Scope
This program applies to all Company employees and defines the protocols necessary to provide information on
how to use correct body positioning when working and how to use proper lifting techniques.
Managers and supervisors should be responsible for providing an ergonomically safe workplace. This can be
accomplished through self-assessments and work station evaluations, participation in ergonomics training,
implementation of control measures, and by ensuring that all employees who report CTD symptoms receive
proper training.
Employees identified at risk for developing work-related CTDs should attend ergonomics training and should be
responsible for reporting early signs and symptoms of work-related CTDs to their supervisor.
A link to the NIOSH publication “Simple Solutions, Ergonomics for the Construction Worker” is linked here.
If requirements of the workplace are different than those here, those changes will be placed onto the Project
Safety Plan which will be reviewed with all employees during their orientation process.
Safe Work Procedures
1) Ergonomics
a) Each worksite shall be evaluated by the employee’s supervisor to identify existing hazards and conditions
or operations that may create hazards and areas where hazards may develop. Any mitigation practices
shall be documented on the Job Hazard Analysis or within the Project Safety Plan is so developed.
b) Ergonomic hazards refer to workplace conditions that pose a biomechanical stress to the worker. Such
hazardous workplace conditions include, but are not limited to, faulty work station layout, improper work
methods, improper tools, excessive tool vibration, and job design problems that include aspects of work
flow, line speed, posture and force required, work/rest regimens, and repetition rate. They are also
referred to as "stressors." To remove such hazards it may require fitting the workplace to the worker by
modifying or redesigning the job, workstation, tool or environment to optimize the work environment.
Ergonomics is an on-going process, not just a quick fix. The program shall require cooperation from
management, supervisors, and employees.
c) Manual material handling involves sitting, lifting, lowering, and carrying objects; it may also involve
getting up and down from a standing position. All of these movements involve using the back. To avoid
the risk of developing back problems, ergonomic principles should be applied while using the back.
i) Size up the load, if it is to heavy or bulky, get help. Minimize personally lifting over 50 pounds.
ii) Use equipment whenever possible and realistic i.e., carts, dollies, forklifts or other mechanical aids.
iii) Plan the move ahead of time and make a strategy of what you need to lift, carry or move
iv) How you’ll reach your destination. Determine if your path is clear of obstructions, spills or other
tripping hazards.
d) Manual lifting techniques
i) Maintain a neutral position for lifting
(1) Place feet in a diagonal stance with wide solid base of support
(2) Keep spine’s curves and keep your head up
(3) Bend from hips, not your waist
(4) Use thigh muscles and keep knees bent
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ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
(5) Tighten abdominal muscles when performing lift (hold breath for a moment as you tighten
abdominal then breathe freely)
Protect Your Back
(1) Stretch frequently to stay flexible during your shift
(2) Strengthen muscles in your back, legs and abdomen with exercise.
(a) CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING AN EXCERSICE PROGRAM.
One person lift
(1) Stand as close to object as possible, in a wide stance
(2) Bend at the knees, with back straight – maintaining neutral curve, and stomach in
(3) Examine the object and determine its weight and stability
(4) Grip the object firmly
(5) Lift smoothly with your legs
(6) Do not twist or bend while lifting or handling a heavy load.
(7) Do not use jerking motions to move a load.
Carrying an object
(1) Plan movements of material in direct paths (i.e., do not backtrack). Avoid lowering materials that
need to be later lifted.
(2) When carrying, don’t block your view of what’s ahead
(3) Try to minimize the distance that an object is moved.
(4) Carry a load close to your body and at a proper height from the floor.
(5) To change direction, pivot your feet and body rather than twisting your back
Team lift
(1) Two or more employees transporting a large load should adjust the load so that each person
carries equal weight. When team lifting is required, it is recommended that the individuals
involved are similar in size and physique. One person should act as the leader and give
commands on when to lift or lower the object. Lift from the hips in unison.
Carts and related equipment
(1) Use carts and handling aids to support an object's weight.
(2) Push objects whenever possible, rather than pulling, lifting or lowering objects. Keep your back
straight, knees bend and stomach in.
Storing Materials
(1) Position storage materials on racks or shelves in ways that make handling easier (e.g., place the
heaviest objects at elbow height, lighter objects on top or bottom racks).
(2) Provide elbow support with your free arm for long reaches.
Standing Task
(1) Change position frequently, if possible.
(2) Shift weight by alternating feet on a footrest during standing tasks.
(3) Adjust work height whenever possible.
(4) Use anti-fatigue mats to protect feet from hard surfaces.
Seated Task
(1) Keep your back against the back of a supportive chair, feet flat on the floor or on a footrest
(2) Rearrange your work area to keep reaching to a minimum.
(3) Keep your chair close to your work or desk.
(4) Adjust your chair properly and readjust as necessary throughout the day.
(5) Face your work - Turn you whole body, instead of twisting to reach something.
(6) If on the phone for long periods of time, use telephone headset or other support.
(7) Get up and stretch periodically.
2) Cumulative Trauma Disorders
a) Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is not a diagnosis, but a group of health problems with similar
characteristics. CTDs are soft tissue disorders (e.g., muscles, tendons, joints, nerves) caused by wear and
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tear from repetitive motion. CTDs usually occur in the upper body in the neck, shoulders, back, arms,
wrists, and hands. It is important to prevent CTDs because they can lead to serious and/or permanent
injuries. CTDs are also referred to as repetitive motion injuries, repetitive strain injuries, repetitive trauma
disorders, and overuse injuries.
b) Several factors, usually in combination, contribute to the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder
due to the stress on muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves. The presence of these factors in a job, process,
operation, or work environment may not necessarily cause a problem, but they do increase the risk of
developing a CTD.
i) Repetition
(1) Tasks that require high repetition rates require more muscle effort and less recovery time, which
can lead to fatigue and stress. Examples of repetitive tasks are typing (faster than 60 words per
minute), sorting, and using hand tools with turning motion.
ii) Excessive Force
(1) Examples of tasks in which it is possible to use excessive force are stamping, stapling, grasping
large objects, and hammering into a hard surface.
iii) Awkward Posture or Position
(1) Examples of awkward postures or positions are using the shoulder and bending the neck to hold
the telephone to the ear, turning the head to the side, bending the back in forward/stooped
position, reaching over the shoulder, and bending the wrists. Employees should always strive to
maintain a neutral wrist.
iv) Prolonged Activities
(1) Holding a position without movement for prolonged periods causes fatigue and requires a long
recovery time. Examples of prolonged activities are standing or sitting for hours at a time,
holding elbows away from the body while typing, and grasping a hand tool for an extended
period of time.
v) Localized Pressure (Mechanical Stress)
(1) Too much pressure on muscles, tendons, and nerves can decrease blood flow circulation. Over
time, constant localized pressure can cause an injury. Examples are pressure from resting
forearms and wrists on sharp or hard edges, and using tools with short handles.
vi) Vibration
(1) Working with vibrating tools or equipment for extended periods of time can potentially cause
damage to the nerves in the arms, hands, and wrists.
vii) Temperature (Cold)
(1) Working in cold may also contribute to developing CTDs. Cold temperature can result in a loss of
sensory feedback, which reduces manual dexterity.
viii) Good Body Posture
(1) Using good body posture is important for minimizing the risk of developing a CTD. Equipment,
tools, and furniture are an important part of the work environment. Since frequent use of these
items does have a significant impact on job performance and overall health, good body posture is
essential when equipment and tools, are used.
ix) A Neutral Wrist
(1) It is important to maintain a neutral wrist to minimize the potential for developing a CTD,
whether sitting while conducting a task (e.g., working at a computer workstation) or standing
(e.g., using a hand tool).
x) Hand Tools
(1) Improper hand tool selection or improper use of tools can cause CTDs. Hand and wrist postures
are important because they affect how much force the muscles must produce to hold objects.
When selecting and purchasing hand tools and hand-held equipment these guidelines should be
followed:
(a) Select tools that allow the wrist to be held straight and that minimize twisting of the arm and
wrist. Good working posture can be maintained when properly designed tools are used.
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(b) Select tools that allow the use a power grip, not a pinch grip. Minimal muscle force is
required to hold objects in a power grip posture. The pinch grip requires excessive fingertip
pressure, and can lead to a CTD.
(c) For power or pneumatic tools, select tools with vibration dampening built in whenever
possible. Use personal protective equipment such as gel-padded gloves to reduce exposure
to vibration.
(d) Be sure your tools are well maintained. A dull knife or tool requires more force to use.
(e) Use a loose grip.
(f) Use different fingers for triggering, preferably all four. Try to switch hands frequently.
(g) Take work breaks and give the body time to recover.
CTD TIPS
 Increase work gradually on new tasks; take work breaks to change hand motion
 Keep wrist and arm as straight as possible
 Avoid bending or twisting wrist too far
 Get close to the work as possible to reduce reaching
 Keep work below shoulder level whenever possible
 Don’t overload - make an extra trip
END of program
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