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Office work is rapidly changing. New developments in computer technology can make our jobs easier, but also can present new problems for both management and employees.
Ergonomics and the prevention of injury
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work. It considers the physical and mental capabilities and limits of the worker as he or she interacts with tools, equipment, work methods, tasks and the working environment.
Office Ergonomics is the branch of ergonomics dealing specifically with the office environment. In recent years the main focus of office ergonomics has been on computer work due to the rapid increase in computer use in the modern office and the associated increase in injuries.
People are an essential part of every business process and critical to delivering quality products and services. It is especially costly when a person becomes injured or ill given both these direct costs and the loss of the valuable services provided by the person. Ergonomics is a tool which business owners and managers can use to help prevent these injuries in the office. Ergonomics reduces the risk of injury by adapting the work to fit the person instead of forcing the person to adapt to the work. In addition to injury prevention, ergonomics is also concerned with enhancing work performance, by removing the barriers that exist in many work places that prevent employees from performing to the best of their abilities. Therefore, another benefit of applying ergonomics to office work is that it helps people work more effectively, efficiently, and productively at their jobs.
The application of ergonomics in your workplace is a creative process, and to be successful it may require all of the available expertise within your company. You will therefore want to ask for input from all staff levels, including management, supervision and employees, when dealing with ergonomics issues.
Benefits of ergonomics
While ergonomic improvements to the work environment are primarily used to create a safer and more healthful work environment, your company may experience other benefits, including:
• increased productivity
• increased work quality
• reduced turnover
• reduced absenteeism
• increased morale.
Sources of injury in the office
If your workers are required to adapt to a job that exceeds their body's physical limitations, they can become injured. The single largest class of injury claims in the office are Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD's), which account for over 40% of all Washington State Fund workers' compensation claims among office workers.
These injuries result in medical and time loss costs of over $12 million per year to State Fund employers, and are responsible for over 70,000 lost work days per year. Due to the nature and severity of WMSD's, they account for more than their share of injury costs - about 60% of overall claim costs.
WMSD's may worsen over time and therefore become more costly when compared to injuries resulting from a sudden event such as a slip and fall. This also means that it can take a long time to get an employee back to work, resulting in higher medical and time loss payments. In addition, there can be higher hidden costs when workers use more sick leave or slow their work pace during the period before a claim is filed when WMSD symptoms are beginning to develop.
Examples of WMSD's
Neck strain
Shoulder tendinitis and bursitis
Low back pain
Tennis and golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Hand and wrist tendinitis
Other terms for WMSD's
• Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD's)
• Repetitive trauma disorders
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI's)
• Repeated motion disorders
• Overuse syndromes
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD's)
Injuries to the soft tissues in the body:
• muscles
• tendons
• ligaments
• nerves
• blood vessels
Symptoms include:
• discomfort
• pain
• fatigue
• swelling
• stiffness
• numbness and tingling
Nature of injury
Worker's compensation claims for injuries that occur in the office environment come from three areas - computer work, materials handling (lifting and carrying) and general office work.
For a complete Booklet prepared by WISHA Services Division Washington State Department of Labor and Industires visit: http://www.lni.wa.gov/IPUB/417-133-000.pdf
For OSHA's Health and Safety Tips visit: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/
WORKWELL Occupational Medicine's On-staff Ergonomist:
Scott Sullivan, MHA, RKT, ATC, CSHE, CHFA
Education
BS, Texas Christian University, 1991
MHA, University of Phoenix, 2007
Employment
WORKWELL Occupational Medicine, 2000 - present
University of Denver, 2002 - present
Credentials
Certified Specialist in Health Ergonomics
Certified Specialist in Functional Assessments
Registered Kinesio-Therapist Certified Athletic Trainer
Services Provided
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) – FCE’s identify an injured worker’s physical/functional capabilities as it relates to job demands, effort level, isometric/dynamic strength, and postural tolerances.
Job Site Analyses (JSA) – JSA’s analyze an individual at workplace identifying ergonomic hazards leading to musculoskeletal injury. Reports document digital photos, goniometric measurements, push/pull/grip/pinch forces, and material handling demands and contains direct observations, professional recommendations and expected outcomes.
Physical Abilities Testing – Abilities Tests are design utilizing functional job descriptions and on-site analysis, implemented for specific individuals or groups, and provides testing examples and criteria.
A&P/Body Mechanics/Ergonomics Education - Typically performed on site at request of medical provider or employer’s requesting services.
Functional Job Descriptions - Measures every aspect of job from material handling to postures required to perform essential job tasks. Reports are fully documented with digital photos and physical measurements.
Contact your local WORWELL Occupational Clinic to learn more about an on-site safety analysis by Scott Sullivan.
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