Ergonomics | MSD's | Consultative Services

Ergonomics - Fitting the job to the worker

The goal of ergonomics is to improve the "fit" between the worker and the workplace activities. This is accomplished by improving the set-up of workstations, improving the tools and equipment used to perform work tasks, and adapting the way the work is done.

MSD's

A work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder is an illness or injury that is caused by risk factors that can occur in the workplace.

Jobs can involve postures and movements that are hard on an individual's body. Over time, this stress can lead to pain, illness or injury. These illnesses or injuries are called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's).

MSD's occur as a result of repeated use, and are sometimes called "Cumulative Trauma Disorders" (CTD's), "Repetitive Motion Injuries" (RMI's), or "Repetitive Stress Injuries" (RSI's).

These injuries develop as a result of the wear and tear on muscle, tendon and nerve tissues. Some common examples of MSD's include "Tendonitis", "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" and "Tennis Elbow".

MSD's can be prevented, and our success in preventing these injuries comes from our experience, expertise, and our widespread understanding of the causes of these injuries.

Body Parts Affected

Hand
Foot
Wrist
Ankle
Elbow
Knee
Shoulder
Hip
Neck
Back

Signs and Symptoms

Pain/Discomfort
Weakness/Swelling
Numbness/Tingling
Decreased sense of touch/Dropping things
Decreased movement/Stiffness

Risk Factors

Repetition - Repeating a specific movement or group of movements throughout the day.
Force - The effort or exertion required to make those movements.
Excessive Reach - Reaching excessively for frequently used items.
Awkward Postures - Body positions that deviate from neutral.
Static Postures - Holding a position for an extended period of time.
Direct Pressure - Pressure from a surface or tool.
Vibration - Vibrating tools or equipment.
Temperature Extremes - Intense heat or cold.
Household and Recreational Activities - That involve the above risk factors.
Physical Condition - Poor fitness level, some medical conditions.

Ergonomic Consultative Services

Our representatives have additional training in ergonomic consultation as well as in prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's). We offer a full range of services designed to prevent workplace MSD's. Our services are customized to individual client needs, and are designed to help employees avoid injuries while working safely and comfortably, whether it is an office setting or manufacturing facility. Goldtouch ergonomic products are available only to our clients for purchase. For further information, please email our ergonomic consultants.

We Can Help You:

Decrease the costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD)
Design and implement a cost effective ergonomics program
Identify and control ergonomic hazards
Achieve and maintain regulatory compliance
With appropriate equipment selection

Benefits Include:

Decreased workers' compensation costs
Decreased incidence and severity of WMSD's
Increased loyalty and morale through demonstrated interest in worker health and well being
Decreased turnover and absenteeism
Reduction in product deficits
Promotion of "worker accountability"

Consultative Services Include:

Job Analysis - The purpose of the job analysis is to identify risk factors to prevent the development of work related MSD's, to determine whether or not a job is a "problem job" and prioritize appropriate short and long term job modifications, as needed.
OSHA 200 - Analysis of this information provides insight into trends in injury or illness that have occurred in the organization, thus allowing prioritization of problem jobs that place the worker at risk for workplace MSD's.
Symptom Surveillance - A survey designed to gather information from workers regarding discomfort they may be experiencing related to the workplace. Information gathered may be used to identify tasks, tools, and/or processes that may be related to worker discomfort.
Functional Job Descriptions - A job description is based upon a comprehensive job analysis that details the physical, cognitive, and other requirements of the job.
Ergonomic Training - Training is available for workers, supervisors, management and/or company ergonomic teams. Training sessions vary in length and are established in conjunction with company representatives. Training sessions are designed to provide an understanding of work-related risk factors and how to prevent these injuries.
Periodic Consultative Services - Consultation with management, supervisors, ergonomic team and/or workers is provided as requested.

For additional Ergonomic Program inquiries for Chicago area business and industry,
please contact:

Kathy Hunter or Paulette Yager
Occupational Therapists, Ergonomic Consultants

Phone: 708-403-0010

Ergonomic Links

OSHA

Ergoweb.com

Keyovation.com