spine.
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Standing posture

g Keep head directly over the

shoulders.

g Tighten the core abdominal mm

g Prop one foot in a stool to reduce

stress on low back
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Sitting posture

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How can we avoid CTDs?

g Prolonged static postures should be avoided (max

time is 20-30 mins)

g Change positions frequently.

g Stretch breaks can be incorporated into daily

tasks.
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How can we avoid CTDs?

g Avoid lifting and bending

whenever you can.

g The best zone for lifting is

between the shoulders and
your waist.

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How can we avoid CTDs?

g Use proper lifting

techniques.
g Take a balanced stance.
Squat down to lift the
object.
g Keep the object close to
the body.
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g Avoid twisting.
Adjust the workstation

g Workstation must be adjusted to promote a

neutral position while a person works.

g Workstations must be easily adjustable to

accommodate the worker performing the task .

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Check the environment

g Check lighting, noise and temperature.

g Check work pace and stress levels.

g Check work processes.

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ÿet In Shape

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 Thank you«

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