Ergonomics in an Industrial Setting

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Ergonomics in an Industrial Setting

• Andrew Drewczynski
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and
  Safety

www.ccohs.ca
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What is Ergonomics?

• Ergonomics is the discipline that matches the job
  to the worker and product to the user.

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Ergonomics vs Human Factors

• In the occupational field, Ergonomics and Human
  Factors are terms used interchangeably. Both
  describe the interaction between the operator and
  the job demands, and aim to minimize hazards in
  the workplace.
• However, Ergonomics focuses on how work affects
  workers,
• while Human Factors emphasizes designs that
  reduce the potential for human error.

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Why Ergonomics?

• Legislation
• BC, Saskatchewan
• US OSHA (2000)
• Australia (89), European Community (93),
  California (97), Sweden (98)
• Ontario ? General duty clause
• 25. 2(h) take every precaution reasonable in the
  circumstances for the protection of a worker
  
• Canada (Feds) ????

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WMSD History(US data)
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WMSD as of all Work-Related Injuries (Canadian
data)
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Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Work-related MusculoSkeletal Disorders - WMSD
• Repetitive Strain Injuries - RSI
• Repetitive Motion Injuries - RMI
• Cumulative Trauma Disorders - CTD
• Occupational Overuse Syndrome - OOS
• WRULD
• Low Back Pain

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Ergonomic Hazards

• Ergonomic Hazards are workplace conditions that
  pose the risk of injury to the musculoskeletal
  system of the worker.

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Ergonomic Hazards

• Awkward working postures
• Forceful movements
• Repetitive movements
• Pace of work
• Temperature extremes
• Vibration

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Awkward Postures
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Awkward Postures
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Awkward Postures
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Awkward Postures - Improvements
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Awkward postures - Improvements
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Airport A - Workstation
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Airport A - Sitting
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Airport A Checking - in
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Airport B - Workstation
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Airport B Checking in
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Airport C - Workstation
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Airport C Checking-in