Ergonomics

Ergonomics relate to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and are the most common type of workplace injury. On average, everyone will experience at least one work related MSD in their life. 1 out of 3 is serious enough to result in lost time. These injuries often start out minor, such as a muscle pull, but will become much more serious if you continue to perform the task which originally triggered the injury, without getting proper treatment first.

Some MSD Causes:

• Hands or elbows above the shoulders for more than 2 hours per day

• Kneeling or squatting for more than 2 hours per day

• Any highly repetitive motion for more than 2 hours per day

• Intensive keying for more than 4 hours per day

• Lifting 75 pounds once per day, 55 pounds more than 10 times per day or 10 pounds

twice per minute for more than 2 hours per day

• Lifting 25 pounds above the shoulders, below the knees or at arm's length for more than 25 times per day

• Moderate levels of vibration for 2 hours per day or high levels of vibration for 30 minutes per day

Some Prevention Tips:

• Stand on platforms that bring your work closer to you

• Tilt or rotate your work to a better position, bring items closer within your reach

• Change the height of your workstation or display

• Take regular stretching breaks and make exercise a part of your life

Safety is no accident!

For more information, please visit the AMERIND Safety Services website at

www.amerindrisk.org/Safety.aspx or contact the Safety Team at 800.352.3496.