The University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics
 Guide For Personnel Providing or Requiring
ERGONOMIC AWARENESS TRAINING

 

INTRODUCTION
 Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workplace conditions and job demands to the worker. This information is intended to provide workers and supervisors with a minimum basic understanding of ergonomics as it relates to The University of Iowa. It is intended to be used as an aid for one-on-one training as well as for group sessions. For further information, guidance and questions contact either Chuck Kupka, Director, UIHC Safety & Security at 356-3526 or e-mail: charles-kupka@uiowa.edu or David Hackbarth, Safety Engineer, Health Protection Office, at 335-9547 or e-mail: david-hackbarth@uiowa.edu.

PURPOSE OF AN ERGONOMICS PROGRAM
 The purpose of the University’s Ergonomics Program is to identify and reduce or eliminate conditions that can cause or aggravate musculoskeletal disorders.

ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS
 Workers and their supervisors should be aware of conditions that can cause physical stress to the musculoskeletal system. Risk factors include:

Risk Factor

Examples

Awkward Posture

Twisting, bending or reaching.

Forceful Exertions

Squeezing, pinching, pulling, pushing, or lifting.

Repetitive Motions

Motions repeated frequently over time coupled with one or more other risk factors.

Contact Stress

Repeated or continuous contact with a hard or sharp-edged object.

Static Loading

Holding body posture without movement for extended periods of time.

Vibration

Use of vibrating power tools or equipment.

 

ERGONOMIC INJURIES
Such injuries are known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD)
Cumulative trauma disorders can affect the upper and lower arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers, shoulders and neck; and lower limbs and back.
Causes – Constant repetitive motion activity over a period of time coupled with awkward posture or force, for example.
Symptoms may include numbness or a tingling sensation in the fingers, palms or other body locations. Soreness or pain may also be present. Difficulty in moving fingers, shoulders, elbows, wrists or back may accompany these symptoms.
Common examples include – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) –
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs in the wrist.

Causes – CTS is caused by repeated movement of the flexor tendons in the fingers coupled with awkward extension and flexion posture in the wrist. Over time, swelling will result in the carpal tunnel of the wrist causing pressure to the median nerve.

Symptoms include numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers, palms or other areas. Painful tingling in one or both hands may occur during the night while sleeping. Weakness and a decreased ability to squeeze or hold objects may also occur.

Tendonitis –
Tendonitis occurs when a muscle tendon becomes inflamed

Cause – Tendonitis occurs when a tendon is subjected to a short or prolonged forceful strain.

Symptoms may initially involve dull localized pain and soreness. Swelling may also be present. As the condition progresses, damage to the tendon increases.

  Back Disorders

Pulled or strained muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks cause most common back problems.
Causes – Back disorders can be caused by lifting or carrying loads that are too great, twisting, remaining in an awkward posture for extended periods of time.
Symptoms may include backaches and the inability to lift or maneuver.

 

PREVENTION

 Engineering Controls
 Equipment can be designed or added to an existing work task to eliminate ergonomic risk factors.

Work Practice Controls
 Ergonomic risk factors can be minimized or eliminated by:

Incorporating proper body mechanics and neutral postures; and/or
Managing work time at a job task by using job rotation or breaks.

 

REPORTING ERGONOMIC CONCERNS and INJURIES

ERGONOMIC CONCERNS.
 Employees shall report ergonomic concerns to their supervisor as soon as possible. In addition, the employee shall complete the Ergonomic Risk Report Sheet (ERRS) (web link here) to document the safety concern.

ERGONOMIC INJURIES.
 Supervisor completes the 2-part State of Iowa First Report of Injury Form and must fax a copy to Sedgwick Claims Management Services (515-327-4899) and in addition, send a copy of this report to the University Benefits Office. This form must be submitted no later than 48 hours after being notified of the incident.

All employees reporting ergonomic injuries and symptoms shall be directed to the UIHC Workers Health Clinic, UIHC General Hospital, Clinic A - Boyd Tower, 353-8653.

WORK-RELATED RESTRICTIONS
 Employees with medical work-related restrictions will provide their supervisor with appropriate medical documentation to assist in identifying temporary, modified work duties.

IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
 If you have a question or concern regarding The University of Iowa’s Ergonomics Program or any topic covered in this guide, contact either Chuck Kupka, Director, UIHC Safety & Security at 356-3526 or e-mail: charles-kupka@uiowa.edu or David Hackbarth, Safety Engineer, Health Protection Office, at 335-9547 or e-mail: david-hackbarth@uiowa.edu.