Ergonomic Design to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Key Concepts

• MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders): Conditions affecting muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons.
• Ergonomic Design: Adapting the environment using assistive devices and technology to prevent MSDs.
• Neutral Posture: Protecting the body by maintaining a neutral position; deviations increase the risk of MSDs.

Neutral Sitting Position

• Shoulders: Relaxed
• Neck: Neutral (not flexed or extended)
• Elbows: Bent
• Hips, Knees, Ankles: 90-degree angles
• Typing Posture: Avoid excessive wrist extension; use keyboard trays to maintain neutral wrist position.

Prevention Methods

• Engineering Controls: Most effective
  • Redesign tools and workspaces (e.g., keyboard trays, power tools, rolling carts, electronic staplers).
  • Adjust environment to maintain neutral body position (e.g., raising/lowering desks).
  • Arrange workspace so tools are within reachable distance.
• Administrative Controls
  • Job rotation to reduce repetitive movements.
  • Enforced breaks to interrupt repetitive cycles.
  • Work hardening to improve endurance and body mechanics.
• Personal Training: Least effective
  • Encourage habit changes using models like MOHO (Model of Human Occupation).
  • Training in body mechanics for lifting, carrying, and pushing.

Office Work Specifics

• Office work is common and poses significant risks for MSDs due to poor posture and repetitive tasks.
• Emphasis on arranging the office environment to minimize risk.
  • Ensure all necessary tools and devices are within an appropriate reach.

Assessment and Recommendations

• Utilize checklists from textbooks to guide assessments.
• Provide clear, practical recommendations based on ergonomic principles.