ESSENTIAL OF ERGONOMICS

T.Hari Krishnan
BEng, MSc, Grad I.E.M., ATP (UK)
 Safety Briefing
• Please mute your mic to avoid interruptions.
• Sit comfortably and ensure the top of screen is at
your eye level .
• Take 20-20-20 eye break.
• If you feel uncomfortable after sitting for certain
period, please alternate your posture to standing
and listen.
• If you are attending from home, ensure the stoves
and unuse electrical devices (iron, kettle and etc)
turn off.
• Pay 100% focus HERE.

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ØEx-Lecturer in Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science

ØEx-Ergonomics Consultant @ Ergonomics Excellence Centre, NIOSH

ØCertified Trainer and Accredited Training Professional

 • Lecturer in University of Cyberjaya (2015-Jan
2020)
• Ex-Ergonomics Consultant @ Ergonomics
Excellence Centre, NIOSH (Johor)
• Certified Trainer (NIOSH, HRDF)
• Member of Board of Engineering Malaysia
(BEM)
• Graduate Member of Institute of Engineering
Malaysia (IEM)
• Executive Member of Human Factors and
Ergonomics Society Malaysia (HFEM)
• Committee Member of OSH in Courier Services
Ts. T.Hari Krishnan Guidelines (DOSH)
Ergonomics Consultant & Trainer
• Ergonomics Module Developer (NIOSH, OUM,
M.Sc.(UPM), B.Eng (UPM) Maybank)
Accredited Training Professional (UK)
P.Tech • Technical Committee for Guidelines on
Ergonomics Assessment and Manual Handling
Guidelines (DOSH)
Virtual Ice Breaking

Type your Location

and Industry in Chat
Box and by referring
the Image, choose
your Mood Scale.

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SO WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO!!

Theory Practical

Exercise Presentation
 MODULE 1:
INTRODUCTION TO
ERGONOMICS

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 ERGONOMICS
§ Ergon (Work) + Nomos (Law)
§ A science on how to fit the task and working environment to the
worker using scientific approach
§ “Fit the task to the Man”
ERGONOMICS AND WORKPLACE

Study and
design/selection of
work and work tools
that is adapted to the
Human
workers’ physiological
and psychological Work tools
capacity Workspace
Work Environments

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 ORIGIN OF THE TERM ERGONOMICS

ERGON + NOMOS = ERGONOMICS

(work or effort) (rules)

' First used by Wojciech Jastrzebowski in the

year 1857

' A field of science that tries to harmonize the

system of work with human capacities
WHAT IS NOT
“ERGONOMICS”?

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WHAT IS NOT
“ERGONOMICS”?
Spot the Pain!
Game

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Ergonomics Workstation Non – Ergonomics Workstation
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ERGONOMICS?

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ERGONOMICS IN DAILY LIFE
ERGONOMICS IN BUSINESS
 MANUAL HANDLING
• Manual handling tasks is identified is the premier
cause of Back Injury

• Defined as any activity requiring the use of force

exerted by a person in Lifting, Lowering, Pushing,
Pulling, Carrying, Holding or Restraining a person,
animal or thing

• Simply – “Moving anything by using human

energy”

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 MODULE 2:
ERGONOMICS RISK FACTORS

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FIND THE WORDS

Awkward
Repetitive
Static
Force
Contact stress
ERGONOMICS RISK FACTORS
Awkward/Poor Posture
Repetitive Task
Static Posture
Forceful Exertion
Contact Stress
Environmental
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 AWKWARD POSTURES
• Positions of the body (e.g., limbs, joints, back) that
deviate significantly from the neutral position while
job tasks are being performed.

• Usually results from workplace and task design

which not following ergonomics specifications

• e.g. bending, twisting, over reaching

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Monitor not adjust to eye height

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Monitor not centered with user

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 EXCESSIVE FORCE
• Higher force means higher mechanical load to the
muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. This will
result in fatigue and reduces physical work
capacity.

• Can cause acute effect or long term effect

(chronic) if excessive load are not handled
correctly.

• E.g. Lifting heavy loads, pinch grips, operating

levers/buttons
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 REPETITIVE TASK

Performing a task over and over again with little

variation for several hours using muscle and
tendon in the same way.
• Worst if
• lacks of recovery within cycle.
• Involves on same type of muscles.
• Involves smaller group of muscle such as at
wrist or fingers.

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STATIC POSTURES / SUSTAINED EXERTIONS

• Same posture or position of the body is held

throughout the exertion (no movement)

• Lack of movement reduces circulation and causes

muscle tension which can contribute to injury.

• e.g. holding, static works, prolonged standing.

(DVT??)

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Static Posture

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 CONTACT STRESS

• Part of your body in contact with hard and sharp

surfaces.

• Will put pressure to weak areas that are more

susceptible such as nerves, tendons and blood
vessels which are close to the skin and underling
bone at the wrists, fingers, forearm, elbows and
knees

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Contact Stress

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 External factors
• Vibration
• Whole body from machinery, vehicle
• Hand arm from power tool
• Lighting condition
• Eye strain
• Poor postures
• Temperature
• Hot environment
• Cold environment
• Noise
• Etc.
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WHOLE BODY VIBRATION FROM MACHINERY, VEHICLE

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HAND ARM FROM POWER TOOLS

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LIGHTING CONDITION – EYE STRAIN, POOR POSTURES

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TEMPERATURE – HOT AND COLD ENVIRONMENT

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ERGONOMIC RISK FACTOR IMPACT TO BODY SOLUTION

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 MODULE 3:
MUSCULOSKELETAL
DISORDERS

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 MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDS)

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is a

collective and descriptive term for symptoms caused or
aggravated by work and characterized by discomfort,
impairment, disability or persistent pain in joints,
muscles, tendons and other soft tissues (Kroemer, 1989)

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Ergonomics
Risk Factors, Duration
Musculoskeletal
Personal Intensity
Disorder
contributing Frequency
factors, etc
What is your pain level?
What is the No 1 injuries related to
Ergonomics in Workplace?
What we know & see is just tip of iceberg!!!

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 CONSEQUENCES
• Pain and discomfort
• Impact on others (work/family)
• Financial considerations

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THE HUMAN SPINE
(BACKBONE, SPINAL COLUMN)
 THE SPINE
• Each vertebrae is separated by a gel like
substance, the disc. These discs bend and
stretch as we move

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THE SPINAL CORD
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PROLAPSED/HERNIATED DISC
• It is a bulge in the wall of one of the discs between the
vertebrae pressing onto the nerve
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DE QUERVAIN’S TENOSYNOVITIS
EPICONDYLITIS
• Inflammation of the tendon attachment at the elbow
• “Golfer's elbow”, “Tennis elbow”
 CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

• Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist

• Tingling and numbness of the thumb and first three fingers
 TREATMENT

• Using no steroidal anti-inflammatory

• Wrist braces
• Surgery
Ganglion Cysts
`
HOWEVER,……

MSDs
Are
Preventable!!!!!

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 MALAYSIAN MSD DILEMMA

Disability

Disorders, Injury, Diseases

Pronounced Symptoms

Soreness, Aches, Pains

(affecting performance)

Occasional Numbness,
Aches, Tingling, Cramps

Fatigue, Discomfort, Stiff Muscles

(considered norm)
 CAUSES OF PROBLEMS

Repetitive Force

Posture Duration
 PHYSICAL
-Awkward Postures
-Excessive load thru
manual handling

INDIVIDUAL -Highly repetitive PSYCHOSOCIAL

movement
-Sociodemographic -Work Pressure
-Lack of circulation
-Smoking -Unsatisfactory
-Lack of recovery workers
-Pre existing Disease
-Contact stresses -Inadequate Support
-History of Injuries
-environmental

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

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INDIVIDUAL FACTOR - AGE

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INDIVIDUAL FACTOR – PREVIOUS INJURIES

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INDIVIDUAL FACTORS - POSTURES

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LIFESTYLES FACTORS – SMOKING HABIT

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LIFESTYLES FACTORS – DIETARY & EXERCISES

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WORK RELATED FACTORS – MANUAL HANDLING

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WORK RELATED FACTORS – SEATING WORK

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WORK RELATED FACTORS – DRIVING/RIDING

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WORK RELATED FACTORS – STANDING WORK

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 PAIN MANAGEMENT (CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT)

• Injections with anesthetic or anti-inflammatory

medications in or around the painful sites
• Exercise that includes muscle strengthening and
stretching / Physiotherapy
• Physical or occupational therapy (Heat/ice packs,
strengthening exercises, pain relief exercises)
• Surgery
 PAIN MANAGEMENT (ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT)
• Chiropractic care (adjustment of the spine and
joint)
• Acupuncture (balance flow of energy)
• Hypnotherapy
Source: Barnes et al, 2004
 MANAGEMENT OF MSDS
• Detect the symptoms as early as possible
• Define the chronic level
• Medical Intervention
• Prevention Program

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 PREVENTION STRATEGY

• Identify all factors that can cause injury (poor

ergonomics)
• Assess the high risk areas/workers
• Apply control measures
• Medical surveillances

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SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT

• Job Redesign
• Education and Training
• Exercise to strengthen related muscles

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RISK IDENTIFICATION - REACTIVE

• Review medical records

• Accidents records
• Complaints
• Quality and worker performance

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RISK IDENTIFICATION - PROACTIVE

• Direct observation
• Walkthrough survey
• Easy ergonomics approach
• Body parts symptoms survey
• Non-occupational risk factors
• Psychosocial factors

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RISK CLASSIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT
“SIMPLE INTERVENTION”
• Level 1 Risk • Level 1 Management
• General complaint on • Training
fatigue, pain, discomfort • Proper work practices
• Risk understanding
• Employees trying to
release physical stress • Simple and practical
measures to reduce risk –
• Q & P not seriously exercise, rest, stretching
affected • Conduct body symptoms
survey every 6 months
RISK CLASSIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT
“JOB MODIFICATION”
• Level 2 Risk • Level 2 Management
• More serious complaint
• Persistent pains
• Medication to relief pains
• High rate of absenteeism
• Cases registered on safety
records
• Q & P affected
• Create Ergonomics
Management Team to:
• Initiate task analysis
• Formulate safe work
procedure
• Minimize risk exposure
• Workstation redesign
• Training
RISK CLASSIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT
“MEDICAL INTERVENTION

• Level 3 Risk • Level 3 Management

• Chronic injuries reported
and unable to perform
routine work voluntarily or
with doctor’s advice
• Disability as a result of
injury sustained
• Develop Medical
Management Programs:
• Medical treatment
• Light duties
• Back to work/
rehabilitation program
 MODULE 4:
ERGONOMICS BEST
PRACTICES

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Course Outline
1. Proper Stretching Technique
2. Proper Lifting Technique
3. Power Zone
4. Keep Everything Within Reach
5. Good Sitting Posture
6. Why Report Soreness
7. Good Sleeping Postures
8. Back Strengthening Exercise

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Awkward Posture
Solutions

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• Reaching above the head/shoulders (Awkward Posture)
• Keep items within close reach
• Elevate work areas

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• Reaching above the head/shoulders (Awkward Posture)
o Remove obstacles
o Utilize equipment to raise and
lower items or move items
closer to worker

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Examples of Improvements

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Reaching into boxes
• Good way to fix this is to tilt the box.

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• Awkward body postures - solutions
• Raise and/or tilt the work for better access
• Use a stool for ground-level work

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Neck Strengthening

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 Sit-up
Back Strengthening Exercise

Side Planking

Planking

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Great Sitting Posture
A good sitting posture will:
• Optimizes comfort in the work
environment.
• Stimulate efficiency and
productivity.
• Reduce your risk of pain,
discomfort, and work-related
injuries.

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How?
• Keep the joints such as hips, knees and
ankles open slightly (more than 90°).
• Keep knee joints at or below the hip
joints.
• Keep ankle joints in front of the knees.
• Keep a gap the width of three fingers
between the back of the knee joint
and the front edge of the chair.
• Keep feet flat on the floor or on a foot
rest.

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 Chair Adjustment

• Monitor (same as eye height)

• Keyboard (same as elbow height)
• Mouse (same as elbow height)
• Document Holder
• Location of Phone
• Lumbar support – adjust

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When you get back home…
• Ensure you practise a proper sleeping
posture when you rest.
• Sleeping on the back produces the
least amount of pressure, followed by
sleeping on your side.
• This positions your body to provide
support to your spine.
• Ensure your pillows to be the correct
height, as well as you have a
comfortable mattress.
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Take note…

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Forceful Exertion
Solutions

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Power Zone, and why it matters
• The power zone for lifting is close to the
body, between mid-thigh and mid-chest
height.

• This zone is where arms and back can lift

the most with the least amount of effort.

• Power zones are also know as Safe Zone,

or Comfort Zone

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Load close to
body

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Manual Handling Solutions
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Do it the right way!

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Do it the right way!

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Proper Lifting Technique

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Repetition
Solutions

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 Repetition Motion - Solution

1 2 3 4 5 6
Arrange work to Let power tools Spread repetitive Take stretch Rotate task with Change hands or
avoid unnecessary and machinery do work out during pauses co-workers if motions
motions the work the day possible frequently

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• Stretching
• Arrange work to avoid unnecessary motions

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Use Power Tools
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 1. Warming Up
2. Neck
Stretching

It is essential that you warm up before doing

any physical activities
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3. Top and Underside of Forearm

Hold for 5 seconds

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4. Shoulder Stretch

Hold for 5 seconds for both 5. Side Stretch

stretching
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6. Back Twist Stretch

7. Back Extension
Hold for 5 seconds for both
stretching Stretch
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8. Forward Bend Stretch

With knees slightly bend,

and arms hanging hold for
5 seconds

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9. Quadriceps
Stretch

Hold for 5 seconds for both

stretching
10. Hamstring Stretch
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Static Loading
Solutions

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Exercise and stretching

Alternate leg (foot rest / foot rail)

50% standing + 50% sitting procedure

Sit stand chair

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Company Wide Exercise
Program

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Foot rest / Foot Rail
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Sit Stand Chair
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Anti fatigue Mat
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Contact Stress
Solutions

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Thank you!
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