Ergonomic Assessment

Transcription

1 Risk Management & Insurance Ergonomics Program Fort Collins, CO (970) FAX: (970) Diana Laboratory Animal Resources Technician IV 491- Painter D110 JSA performed by: Frank Gonzales, CEES, CEAS JSA date: 1/26/11 Ergonomic Assessment The analysis performed was done so in order to determine risk factors for cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) (also called musculoskeletal disorders MSD) and to reduce or eliminate exposure to those risk factors which the current workstation or job tasks performed may present. With the appropriate changes to the workstation, Diana will have an improved workstation setup which will help reduce exposure to injury risk factors which can eventually lead to a work related injury. The emphasis of the JSA is to try setup the workstation in the best way possible allowing Diana to sit as close to neutral posture as possible by making the appropriate workstation modifications. Setting up the workstation to allow for neutral posture places an individual at the lowest risk for injury. During the JSA exposure to injury risk factors are identified and corrected as much as possible in order to allow Diana to work as close to neutral posture as possible. The below information was collected and resulted in the below recommendations. Job Description: The job includes frequent use of an input device, such as the keyboard and mouse in a continuous mode for long periods of time throughout the day. Time spent throughout the day consists mostly of computer work. Positive aspects of the job include: 1. Monitors at correct height a. Dual monitor setup 2. Height adjustable keyboard tray 3. Foot rest used 4. Document holder used 5. Phone within close reach 6. Good overall ergonomic setup

2 Workstation setup Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 The following suggestions being made are what I feel the most accurate ways to prevent and reduce the risks on the worksite for developing cumulative trauma disorders for the particular job being described (below recommendations are not mandatory however should be seriously considered): Risk Factor Incorrect height and tilt of keyboard tray. Keyboard tray mouse platform is lower than the keyboard platform (~ 1.25 inches). This creates an extended reach and awkward shoulder/upper back postures to reach the mouse. This is very common with this model keyboard tray Increased neck rotation to view monitors due to gap in placement. This is due to the incorrect placement of the Solution/Recommendation Adjust tilt and height of keyboard tray to allow for correct posture. Adjustment to the tray height at tilt were made at the time of the JSA. Obtain a new platform for the keyboard tray which is completely flat and allows for a matching height for the keyboard and mouse. (A quote for this was obtained and reportedly was purchased for Diana.) Relocate the keyboard tray to the left into the corner section and reposition the monitors. This will allow

3 keyboard tray. Awkward and repetitive hand posture while using the mouse (pronated hand position). This is common with standard mouse use. The current chair is not of extremely high quality and is lacking in lumbar support and adjustment features Diana to place the monitors as close to each other as possible and decrease any neck rotation. Diana has reported that the relocation of the keyboard tray has also already taken place. Try alternative mouse use to improve hand/wrist/forearm posture. Consider in the future using the left hand to control the mouse. Several options exist and should be tried to determine effectiveness in reducing awkward hand postures, discomfort and repetition. Try alternative chairs (Diana has 2 chairs in her office and one is very good however is a bit large for someone of Diana s stature. If neither chair she has fits her correctly and supports her body while working she may need to investigate a new chair entirely. Other risk factors were not identified at the time of the JSA however may present themselves in the future at which point Ergonomics staff should be contacted for further help and evaluation to find an effective solution in minimizing or eliminating those risk factors. In addition to the recommendations made above Diana should also: Maintain proper positioning when seated at the computer and concentrate on sitting back as far as he can in the chair. Avoid twisting and turning when doing paper work or performing writing tasks. This was reviewed with Diana at the time of the JSA. Take frequent breaks during the day away from the computer (at least one 5-minute break per hour). Sitting for too long can cause a problem because of the static posture being maintained. Sitting for long periods of time increases fatigue and strain on the body and does not allow for good movement of blood and oxygen to the tissues. Without adequate blood flow the body does not get the repairs it needs and when it is excessively damaged due to a number of issues (one issue being static posture) injuries can arise over time. This is one of the most important issues in office ergonomics. Even with a perfect workstation setup, static loads can take a toll on the body and it is crucial to get up and move around; get away from the computer. Perform stretches and exercises recommended by a physician or use the examples available on the website. Diana is recommended to try and/or purchase the equipment below and can also be found at the following website. Stretches and other ergonomic information can also be found at the website. The items shown below are examples of equipment being recommended for implementation but may not be the final product. CSU has a contract with certain vendors listed however alternative products can be researched and purchased if desired and assuming a contract does not exist with another vendor. However, the products shown below are of high quality and unless a specific item is desired the items being shown should be sufficient. Please contact EHS for more help with equipment and purchase if needed. Most vendors can take an order directly over the phone and can be called at the 800 number shown below. Not all items recommended may be shown below and additional equipment needs may arise in the future.

4 Equipment prices listed below may not be exact. Contact the vendor to determine exact prices. See EHS website for a list of all trial equipment available. Before purchasing chairs, please visit the ergonomics chair showroom to ensure proper size, etc. ****Please contact me directly if you wish to try any of the below products**** Primary equipment recommendations EHS ID Item Description (Product ID) Price Company Info -- Keyboard platform only for Optima 3527 (dial a wheel), 27" tray continuous platform Product ID: KB113 $75.00 Colorado Correctional Industries (CCI) (800) (303) Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 Product ID: MST B2M00012 $49.99 CSU Bookstore (970) (970) Piretti Engage Product ID: KCH8017P $ KI (Colorado Correctional Industries/JVP) (800) Logitech Marble Mouse Product ID: LOG $29.89 CSU Bookstore (970) (970) Secondary equipment recommendations (as needed if primary equipment is ineffective) 232 All Steel - Acuity - Managerial Chair Product ID: AL6301 $ Colorado Correctional Industries (CCI) (800) (303) Evoluent VerticalMouse 2 Right- Hand Product ID: $80.00 Datavision Ergonomics (800) (800) Below is a picture of an ideal workstation setup for using the keyboard and mouse. Other components of the desk that Diana uses are not shown. This is an example of the correct typing posture.

5 The above recommendations should provide Diana with an upgraded workstation while helping increase her productivity and efficiency in addition to lowering her injury risk. Please contact me if there are further questions regarding this report. If symptoms persist or reoccur in the future please contact me for further help and possible changes. I am happy to help make additional changes in any way shape or form to help counteract the problem. Thank you Report By: Frank Gonzales, CEES, CEAS Ergonomics Program Coordinator Colorado State University