Ergonomics

Southeast Technical will follow a program of proactive identification and reduction of risk factors that can increase the probability of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) of its employees. The college will also take steps to help resolve employees MSD’s resulting from their work in the college. The college acknowledges that ongoing education and training is a necessary component of this program.

What you need to know about Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to the people who work in them. The goal of an ergonomics program is to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) developed by workers when a major part of their jobs include reaching, bending over, lifting heavy objects, using continuous force, working with vibrating equipment and doing repetitive motions.

What are signs and symptoms of MSDs that you should watch for?
Workers suffering from MSDs may experience less strength for gripping, less range of motion, loss of muscle function and inability to do everyday tasks. Common symptoms include:

• Painful joints
• Pain, tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Shooting or stabbing pains in arms or legs
• Swelling or inflammation
• Burning Sensation
• Pain in wrists, shoulders, forearms, knees
• Fingers or toes turning white
• Back or neck pain
• Stiffness

What are MSDs?

MSDs are injuries and illnesses that affect muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, or spinal discs. Your doctor might tell you that you have on of the following common MSDs.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Tendonitis
• Herniated spinal disc
• Tension neck syndrome
• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Sciatica
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Low back pain
• De Quervain’s disease
• Epicondylitis
• Carpet layers’ knee
• Hand-arm Vibration syndrome

What causes MSDs? If you have signs or symptoms of MSD’s …

If MSD signs and symptoms are not reported early, permanent disability may result. It is important that you report MSD signs and symptoms right away to avoid long-lasting problems. Your employer is required to respond promptly to those reports. Contact your supervisor or Human Resources to report MSDs, MSD signs or symptoms or MSD hazards.

Workplace MSDs are caused by exposure to the following risk factors:

• Repetition
  Doing the same motions over and over again places stress n the muscles and tendons. The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the number of muscles involved and the required force.
• Forceful Exertions
  Force is the amount of physical efforts required to perform a task (such as heavy lifting) or maintain control of equipment or tools. The amount of force depends on the type of grip, the weight of an object, body posture, the type of activity and the duration of the task.
• Awkward Postures
  Posture is the position your body is in and affects muscle groups that are involved in physical activity. Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.
• Contact Stress
  Pressing the body against a hard or sharp edge can result in placing too much pressure on nerves, tendons and blood vessels. For example, using the palm of your hand as a hammer can increase your risk of suffering an MSD.
• Vibration
  Operating vibrating tools such as sanders, grinders, chippers, routers, drills and other saws can lead to nerve damage.

What is the College Standard?

Southeast Technical will follow a program of proactive identification and reduction of risk factors that can increase the probability of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) of its employees. The college will also take steps to help resolve employees MSD’s resulting from their work in the college. The college acknowledges that ongoing education and training is a necessary component of this program.

Top of Page | Webmaster

RED WING CAMPUS | WINONA CAMPUS - Campus Maps & Locations | Contact Us | College Policies | Site Map
Southeast Technical is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. ADA accessible.
A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
© 2006 Southeast Technical