Ergonomics in cath lab

We have to learn how to keep our staff from

injuries
• It’s a nice thing to do and it should be the law
• How many labs have active programme
• Before or after injuries occur
Ergonomic goals for the workplace

Increased productivity
Task accomplishment faster safer better

Reduce risk of WMSDs

Increased safety

Improved Quality of work

Decreased fatigue and errors
Position and posture
Alignment of
Ears
Shoulders: all in as good alignment as possible
Hips: remember the spine is there for a reason
Stand up Straight: Raise the table to working height don’t bend over
To look into flouro screens : eye level
Neutral spine posture

Natural S Curve

Inward cervical

Outward thoracic (between shoulder blade)

Inward lumbar (low back)

Minimizing effects of awkward posture
• Take a regular rest breaks. Stand up move around

• Stretching before and after work

General lifting guidelines

• Partial squat with weight in front

• Keep looking forward
• Feet spread with one foot in front of other
ACIST control delivery system
• REPLACES
hand injections
Manifold
pressure injector
Minimize repetitive motions

• Minimize amount of motion between operations

• That doesnot mean take a nap
• Allow operator to control workplace or atleast adjust it
Enviornmental risk factors

• Air quality
• Lighting
• Temprature
• Vibration /noise
• Traction /walking surface
• Obstacles
• Work organization
Elements of an ergonomics programme
Management leadership
employees participation

MSD management
job hazards analysis
hazards reduction and control
Training
evaluation
What should you do now
• Provide information on MSDs to employees
• If you have MSDs in your lab start an ergonomic programme
• If you have ergonomic programme document your effort
• Establish goals and measures for your programme
• Get ergonomics into design phase of your if possible
Physical conditions
• Lumber mobility
• Strenght
• Anthropometry
• Years of employment
• Age
Occupational risk factors
• Positions and postures
• Repetition
• Excessive force
• Contract stressors
• Hand arm vibrations
• Cold work environment
Inadequate recovery time
•Durations