The purpose of this write-up is not to exhaust the Subject-Ergonomics however, this presentation will shed significant light on the term ergonomics.

The term ergonomics was derived from the Greek word “ergo” which means ‘’Work”.  Generally, ergonomics means fitting the job to the worker. This means that the equipment/tool, task or environment must fit to the worker.

Statistics have shown that in United States of America, it is the largest category of workplace injuries and responsible for 30% of worker’s compensation costs. In the industrial world, 1/3 of all absents from work are due to pain that are associated with the-Neck, back, joint, head pain etc. These are referred to as Musculoskeletal Disorders MSDs. The rest of the 2/3rds is due to chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, obesity etc. these work related pains which have adverts can be prevented.

There are risk factors that contribute to individual’s susceptibility to suffer work related disorders. What are they?

• Repetitive motions;
• Poor sitting posture;
• Reaching overhead;
• Prolonged posturing;
• Poor workplace designs;
• Poor rest/sleeping postures;
• Pulling or pushing heavy loads;
• Repetitive/awkward lifting actions;
• Forceful pressures or exertion on the body etc.

Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) can be prevented through ergonomics. Examples of MSDs include:

• Back Pain;
• Tendinitis;
• Trigger finger;
• Disc Herniations;
• Carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Tension Neck Syndrome;
• Epicondylitis (affects the elbow);
• Muscle strains and low back injuries;
• Rotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder);
• General joint pain (shoulder, knee, elbow, etc.).

Vulnerable workers include, office workers, retail workers, construction workers, miners, drivers etc.

What are the signs and symptoms of ergonomic injuries?

• Limited range of motion;
• Swelling or joint stiffness;
• Hands and feet feeling unusually cold;
• Tingling and numbness in hands/fingers;
• Muscle weakness (clumsiness or loss of coordination);
• Discomfort/pain in upper, mid or lower back, and shoulders;

WATCH OUT FOR PART 2!!!

You want to read more on this? Watch out for part 2. In that edition, we shall discuss the benefits of good ergonomic practices to individuals and organizations.  You can’t afford to miss-out on the strategies employers and workers can adopt to eliminate or minimise MSDs to employees.

Bright Bansah

Health, Safety, Wellbeing, Environment and Quality Professional

Brightbansah@hotmail.com

+233202009976/+233501554555
Bright BANSAH                    @Bright.BANSAH                Bright BANSAH