Definition of Ergonomics - Essay Example

Ergonomics Definition of Ergonomics Ergonomics is the term used for the application of anatomical, physiological and mechanical principles to assist man in making his work more efficient and productive (Inverarity 2007). Kroemer (2002) defines this as the “study of human characteristics for the appropriate design of the living and working environment.” People who study ergonomics learn every aspect about humans that could affect their efficiency and productivity as well as the work systems and the design of tools and utensils used at work. These include their capabilities, limitations, motivations and desires. Different sciences such as include psychology, cognitive science, physiology, biomechanics, applied physical anthropology, and industrial and systems engineering are also being incorporated. By being able to use these studies to increase efficiency, work becomes safer and more generally accepted (Kroemer 2002). This paper aims to provide an insight on the nature of the common causes of back pain. Based on these insights, the effectiveness and appropriateness of ergonomic applications will be studied and assessed in relation to the aim of ergonomics which is basically to provide safety and improve work efficiency. Causes of Backpain The back is composed of 33 vertebrae, more than 30 muscles, ligaments, joints and vertebral discs. All these structures, as many as they are, impose a risk on causing injury, and thus, discomfort to the owner. There are about four in every five people who suffer from back pain (Inverarity 2007 ). The most common self-reported and work-related disorders are those involving musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions are also considered of higher costs because of their long-term effect to the would-be disabled. It is since 1996 that physicians and rheumatologists have been reporting incidents of musculoskeletal disorders (Chen, et. Al 2001). About 2600 cases were estimated to be reported between October of 1997 until 2001 by rheumatologists. In connection with this, physicians have reported that there are about 5278 reported cases each year since 1996. People who are most at-risk to having musculo-skeletal cases are those working in clerical, crafts and machine-related works. Connected with limb, neck and back disorders are those people whose jobs involve office work, heavy lifting, craft-making as well as labor jobs (Chen, et. Al 2001). In 1997, A Musculoskeletal Occupational Surveillance Scheme (MOSS) was done to survey work-related musculoskeletal conditions. About 8070 cases and 8442 diagnoses were estimated to had been obtained during the course of the three-year scheme. The results were just about a little more than the average 2700 cases obtained every year (Cherry, et. Al 2001). Majority of the cases (66%) involved upper limb disorders. Of this 66%, majority is from hand/wrist or arm disorders. Spine and shoulder disorders comprised approximately 37% of the reported cases. In general, majority of the cases were repetitive cases instead of single injury (Cherry, et. Al 2001). Disorders were most common among people who are working in crafts, clerical and secretarial jobs. Mining has the highest and most notable rate for those diagnosed with musculoskeletal conditions. In general, women have a greater risk relative to the men (Cherry, et. Al. 2001). Among the structures of the back, the muscles impose the greatest risk. Muscular strain is the most common cause of back pain. This happens when the muscles experience a sudden force in the back, which then causes the muscles to tear and then cause pain (Inverarity 2007). The ligaments at the back of the body can also be a cause of back pain. This is called the ligamentous sprain. Back pains from ligamentous sprains happen when the ligaments are overly stretched (Inverarity 2007). When the spinal nerves at the end of the spinal column become compressed, Herniated discs happen, resulting in a repetitive vibratory motion similar to what passengers of a vehicle experience in bumpy roads (Inverarity 2007). Another cause of herniated discs is the sudden or usual loading of the back with heavy objects or improper lifting of objects. In such a case, pain will be felt both at the site of injury and the area of the affected nerve. This is called the radicular type of back pain (Inverarity 2007). For people above 50 years, the most common cause of back pain is Spinal Stenosis. Spinal Stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. It is caused by thickening of the ligaments in the spinal canal, bony spurs and the enlargement of joint cartilage from arthritic changes. For people with Spinal Stenosis, it is usually advisable to undergo an operation so as to correct the condition as well as minimize the resulting back pain which is worse than what is experienced in periods of heavy lifting (Inverarity 2007). Osteoarthritis is another cause of back pain but unlike the others, the parts of the spine which are affected are the joints of the spine. Similar to Spinal Stenosis, this injury usually happens to people above 50 years old. In osteoarthritis, the cartilages of the spine located in the discs between each vertebra and in each spine joint degenerate. The cartilage serves as protection from friction between bone parts. Without which, inflammation, swelling and stiffness would result which would then cause back pain as well as further thickening of the ligaments (Inverarity 2007). For women, the most common cause of back pain is Osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis suffer from progressive loss of bone density resulting in the thinning of bone tissue. When bone tissues thin, the skeleton becomes more susceptible to fractures and breaking. Faling, heavy lifting and sudden forces can result to osteoporosis (Inverarity 2007). Soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and tenderness of specific areas could result in a rheumatic condition known as fibromyalgia (Inverarity 2007). Preventing Back pain When considering actions to prevent spinal disorders or back pains among employees, it is important to be careful. A study done by Tveito, et. Al (2004) shows that among all ergonomic intervention in the workplace, it is only exercise and a comprehensive multidisciplinary and treatment intervention that show a positive effect to employees showing signs of back pain or spinal disorder. Similarly, Van Poppel (2004) reported that lumbar supports and education in primary prevention of back pains and spinal disorders in the workplace are not as effective as it aimed to be. On the other hand, the study shows only limited or no evidence of the positive effect of exercise in preventing back pain. In solving a problem, the usual take is to analyze the causes and etiology of the disorder or condition and from there, make actions to prevent or eliminate such causes. If the theories on back pain will be integrated with ergonomics, it would be wise to assume that to prevent back pain and spinal disorders one must choose to avoid Muscular strain can be prevented, for example, by preventing the experience of sudden forces in the back. In addition, back pain can be reduced by employing proper posture, proper movement of muscles and preventing unnecessary strains (Bashir 2002); ligamentous sprain can be prevented by avoiding activities that could overly stretch the ligaments. That is, when exercising, proper methods of stretching must be applied. If possible there should be a trainer to assist the person in proper stretching. Because staying in bed for long periods could cause muscle wasting, people who suffer from ligamentous sprains are advised to rest for only two days instead of a week. This is according to a study done by the Seattle Veterans Administration Hospital (The New England Journal of Medicine 315-1064-70, 1986) Herniated discs can be prevented by avoiding carrying too much load on the back. In addition, when lifting objects, proper posture and method should be employed. Losing weight is also advised to prevent stress from the force imposed on the disks by obesity. They may help improve posture and develop an exercise program for recovery and long-term protection. Exercise is also advised to improve posture and flexibility. Lumbar supports are also advised for people with spine disorders (Larson 1999). It is encouraged for people with spinal stenosis to do some stretching and strengthening exercises as well as aerobic exercises. In general, non-operative methods have been considered as successful in treating spinal problems. The above treatment methods (stretching and exercising are considered the most effective and useful (Spivak 1998). Correct food and fluid intake must be taken also to prevent degeneration of the cartilages and to prevent friction between bones. Adequate Calcium intake must be done to prevent osteoporosis and other degenerative calcium losing diseases. The Contradiction These studies, however many and excellent their tests and procedures may be, is facing a lot of counter-studies. It is said earlier that the main causes of back pain are muscular strain, ligamentous strain, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia herniated discs, and osteoporosis. Some specialists, however, agree that approximately eighty percent of all back pain cases have no clear connection with any physiological condition and that even some people who show no sign of spine disorder, show bulging and herniated discs in X-rays (Croasmun 2003). Some even expressed the futility of all knowledge in back-pain prevention by saying that despite everything, no matter how much effort is put to prevent back pain, people are still going to experience the disorder at some point in their lives (Croasmun 2003). In addition, it would be very difficult to predict which one person is most at risk of developing back pain. This means that studies showing that an individual who is exercising and improving his or her fitness does not necessarily minimize his risk of developing back pain. This is contradictory to the studies showing that exercise is a good way of minimizing spinal disorders and back pain. According to one study, history of back pain and smoking are the only good predictors of back pain. Still it is maintained that jobs and occupations that involve much lifting, prolonged standing and sitting, are more at risk in developing spinal disorders and back pain compared to jobs involving less of such (Croasmun 2003). While it is a common knowledge that lifting must be done with bent legs to prevent back pain and fatigue, some studies do not recommend this. Based on these studies, lifting with bent legs are back-friendly and less fatiguing but it would only impose a risk on developing leg muscle strain (Croasmun 2003). While good posture is always stressed, some studies show that it may not be desirable to prevent spinal and back disorders. According to one study, sitting upright or forward as well as not changing positions while sitting are not advisable to prevent spinal disorders. A 90 degree upright posture is very unhealthy especially when the subject is the person’s intervertebral discs (About 2007). A strictly upright posture only imposes much pressure compared to while standing. Surprisingly it is suggested that sitting with the hip joints a little bit straightened (which means supported slouching) is healthier than sitting with a strictly straight back (About 2007). Such has been the purpose of reclined chairs and back rests. More of the person’s weight is imposed on the chair’s backrest when sitting in a reclined position. When sitting in an upright position, more of the weight is imposed on the hips and lower back (About 2007). Moving around is consistent with the previous studies. Moving is important in preventing back pain and other spinal disorders because this helps squeeze and unsqueeze intervertebral discs that results in a more appropriate filtration of fluids in and out of the cores of the discs. In line with this, chairs should be made to follow the sitter in his or her posture (About 2007). Recommendations With all the inconsistencies in ergonomic studies, the question on the effectiveness of ergonomic strategies now rises. Is it still advisable to study ergonomics or are the studies futile? It is the idea of Stover Snook to focus the study of Ergonomics on managing back pain instead of trying to focus its studies on trying to prevent it. This is based on the revelation that back pain can never be prevented and that its existence would always be definite (Croasmun 2004). Given this case, since back pain also accompanies age and is one cause of employee absence, companies must consider their work system to adapt to this reality. In other words, the job descriptions as well as the job operations must not only adapt to the needs of the company; they must also adapt to the needs of workers. In doing so, the company not only provides advantage to the workers, but is indirectly providing advantage to the company. Applying ergonomics in the workplace and focusing efforts to apply the ergonomic principles in meeting to the needs of workers could help reduce absences and allow the workers more efficient and more productive use of their time and energy (Croasmun 2004). The companies could also supplement these back-pain management efforts by implementing policies on building confidence on their workers. Companies must also focus efforts on eliminating the fear among the workers that accidents or negative conditions could happen in the workplace again. By doing so, the companies could help the workers return to work earlier than when they feel much fear of re-injury (Croasmun 2004). Eliminating the fear among the workers could prevent them from limiting their activities and techniques. One study showed that workers who were not given support missed an average of 87 days in six months. This is much higher compared to workers who received confidence boosts. On the average, the latter had only missed 58 days of work in six months (Croasmun 2004). References About. 2007. Fourteen Things You Should Know About Back Pain. About.com.Availableathttp://physicaltherapy.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=physicaltherapy&cdn=health&tm=10&gps=271_400_1020_578&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.office-ergo.com/12things.htm. Chen, Y., et. al., 2001. Incidence and Suspected Cause of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders, United Kingdom, 1996-2001. Society of Occupational Medicine. 56 (6): 406. Cherry, et. al. 2001. The Reported Incidence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disease in the UK: MOSS 1997-2000. Occupational Medicine. 51 (7): 450. Croasmun, J. 2004. Confidence-Building Helps Workers With Back Pain. Ergoweb. http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=868. Inverarity, L. 2007. "Common Causes of Back Pain," About.com. Available at http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/backpain/a/Causesbackpain.htm. Inverarity, L. 2007. "Ergonomics," About.com, Available at http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/abbreviationsandterms/g/ergonomics.htm. Kroemer, K. 2002. "Ergonomics: DEfinition of Ergonomics," NSC. Available at http://www.nsc.org/issues/ergo/define.htm. Larson, J. 1999. "Herniated Disk," Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Available athttp://web2.infotrac.apla.galegroup.com/itw/ infomark/691/241/73160638w3/purl=rc1_HRCA_0_A54824646 &dyn=47!xrn_2_0_A54824646?sw_aep=sxhealt Tveito, T., et. al. 2004. Low Back Pain Interventions at the Workplace: A Systematic Literature Review. Occupational Medicine. 54 (1):3. Read More