Safety & Health Tims: Ergonomics

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Center to Protect Workers' Rights
• Description:
  "Ergonomics" is becoming a popular word now. Illnesses, which we call Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), are caused by repetitive and forceful motions done in awkward positions. These illnesses are frequently job related and preventable. CTDs are illnesses that affect the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Ergonomics, the study of good design for the workplace can prevent many of these illnesses. Ergonomic injuries are associated with several well known risk factors. These include highly repetitive tasks: large amounts of lifting, lowering, or force; awkward postures; vibrating tools or equipment; cold stress; and uncomfortable tool grips. Some people might argue that these are just part of the job and nothing can be done about the problem. But some employers have been able to reduce their injury rates successfully. Ergonomics generally means trying to change the workplace to fit the worker and prevent injuries. Ergonomists, however, often focus on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries, such as back injuries, wrist problems, knee, and shoulder injuries. This is where most of the injuries lie and most of the costs for Workers' Compensation. About one-quarter to one- third of workplace injuries are ergonomic injuries and they represent about one-half of Workers' Compensation costs. Each back injury is estimated to cost about $9,000 in compensation and medical costs. Many workers are also being forced to retire early because they are injured or their body is worn out. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Cumulative Trauma Disorders Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Diseases Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  CTD Cumulative Trauma Disorders Injury Prevention MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders Repetitive Work
• Series:
  CPWR - Center for Construction Research and Training Publications
• ISSN:
  0897-2826
• Publisher:
  International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  District of Columbia ; OSHA Region 3
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  4 pdf pages
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20055368
• Citation:
  IBEW J 1994 Aug; :40-41
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  1994
• Performing Organization:
  Center to Protect Workers' Rights
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  19920930
• Source Full Name:
  IBEW Journal
• End Date:
  19950929
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:2fe57fd0eec63689fe406c126c154b12e4b0ce55886e97fe4841b453f5ffcd76cb084a9abed8aa646d6347c4fb14607f649ed44ccbc8e055c4a62cbf62d88a8f
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/213219/cdc_213219_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.41 MB ]