Biomechanics in the Workplace

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Biomechanics in the Workplace
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What Is Biomechanics?

• Definition The study of forces acting on and
  generated within a body and the effects of these
  forces on the tissues, fluid, or materials used
  for the diagnosis, treatment, or research
  purposes.
• Biomechanics is a large field that combines
  physics, calculus, anatomy, and physiology for
  the study of human movement

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Why is it Important?

• Fixing problem jobs reduces musculoskeletal
  disorders (MSD) and injury related costs.
• Understanding of human movement facilitates
  better teaching, successful coaching, more
  observant therapy, knowledgeable exercise
  prescription, and new research ideas.

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Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

• Work related injuries
• Typically develop over time due to repeated
  stresses tendons, muscles, and nerves
• Common injuries Neck and back pain, carpal
  tunnel syndrome, tendonitis

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Causes for MSD

• 1. Repetition Using the same movement over and
  over for a extended period of time.
• 2. Force Using a lot of force for pushing,
  lifting, or pulling heavy objects.
• 3. Work rate Continuous labor, especially if
  proper recovery time is not met.
• 4. Awkward Positions Movements that work muscles
  and joints past acceptable movement angles.

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Reducing the Risks of MSD

• Frequent stretching
• Using proper movements
• Good overall health
• Staying hydrated
• Rest
• Fitness
• A good attitude

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Biomechanics in the Workplace

• Working postures can greatly influence strain on
  the lower back. Both mobile and sedentary styles
  of work present injury risk.
• Frequent bending, twisting, lifting, pulling, and
  pushing are some of the risk factors for back
  injuries, the most common injury in the workplace.

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Biomechanics in the Office

• A presentation on Staying safe at work

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Biomechanics in the OfficeSitting Posture

• When sitting down at a desk the worst possible
  strain on the spine is a slouched liked position.
  
• Higher seating height can decrease the
  compressive force on the spine. Try to maintain
  your back close to a 90 angle in relation with
  your thigh.
• Generally several short breaks throughout the day
  to stand and move will greatly reduce muscle
  fatigue

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Biomechanics in the OfficeProper typing Posture

• 1. Place keyboard upright so your wrists are in a
  neutral position when your fingers are paced on
  the keys.
• 2. Avoid neck fatigue and headaches by adjusting
  your monitor slightly below eye level and
  approximately one arm length from your body.
• 3. Avoid holding the mouse tightly
• 4. Use a document holder to position paperwork
  next to your monitor.

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Biomechanics in the OfficeStanding Posture

• While Standing or in motion, maintain an erect
  but comfortable spinal position.
• Strain from standing can be greatly reduced by
  using floor mats, using a foot rest, making sure
  the work area has adequate foot clearance, and
  wearing proper shoes. Often sturdy, comfortable
  soles help with posture
• One of the most important factors for both
  standing and sitting is to avoid prolonged static
  postures.

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Most common work-related injuries
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

• A pinched nerve in the wrist that can cause
  serious long term injury.
• The tendons in the wrist begin to swell which
  puts pressure on the median nerve.
• Signs of CTS are most commonly a numbing or
  tingling pain in the hand and fingers.

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Muscle Strain

• Majority of strains are caused by overstretching
  in which small tears occur in the muscle.
• Can be very minor or severe, such as a torn
  tendon in the neck, back, or shoulder.
• Some common symptoms Pain and tenderness when
  moving, Swelling and brusing, limited muscle
  movement, a bulge or deformity underneath the
  skin.
• Recovery time varies depending on a persons age,
  health, and severity of injury.

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Biomechanics in the FieldLifting

• Before attempting to lift ask yourself
• 1. Can I lift this alone?
• 2. Is the load too big or too awkward?
• 3. Does the load have handles?
• 4. Could the contents of this load shift?
• 5. What objects are blocking the load?

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Biomechanics in the field General lifting
techniques

• The weight of the objects being lifted should be
  lowered as lift frequency, lift distance, and
  object size increase.
• Proper Lifting Technique
• 1. Maintain a neutral spine
• 2. Lift with lower body with a controlled speed
• 3. Keep the load close to the pelvis.
• 4. Avoid leaning side to side, or front to back

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Importance of Stretching

• Most jobs usually involve long hours each day and
  repetitive motions.
• Stretching reduces the risks of injuries in the
  neck, arm, wrist, back, hand, and legs
• For the millions of office employees it is vital
  that you take a 5 minute break every 30 minutes
  to avoid the possibility of injury at work.

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Need other reasons to stretch?

• Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible
  muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks
  such as lifting packages, bending to tie your
  shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier
  and less tiring.
• Stretching improves range of motion of your
  joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better
  balance, which will help keep you mobile and less
  prone to falls and the related injuries
  especially as you age.
• Stretching improves circulation. Stretching
  increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved
  circulation can speed recovery after muscle
  injuries.
• Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes
  the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

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Stretching at work
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Additional stretches