Performing An Ergonomics Review

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Performing An Ergonomics Review
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Performing an Ergonomics Review
Why should I perform an ergonomics
review? What is the function of an ergonomics
review? How do I apply the steps involved in an
ergonomics review?
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What and Why
Performing an Ergonomics Review
There is obvious risk in this job, but by
performing an ergonomics review, youll be able
to clearly identify all the risks (not just the
ones in this picture). Youll also be able to
give detailed and dimensioned recommendations.
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What is an Ergonomics Review?
What and Why

• Assessment of job tasks
• Follows the risk management process
• Recognize
• Evaluate
• Control
• Results in effective and efficient ergonomic
  improvements

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Performing an Ergonomics Review
How do I do it?
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How do I do it?
Performing an Ergonomics Review
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Using Passive Surveillance

• Worker Reports/Interviews
• Review OSHA 300 Injury and Illness Logs
• Review Workers Compensation Claims
• Plant Medical Records
• Symptom Surveys

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Using Active Surveillance

• Observations of workers performing tasks
• Still photos/videotaping of work postures,
  workstation layouts
• Workstation measurements
• Measuring tool handle sizes, weighing tools and
  parts, measuring tool vibration and part
  dimensions

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Using Active Surveillance

• Determining characteristics of work surfaces
  (i.e., slip resistance, hardness, surface edges
• Performing task analyses (i.e., time study)
• Measuring exposures to heat, cold, noise, WBV
• Biomechanical calculations (i.e., muscle force
  required to accomplish task)
• Physiological measures (i.e., heart rate, oxygen
  consumption)
• Questionnaires, subjective ratings of perceived
  exertion

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Performing an Ergonomics Review
Steps 1 - 4

• Step 1 Select a job to review
• Step 2 Gather data
• Step 3 Analyze data
• Step 4 Complete the job improvement process

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Step 1 - Select a Job to Review

• Examine medical data from the past
• Interview operators
• Visually assess the jobs in the plant

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Step 2 - Gather Data

• Obtain job information
• Perform task analysis
• Videotape the job
• Take still photos
• Interview the operator
• Gather medical data
• Take workplace measurements

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Gather Job Information
Gather Job Information
What type of information do you need?

• Job name
• Department
• Shift length
• Production standards
• Production mix
• Rotation schedule
• Total exposure time
• Task analysis

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Perform Task Analysis
What is task analysis?
Dividing a job into its main components, for
example

• Pull material on table
• Cut material with knife
• Transfer cut material to molding machine
• Activate molding machine
• Return to work bench

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Worksite Analysis

• Job Hazard Analysis
• Workers
• Equipment
• Materials
• Task/Processes
• Environment

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Videotape Job

• Viewing angle

Top View
Front View
Side View
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Videotape Job

• Viewing angle
• Field of view

Top View
Close Up
Wide Angle
Side View
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Videotape Job

• Viewing angle
• Field of view
• How much footage?

• Tape all aspects of the job
• Tape different working conditions
• 3 cycles of the job
• Never too much footage

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Videotape Job
What tools will you need?

• Video camera
• Battery charger
• Charged batteries
• Blank videotape

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Take Pictures

• Lighting, angle, field of view
• Photo quality
• Number of photos to take

• Two or three shots per angle (minimum)
• Take photos of parts, tools, displays, PPE
• Take as many photos as you can

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Take Pictures
What tools will you need?

• Digital camera (with blank disks or a memory
  stick)
• Battery charger
• Charged batteries

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Interview Operator
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Gather Medical Data
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Review OSHA 300 Logs
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Symptom Survey
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Symptom Survey
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Measurements
Dimensions
Weights
Forces
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Measurements
Dimensions (side view)

• Bench height
• Control locations
• Part stacking
• Seat height
• Product dimensions

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Measurements
Dimensions (Top view)

• Reach distances
• Carry distances
• Part locations
• Sight distances
• Lift locations

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Measurements

• Part / box weights
• Tool weights

Weights
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Step 2 - Gather Data
Measurements

• Grip forces
• Push/pull forces
• Control forces

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Step 2 - Gather Data
Measurements
What tools will you need?
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Step 3 - Analyze the Data
BRIEF and EASY
Upper Body Assessment Methods

• Strain Index
• ACGIHs Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and Hand
  Activity Level (HAL)
• ACGIHs Hand/Arm Segmental Vibration Threshold
  Limit Values (TLVs)
• Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)
• Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorder Risk
  Factor Identification Checklist
• GM-UAW Risk Factor Checklist
• Washington State Appendix B

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Step 3 - Analyze the Data
BRIEF and EASY
Low Back Assessment Methods
NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation Liberty Mutual
(Snook Ciriello) Tables for Lift/Lower,
Carrying and Push/Pull Tasks 3D Static Strength
Prediction Program (3D SSPP) 2D Biomechanical
Analysis ACGIHs Lifting Threshold Lifting Values
(TLVs) Energy Expenditure Models
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Step 3 - Analyze the Data
BRIEF and EASY
Whole Body Assessment Methods
Ovako Working Posture Analysis System
(OWAS) Rapid Entire Body Assessment
(REBA) ACGIHs Whole Body Vibration Threshold
Limit Values (TLVs)
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Step 3 - Analyze the Data
BRIEF and EASY
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Step 4 - Brainstorm Controls

• Generate as many ideas as possible
• There are no bad ideas

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Step 5 - Prioritize Controls
Priority Matrix
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Step 6 - Develop Action Plan
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Step 7 - Document Success
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QUESTIONS??