Ergonomics

Ergonomics

What industries are most affected by ergonomic safety standards?

The disorders occur most frequently in jobs that involve: Manual handling, Manufacturing and production, Heavy lifting, Twisting movements, and Long hours of working in awkward positions. The Top Ten Occupations for MSDs include Nurses aides, orderlies, and attendants,

Truck drivers, Laborers not involved in construction work, Assemblers, Janitors and cleaners

Registered nurses, Stock handlers and baggers, Construction laborers, Cashiers, and Carpenters

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.pdf

According to the BLS what was the peak year for MSD's for all industries.

According to BLS the peak year for MSD was recorded in 1994 with 6,632 fatal injuries. California led the country with 639 cases and males between 35 to 44 years were the most affected.

Explain what you thought the reason was.

I believe the reason for these injuries has to do with age (older adults tend to be of higher severity), physical conditioning, what industry you actually work in (transportation, health care and maintenance have some of the highest rate) and from over exertion.

http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/oshs2008.pdf

Pick 3 industries provide data for number of cases for each year from 1993 to 2001

Transportation Industry: 1993 (5,693) 1994 (6,190), 1995 (6,724), 1996 (4308) 1997 (5,312) 1998 (4,573) 1999 (5,491) 2000 (5,147) 2001 (5,782)

Health Industry: 1993 (229,216) 1994 (217,817), 1995 (208,982), 1996 (201,321) 1997 (194,740) 1998 (176,079) 1999 (173,441) 2000 (164,673) 2001 (154,983)

Service Industry: 1993 (535,386) 1994 (514,390), 1995 (475,308), 1996 (449,047) 1997 (423,449) 1998 (401,128) 1999 (394,922) 2000 (388,300) 2001 (368,299)

Identify workplace modifications that can increase worker safety from repetitive stress injuries.

Some modification include hiring an ergonomist to redesign the workstations, developing work/rest regimens, group exercise programs...