711 Introduction to Ergonomics

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ergonomic PPE includes the following:

• Ergonomic Glasses:
  • Purpose: Ergonomic glasses filter out harmful blue light and reduce glare, minimizing digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS).
  • Usage: Designed for screen use, these glasses filter out blue light, reduce glare, and help alleviate computer vision syndrome. With less eye fatigue and discomfort, users can focus more effectively on tasks for longer periods, improving productivity and reducing mental fatigue.
• Knee Pads:
  • Purpose: Protect knees by absorbing shock from impacts, protecting the knees from sudden pressure or hard surfaces.
  • Usage: They distribute the pressure exerted on the knee joints, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort. This is crucial in jobs that involve prolonged kneeling, such as construction, plumbing, or flooring.
• Ergonomic Gloves:
  • Purpose: Reduce strain on the hands and wrists, improve grip and dexterity, protect against vibration hazards, and prevent pressure points.
  • Usage: They are used in environments involving power tools or machinery like assembly line work to prevent conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injuries and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
• Back Braces/Supports:
  • Purpose: Support the lower back to prevent strain during lifting.
  • Usage: Often used by workers in jobs involving heavy or prolonged lifting. However, most current research suggests that back/safety belts are not reliable as PPE for preventing ergonomic injuries. One concern is that workers may develop a false sense of security and should not be seen as a long-term solution. Prolonged use of back belts can lead to the weakening of core muscles over time, which may increase vulnerability to injury when the belt is not in use.
• Anti-Fatigue Mats:
  • Purpose: Reduce strain from standing for long periods.
  • Usage: Anti-fatigue mats provide a cushioned surface that encourages subtle muscle movements, promoting better blood circulation and reducing fatigue. They are used in work environments where employees stand for extended hours, such as at assembly lines or cashier stations, to alleviate foot and lower back discomfort.
• Wrist Supports/Braces:
  • Purpose: Stabilize the wrist and reduce repetitive motion injuries.
  • Usage: Wrist supports help keep the wrist in a neutral position, reducing excessive movement that can lead to strain or injury and added stability during recovery. They are often used by office workers or individuals with repetitive tasks to prevent or alleviate conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Ergonomic Seat and Back Cushions:
  • Purpose: Promote proper posture, reduce discomfort, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries for people who sit for extended periods.
  • Usage: They provide better support for the lower back (lumbar region), helping maintain the spine's natural curve and promoting neutral posture. They are used by office workers to maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce discomfort during prolonged sitting.

Interim Measures

Interim measures are nothing more than temporary applications of engineering and/or management controls until more permanent solutions can be applied. For instance, if a computer monitor is too low, placing a phone book under the monitor might be an effective temporary solution. Having two people lift heavy objects until a pneumatic lift can be purchased is another example of a temporary fix to the problem.

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