Term Papers on Implementation Of A Workplace Ergonomic Program

Term Paper Title	Implementation Of A Workplace Ergonomic Program
# of Words	1018
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	4.07

     Implementation of a Workplace Ergonomic Program

to Reduce Cumulative Trauma Disorders
     Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) account for nearly 60% of all recordable work related
illnesses, the costs are estimated at approximately $100 billion each year (Carson, 1994).  Employer’s are
paying this price due to workers exposure to repetitive trauma and other ergonomic hazards, ranging from
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines, higher workers’ compensation costs,
increased employee suffering, fatigue, and absenteeism (Randolph, 1992). Occupational health nurses are
in a key position to implement an effective ergonomic program in the workplace, which can significantly
reduce the incidence of CTD.          Kemper Risk Management Services (1994) states CTD is a
medical condition of the musculoskeletal system that develops gradually due to repeated stress to the body.
Predisposing medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, old fractures, hypertension, thyroid disorders,
kidney disorders, gout, alcoholism, gynecological disorders, pregnancy, and other f!
emale hormonal changes can make a person more susceptible to CTD.  Non-occupational related activities
such as racket sports, throwing motions, knitting, sewing, and playing musical instruments are additional
contributing factors to the development of CTD.  The most common anatomical locations for CTD to
occur, are in the back, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.  The most common  types of CTD, are
nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome; tendinitis or tenosynovitis; muscle strains and sprains;
ganglionic cysts; and trigger finger.  Signs and symptoms of a CTD include: pain or soreness, tenderness to
touch, stiffness, swelling, and unusual lumps or bumps which do not go away. Symptoms that resolve or
decrease over the weekend when the individual is off, then recur upon returning to work is also indicative
of a work related injury (Kemper, 1994).
     Ergonomics is a science that involves fitting the surroundings of the environment, such as:
workstation, tools, and tasks or methods to the individual person.  Factors such as the individuals size,
strength, and range of motion are all taken into consideration in order to make the appropriate
modifications (Sluchak, 1992).  The goal of ergonomic improvements are to achieve maximum comfort of
the individual by reducing fatigue and stress of the musculoskeletal system.  According to Kemper Risk
Management Services (1994), there are five basic ergonomic risk factors which need to be corrected:
1. Awkward position or postures from extreme range of motion; prolonged static positions; reaching above
shoulder height; elbows away from body; deviated wrist positions; and back and neck flexion or extension.
2. Repetitive motions from prolonged keying and assembly work.
3. Force from heaving lifting, pushing, pulling, gripping, and finger pinches.
4. Vibration from tools and equipment.
5. Environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, and poor air circulation.

Basic elements of an Ergonomic Program
     OSHA has published, OSHA 3123, Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for
Meatpacking Plants, (U.S. Department of Labor, 1990) which provides excellent information on steps any
employers can take.  According to OSHA, the prerequisite to implementing an ergonomic program is to
obtain upper management support and employee involvement in the program. OSHA describes an effective
ergonomic program as stated in the following paragraphs.
     A works...

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