Awkward Postures

A worker should be able to wrap the hand comfortably around the object without causing excessive wrist deviations or awkward postures, and the grip should not require excessive force. 

A risk factor is defined as an attribute or exposure that increases the probability of a disease or disorder (Putz-Anderson, 1988). Biomechanical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders include repetitive and sustained exertions, awkward postures, and application of high mechanical forces. Vibration and cold environments may also accelerate the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Typical tools that can be used to identify the potential for development of musculoskeletal disorders include conducting work-methods analyses and checklists designed to itemize undesirable work site conditions or worker activities that contribute to injury. Since most of manual work requires the active use of the arms and hands, the structures of the upper extremities are particularly vulnerable to soft tissue injury. WUEDs are typically associated with repetitive manual tasks with forceful exertions, such as those performed at assembly lines, or when using hand tools, computer keyboards and other devices, or operating machinery. These tasks impose repeated stresses to the upper body, that is, the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerve tissues, and neurovascular structures. There are three basic types of WRDs to the upper extremity tendon disorder (such as tendonitis), nerve disorder (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), and neurovascular disorder (such as thoracic outlet syndrome or vibration-Raynaud s syndrome). The main biomechanical risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders are presented in Table 22. 

Keyserling, W. M., Brouwer, M., and SUverstein, B. A. (1992), A Checklist for Evaluation Ergonomic Risk Factors Resulting from Awkward Postures of the Legs, Truck and Neck, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 283-301. 

Work areas should be designed to provide workers with room to move about in performing tasks without having to assume awkward postures or come into inadvertent contact with machinery. Task-analysis procedures can determine the most economical and safest product-movement patterns and should serve as the primary basis for determining layout of machinery, work areas, traffic flow, and storage for each workstation. 

Another important chair feature is armrests. Pros and cons for the use of armrests at computer workstations have been advanced. On the one hand, some chair armrests can present problems of restricted arm movement, interference with keyboard operation, pinching of fingers between the armrest and table, restriction of chair movement such as under the work table, irritation of the arm or elbows, and adoption of awkward postures. 

Engineering controls, where feasible, are the preferred method of control. The primary focus of an ergonomics program is to make the job fit the person, not force the person to fit the demands of the job. This can be accomplished by redesigning the work stations, work methods, work tools, and work requirements to reduce or eliminate excessive exertion, repetitive motion, awkward postures, and other risk factors. 

Awkward postures or imsupported positions that stretch physical limits can compress nerves and irritate tendons ... 

Posture is the position of the body while performing work activities. Awkward posture is associated with an increased risk for injury. It is generally considered that the... 

An injury or illness of soft tissues of the fingers, upper arms, shoulders and neck, lower back, or legs that is primarily caused or exacerbated by workplace risk factors such as sustained and repeated exertions or awkward postures and manipulations. Administrative controls for MSD hazards include employee rotation, job task enlargement, alternative tasks, and employer-authorized changes in work pace. Work practice controls for MSD hazards include use of neutral postures to perform tasks (straight wrists, lifting close to the body), use of two-person lift teams, and observance of micro breaks. See also Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). 

Human factors health issues (climbing, awkward postures) Human factors safety issues (pinch points, rotating equipment) Noise exposure... 

Workers confront awkward postures, prolonged kneeling, and repetitive upper body movements, often in cramped spaces, which can lead to short-term sprains and fatigue as well as long-term injuries. 

Awkward postures Higher Generally, more room to perform tasks is available on oil and gas platforms. 

Human factors health and safety issues (climbing, awkward postures, extreme environmental conditions, inadequate physical and visual access, manual material handling) ASTM F1166-2007—Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment and Facilities[mu tip e sections)... 

Home and recreational activities involving forceful exertions or awkward postures cau also lead to or aggravate back injuries. Some examples include sports and home repair work. Physical fimess, weight, diet, exercise, personal habits, and lifestyle may also affect the development of back injuries. Individuals not in good physical condition tend to have more injuries. Excessive body weight can place added stress on the spine and is often associated with a higher rate of back injuries. 

Pharmacy personnel may develop MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis from activities that involve repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, awkward postures, or contact stress. Use assistive devices if possible. The modification of pharmacy tasks decreases incidence of work-related MSDs. Redesign the process to incorporate variation into the task. Provide ergonomically comfortable work stations including wrist pads, adjustable padded chairs, keyboard tray, and monitors at a comfortable height. 

Like it or not, we all need to exercise. Athletes need to warm up before the start of a workout or competition, and so do utility workers. This includes field and office workers Utility work can be a physically demanding job. It frequently requires some workers to spend considerable time in awkward postures. Through stretching you can prepare your muscles to handle the load and possibly prevent the more frequent forms of work injury sprains and strains. 

One size does not fit all. That is why OSHA would like to see a tailored program approach. That is also why no one will ever be able to say that X number of repetitions or lifting X pounds will result in injury, or conversely that Y number of repetitions or Y pounds will definitely not result in injury for anyone, any time, anywhere. However, many employers have proven that establishing a systanatic program to address such issues as repetition, excessive force, awkward postures, and heavy lifting results in fewer injuries to workers. 

A general guideline is to tilt the fixture 15° toward the operator to enhance access and visibility, and to minimize awkward postures. 

Dentists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. They experience repetitive hand movements, vibrating tools, and fixed and awkward posturing. Neck, back, hand, and wrist injuries are common. Ergonomic equipment is available for dentists, including specially designed hand instruments, syringes and dispensers, lighting, ms nification tools, and patient chairs. 

CTD) A disorder of the musculoskeletal and nervous system that may be caused or aggravated by repetitive motions, forceful exertions, vibration, mechanical compressions, sustained or awkward postures, or by exposure to noise over extended periods of time. 

MSD) An illness of the soft tissues of the upper extremities, shoulders, neck, back, hips, legs or feet and toes cause primarily by workplace risk factors, such as sustained or repeated exertions or awkward postures and manipulations. 

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