You may be familiar with injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or back strain in your workplace. These injuries are due to small, repeated traumas to the musculoskeletal system (muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, bones) and the nervous system when the job does not match the worker’s capabilities.
What are the two injuries caused by poor ergonomics in the workplace?
Poor ergonomics can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) These include numbness, tingling, and sharp pain. In serious cases, CTS can affect mobility, and even cause partial paralysis. Another common MSD is tendonitis: the inflammation or irritation of tendons, often caused by incorrect posture.
What is a force injury in ergonomics?
Sustained Force Injuries. Examples of this type of injury are from prolonged static postures, such as sitting or kneeling too long, working with your arms in the overhead, or prolonged back bending. The image shows an example of an employee who is working in a bend-over posture as part of his routine job tasks.
What is one of the signs of an ergonomic injury?
Signs and symptoms of ergonomic injuries include:
- pain which may be dull and aching, sharp and stabbing or a burning sensation.
- tingling or numbness; swelling, inflammation, stiffness.
- muscle weakness or discomfort; extremities turning white or cold.
Why is ergonomics overlooked?
Ergonomics is sometimes overlooked when thinking about potential hazards that exist in the workplace. This is because injuries caused by poor ergonomics are not as obvious as injuries caused from falls from heights or dangerous chemicals. To reduce the risk of MSDs, practice good ergonomics in the workplace.
What injuries does ergonomics prevent?
Stretching, changing positions, getting up and away from the desk can help prevent repetitive injuries. Every hour or so, stretch your arms, sides, shoulders, neck, wrists, waist and lower back. Stretch breaks need to occur every two hours to prevent muscle fatigue.
How ergonomics improves work and safety?
A workplace ergonomics improvement process removes risk factors that lead to musculoskeletal injuries and allows for improved human performance and productivity. By making improvements to the work process, you are removing barriers to maximum safe work performance.
What can happen if you ignore ergonomics?
What Can Happen If You Ignore Ergonomics? Some of the most common injuries surrounding improper ergonomics include pain in the hands, wrists, shoulders, neck, back, head, and eyes. Perhaps the most worrisome areas for some people surround vision, and musculoskeletal problems.
