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Ergonomic Principles
How to Reduce Ergonomic Risk Associated with the Task. (Heirarchy of Control):
- Eliminate the task.
This is the most effective way to reduce ergonomic risk, but is usually the most difficult, and is often not an option. For example, repairing a heavy piece of machinery (such as a pump or engine) on site, rather than removing it for repair, eliminates the task of moving the machinery.
- Substitute the task.
For example, using a trolley to transport boxes from A to B, instead of a person carrying the boxes.
- Modify the task.
This includes changing tools or equipment, breaking up the task so that it is shared between people or is performed in shorter bursts of activity interchanged with different activities.
- Personal protective equipment.
This is the least effective method of managing ergonomic risk. It includes the use of knee pads and gloves for absorbing pressure, shock and vibration, reducing the impact on the body.
THE INDIVIDUAL
Some common ergonomic risk factors associated with the individual include:
- Acquired postural changes:
Over time the body can develop poor posture from repeated tasks, even in a proper ergonomic environment. Without regular attention to posture, these changes have a risk of causing strain, nerve compression, muscle injury, and may lead to permanent changes.
- Restricted range of motion:
If joints don't have full range of motion due to degenerative change or previous injury, the joint surfaces may be under increased or abnormal load. Muscles and tendons surrounding the affected joints may also be at risk of overuse or injury due to altered biomechanics.
- Inadequate cardiovascular fitness:
Cardiovascular endurance is essential for many physical jobs. Without proper fitness, the individual will fatigue quickly and be unable complete job demands.
- Inadequate physical strength:
If the individual does not posess enough strength to complete the job tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or tool use he or she will be at risk of physical injury.
- Physical disabilities:
Individuals with permanent physical disabilities (eg. altered visual acuity or hearing, amputation, spinal cord injury, physical trauma) may have increased risk of overuse in affected or other tissues due to altered perception, biomechanics, or strength.
How to Reduce Ergonomic Risk Associated with the Individual.
Maintaining physical health and good posture is essential for preventing injury. A Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) can assess an individual's fitness to perform tasks associated with a job.
How Physical Therapy & Wellness can help:
At Physical Therapy & Wellness, we can help reduce your ergonomic risk factors by analyzing the postures and movements that you use during your work activities, as well as analyzing your body and it's ability to perform the tasks. Physiotherapists can conduct a Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) to assess your physical ability to meet the demands of your job. We may identify risks within your job such as awkward postures and make suggestions for improvement. We may discuss your typical work day with you and provide guidance for avoiding injury or to assist in the recovery of an existing injury. We may suggest you plan your work day to break up prolonged positions with other tasks. We may design a program of stretches that you can do at your workplace to reduce muscle tension created by work activities.