Recognizing ergonomic symptoms Common ergonomic symptoms include pain, swelling, tingling, tenderness or numbness in soft tissue areas. Sometimes difficulty moving or using the extremity is a symptom. These symptoms may indicate trauma or disorder related to ergonomic conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to see your physician or an occupational physician as soon as possible to determine the cause of your pain.
Ergonomic risk factors The main categories of ergonomic risk factors are:
• Environment – risks found in your work environment
• Equipment – risks associated with the equipment you use
• Work practices – risks caused by work requirements, processes or procedures
• Individual – risks that are unique to you as an individual, such as physical characteristics, habits and behavior
Repetitive movements that may be non-strenuous or strenuous can cause ergonomic conditions. Some conditions can be brought on by: • Sudden increases in your workload
• Introduction of a new process to your work routine
• Use of vibrating tools
• Maintaining a rigid posture
Common ergonomic problems You probably have heard of many of these common ergonomic problems: bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, tension neck or shoulder, and trigger finger.
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions and your work tasks, equipment, or environment have not changed, be sure to talk with your supervisor or safety personnel to find ways to adjust your work patterns to ones that will not stress your soft tissues.
Ergonomic solutions To help minimize and possibly eliminate ergonomic risk factors, there are some steps you can take. Be sure to talk with your supervisor about what to do if you are experiencing pain in the soft tissues. Talk with ergonomic experts to identify what is causing the pain and to find a solution to eliminate or reduce the risk.
Reducing the pace of work, alternating repetitive tasks with non-repetitive tasks at regular intervals, or increasing the number of breaks from repetitive work can also reduce or eliminate ergonomic risk factors you are subjected to on the job. Taking appropriate steps means you will experience fewer injuries and fewer lost work days.
Copyright National Safety Council, All Rights Reserved. Information and recommendations are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances