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Carol Schmeidler is a safety specialist with Environment, Health & Safety Services
What is ergonomics?
The origin of the word "ergonomics" is Greek, from "ergon," meaning work, and "nomos," meaning law. Merriam-Webster defines ergonomics as "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely." Ergonomics, as we think of it, includes studying both the person and the job or task and designing the work environment so that the two fit together to prevent or minimize the occurrence of injury.
What role does Environment, Health & Safety Services play in workplace ergonomics issues at UB?
Environment, Health & Safety offers assessments of workstations and job tasks and can recommend corrective actions. We also have numerous resources, both in print and on the Internet, that we can share.
What are the most frequent ergonomic problems or injuries people suffer in the UB workplace?
The most common problems reported to our office include cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) suffered by computer users, and strains resulting from heavy lifting.
Why is it important to address these types of problems? Can seemingly small and annoying things like eye strain or lower back pain turn into something much more serious?
It's "common sense" not to continue doing something that hurts, but if it doesn't hurt too much or if it goes away quickly, people will often continue doing what they're doing without changing anything. Sometimes, there are no long-term consequences, but sometimes there are. The key is to identify potential problems and eliminate them before they become problems.
What are some things UB employees can do on their own to eliminate or minimize ergonomic hazards in their workplaces?
There are many things that can be done, including examining workstations and work practices to identify areas where problems may develop. Often, it's just a matter of rearranging furniture, changing heights of chairs, arm rests, wrist rests and monitors for computer users. Phone users can purchase shoulder rests to prevent neck strain. People who sit for long periods of time to do specific tasks—use computers or calculators or lab work—should take regular breaks to stand up and walk around, or at least stretch. Anyone lifting anything should evaluate how heavy the objects are, where they are being moved to and from, and how they can be picked up. ASK FOR HELP if the objects are too heavy. Remember proper lifting techniques—straight back, bent knees.
What are some of the products available to help make workplaces safer and more comfortable?
There are many products, and more seem to appear on the market daily. It's not necessarily true that the most expensive products are going to be the best; often it's a matter of evaluating what's at the workstation now, how it's being used and moving/rearranging/adopting some new techniques. Products for computer users include "ergonomically correct" chairs, gel wrist rests and mouse pads, split keyboards, desks with adjustable keyboard trays, glare filters for monitors and special lighting. Non-office products include hand tools, gloves to absorb vibration, anti-fatigue floor mats for people who stand at their workstations, stools specifically designed for leaning, adjustable height tables and even kitchen utensils. Products that can be used to replace repetitive manual tasks or tasks that require the expenditure of force or lifting heavy weight are also considered "ergonomic products"—this includes power screwdrivers, hoists and carts to lift and move heavy objects
How do UB employees arrange for an ergonomic assessment of their workplace?
Call our Customer Service Line at 829-2401 or visit our Web site at http://wings.buffalo.edu/services/fac/eh&s/. There also are some good Web sites that contain information on assessing your own workplace.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I believe strongly that people need to take responsibility for their own safety and health. There are many reference resources available. There are many things people can do to rearrange their workstations and work schedules to reduce or eliminate ergonomic hazards; many don't involve expensive, time-consuming and complex fixes.