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Ergonomics refers to the science that designs jobs, equipment, products and workplaces with the people who use them in mind (AIHA, 1994). Ergonomics realizes that people are physically and mentally different, and have limitations based on these differences and on the fact that the human body is not a machine. Employees have historically been expected to adapt to a workplace (laboratory) or system already established without the ability to make adjustments to suit their unique capabilities and limitations. Ergonomics fits the job to the person rather than forcing the person to conform to the environment.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. When there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can result. Workers who must repeat the same motion throughout their workday, who must do their work in an awkward position, who must use a great deal of force to perform their jobs, who must repeatedly lift heavy objects or who face a combination of these risk factors are most likely to develop WMSDs.
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with interactions among humans and other elements of a system in carrying out a purposeful activity. Ergonomics aims to improve human well being and overall system performance by optimizing human-system compatibility. Human-system interaction design considerations include physical, cognitive, social, organizational and environmental factors.
Ergonomics is the study of the design of requirements of work in relation to the physical and psychological capabilities and limitations of people: that is, ergonomics seeks to fit the job to the person rather than the person to the job. The aim of the discipline is to prevent the development of occupational disorders and to reduce the potential for fatigue, error, or unsafe acts through the evaluation and design of facilities, environments, jobs, tasks, tools, equipment, processes, and training methods to match the capabilities of specific workers. It is also known as human factors engineering.
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and their work with the goal of designing job tasks, workstations, tools and equipment to fit the physical capabilities of people.
August 23rd, 1999
September 8th, 1999
October 20th, 1999
November 3rd, 1999
December 15th, 1999
Following is a report from the first meeting of the Ergonomics Task Force (with Sarah attending this first meeting). Listed here are the representatives who comprise this group.
Lydia Agadjanova, Marilyn Albertson, Carol Gibbens, David Howarter, Caitlin Hunter, Susan Mahaffey, Beverly Ryan, Ann Staten, Diane Stowell, John Vasi
Meeting of Library Ergonomics Task Force August 23 1999 10:00 - 11:30
Sarah spoke with the group. She discussed possible directions that the group might take in determining what contribution it can make in the areas of increased awareness of and training for ergonomics issues in the Library. Ideas were put forward and discussed.
1) Use of web pages. Consider an ergonomics page at the library site that would provide tips, list resources, note URLs, etc. Also mentioned was the use of articles in the Library Waves electronic newsletter.
2) Possible presentations by campus representatives such as Dale Krick of Human Resources and Larry Parsons of EH and S. Also consider off-campus speakers such as those individuals specializing in ergonomics topics and/or treatment options. These "community" speakers could raise awareness levels of available resources (other options?) "Brown bag" lunches during which presentation and discussion can occur.
3) Discuss options available to reduce repetitive tasks such as keying in. Ideas include keyboard programming to reduce keystrokes, voice activated programs (where practical). Software that issues reminders for rest breaks.
4) Look at training multimedia-training materials that could be set up at selected workstations for individualized or group training in the library.
The group also was asked to consider where it might want to go in 3 to 6 months as far as its structure is concerned. Departmental safety reps and the TF group may perform similar tasks. Might we want to consider "combining" the 2 groups into a single group? After several months, we begin to identify "gaps" or redundancies in policy and information dissemination.
Each member of the group was asked for concerns & ideas. Conversation included such topics as time lines for action, cross-training (though rather complicated issues can be involved in this), increasing awareness of the symptoms and causes of CTS, ideas on exercises to relieve stress points, increased awareness of the need for breaks to prevent pain/injury & of the equipment available to reduce injury, the need to legitimize concerns that affected employees may have, and tips to supervisors for processing/evaluating equipment requests. Adding an ergonomics training session to new employee orientations was also mentioned and well received.
Sarah noted the differences between the roles of Trena Hunter of Business Services, where worker's comp claims are processed and Dale Krick of Human Resources, where on-site evaluations of jobs and equipment are administered. Though their roles are somewhat different, each has an interest in seeing workplace injuries minimized.
Meeting of Library Ergonomics Task Force September 8, 1999 10:00 - 11:30
The meeting opened with David Howarter sharing information with the group on Sarah's meeting with David Sheldon and Trena Hunter. It was noted that they are developing training and support related to worker's comp and injury accommodation, as well as preventative ergonomics training. They are very pleased that the group has been established and begun meeting. Also mentioned was the showroom at Central Stores, where office chairs can be viewed. Other equipment may be added.
Susan Mahaffey passed around materials found in searching the Internet and from Amazon.com. Susan offered to loan ergonomics literature she recently purchased from Amazon to those interested in looking at the materials.
David Howarter passed out copies of Sarah's charge to the task force as well as copies of the Repetitive Motion Injuries Task Force Report of 1993. The group then began a discussion of ideas on how the task force should proceed, considering the charge put before it. Members of the group indicated that we should actually proceed in 2 areas:
*Researching and identifying educational resources, including videos, lectures, and computer software that the Library may obtain or otherwise make available to Library staff. This could include "outside" resources and experts. We want to ask Larry Parsons (or Dale Krick) to come speak with the group soon.
*Developing and forwarding recommendations on avoiding injury/re-injury to staff by looking at other ways to do work. This could include equipment that would allow employees to continue in their jobs while reducing the risk of RSIs. Cross training was also strongly advocated, though there was some disagreement over whether or not this would be within the scope of the group to recommend. Emphasis was on looking at various cases throughout the Library, though John Vasi pointed out that this did not appear to be the area that Sarah wants the group working on. David Howarter noted that as well, also noting that the group would risk becoming "bogged down" in individual cases and ineffectual as a result. It was agreed that David should speak with Sarah as to an emerging direction for the group to begin working on. We agreed to hold off on assigning tasks to particular group members until the next meeting. We will likely discuss via email who will take on what tasks as we begin to identify resources we specifically want to gather information on. This will be accomplished through assignment or voluntary contribution.
It was noted that we are not certain whether or not a formal policy on Repetitive Stress Injuries as they pertain to UCSB employees exists. Larry or Dale could likely tell us. Also, what state laws exist pertaining to RSIs?
It was mentioned that OSHA (or CAL-OSHA ?) came in and looked at the Cataloging Department several years ago, though it was not certain what the outcome of that "investigation" was. There was no recollection of any existing report generated from this on-site "investigation".
Employees as well as employers must take responsibility for workplace safety. Employees cannot expect their employers to carry the full burden of their individual safety; they must become proactive.
The group expressed an interest in asking Sarah how the ergonomic program at Smith developed. Was she pleased with its progress? The results?
Though a date for the next meeting has yet to be established, we are anticipating meeting in another 2-3 weeks. It is likely that we will email one another with ideas and (possibly) assignments. David will contact Larry Parsons of EH and S to see about setting up a time that he can meet with the group. This will assist the group in discovering resources already available to the campus community.
Following is a report from the third meeting of the Ergonomics Task Force. Listed here are the representatives who attended this meeting.
Lydia Agadjanova, Marilyn Albertson, Carol Gibbens, David Howarter, Caitlin Hunter, Susan Mahaffey, Ann Staten, Diane Stowell, John Vasi
Meeting of Library Ergonomics Task Force October 20, 1999 10:00 - 11:30
Dale Krick of UCSB's Human Resources Department attended this 3rd meeting of the Ergonomics T ask Force.
Before Dale spoke to the group, several items were discussed briefly:
*The TF web page. Chuck Huber has added the TF to the Library Committee web page. So far, only names and the group's date of inception are included. We anticipate adding links to the minutes of the TF, as well as links to other useful ergonomics sites. Carol Gibbens offered to work with a member of her staff to "mark up" the minutes for us. Also mentioned was the need to begin providing updates and ergonomics tips in the Library Waves electronic newsletter. David will speak to Renata about this. We would like to include an initial introduction in the November Library Waves. We have until November 10 to provide Renata with information we wish to include in this issue.
*John Vasi spoke about the possibility of adding new sample ergonomic equipment to workstations in 1414C. This equipment would be available for staff to try out. We would be able to try out various types of ergonomic devices at different workstations. John noted that he had spoken with Janet Martorana about this and she was very receptive to such an idea. The proviso would be that we would not want to alter the workstations in such a manner as to render them difficult to use as instructional stations. The group could identify various products we wish to try out. John or Dennis could obtain them and have them installed in 1414C.
*On Friday, October 15 Trena Hunter and Mari Tyrrell-Simpson of Business Services met with Library supervisors to discuss changes in how workers' compensation claims are administered at UCSB. There will be training and workshops scheduled for November (and possibly December) to apprise supervisors of changes and to provide training in writing up workers comp forms and recognizing staff injuries. It was noted that we would like to invite Mari Tyrrell-Simpson and her assistant, Maria Held, of Business Services to speak to our group. Mari is the Acting Worker's Compensation Manager for UCSB. Maria is the liaison between PRM (Professional Risk Management) and medical institutions, doctors, etc. Dale noted that in the past, some of the work that Mari and Maria are performing now had defaulted to him. These assignments allow him to focus on his primary task, getting people back to work.
Dale noted that in recent instances the Library has gone beyond his recommendations in accommodating injured employees. He was very impressed with this and cited this as a very positive development. He spoke of equipment advances. New and better software and hardware accommodations are rapidly becoming available. Price is often becoming more reasonable as well, especially when considered in relation to amounts spent to provide medical care and retraining for injured employees. Cited was the example of speech recognition software products such as "Dragon Naturally Speaking".
Dale will forward to John Vasi a report he had a student assistant complete for him last Summer on new ergonomics products and their effectiveness. Dale provided the group with copies of pages from some of the catalogs he has in his office. It was noted that some of these catalogs might be in Dennis Olson's office. Others may be obtained by contacting specific vendors. The group will look into this.
Different types of office chairs and the adjustments possible on many of them to accommodate various workplace environments were mentioned. Dale noted that he has become quite proficient in understanding and making such adjustments and offered to provide the group with an "instructional session" at some future date. It is possible that this could then be considered as a Library "training class" or that the information gleaned could be provided to the Library employees through the ergonomics web site or as tips in the Library Waves.
The similar duties of Department Safety Representatives and the ergonomics task force were mentioned. Larry Parsons of EH and S is planning on conducting training for the safety reps in ergonomics issues in the near future. Members of the group expressed an interest in attending such training since it has bearing on the work of the group. We will speak with Larry Parsons about this.
Dale cited that generally speaking, there is a new attitude, a new awareness of ergonomic issues and workplace safety. Though it is primarily due to rising costs related to workplace injury claims, the important consideration is that the attitude is changing for the better.
-Minutes submitted by David Howarter, Committee Chair.
Following is a report from the fourth meeting of the Ergonomics Task Force. Listed here are the representatives who attended this meeting.
Lydia Agadjanova, Marilyn Albertson, Carol Gibbens, David Howarter, Caitlin Hunter, Susan Mahaffey, Beverly Ryan, Diane Stowell, John Vasi
Meeting of Library Ergonomics Task Force November 3, 1999 10:00 - 11:10
The meeting began with a discussion of what type of information the Ergonomics Task Force should include in the November Library Waves. It was decided that we should include the group's charge and one or two links to URLs that present good ergonomic tips. We will note that staff should look for future links, tips, and other related items in future issues of the Library Waves. Later, in revisiting the topic of Library Waves material, Beverly Ryan offered to prepare the write-up for the Library Waves. Material she needs will be located on the Library's L-Drive in the Ergo TF folder.
Carol Gibbens noted that work is proceeding on the Ergonomics Task Force Web page, with HTML markup being done by Bruce Machado of Reference Services. She brought a sample of the page, which is progressing very well. The page will include a link to the Library Waves, specifically the section submitted by the task force.
David discussed the material he received via John and Sarah (from Marilyn Albertson) for the National Ergonomics Conference & Exposition, which is to be held in Anaheim on December 7-9. David will plan to attend this conference for 2 days (pending final approval), focusing on attending sessions relevant to the ergonomics program in the Davidson Library. Included will be presentations by representatives of Fed-OSHA and CAL-OSHA on the latest ergonomics initiatives.
Marilyn then spoke of meeting with Sarah recently. Included in their discussion was an idea for developing a short, one-page checklist for supervisors to help them evaluate a job for its ergonomic impacts. This would be a generic form, not aimed at any one department or job. A series of questions could be included that would allow supervisors to evaluate potential for ergonomic improvements in workstations. There would not be set answers--this would be a diagnostic tool. It was agreed that Marilyn Albertson would talk with Dale Krick about possible "overlaps" with his own duties and how he might suggest we proceed with this.
John spoke about the continuing developments campus-wide, such as with Dave Coons' initiative for an injury prevention task force. This could cut across the work lines of both our task force and the department safety representatives. Much of this is evolving.
Following is a report from the fifth meeting of the Ergonomics Task Force. Listed here are the representatives who attended this meeting.
Lydia Agadjanova, Marilyn Albertson, Carol Gibbens, David Howarter, Caitlin Hunter, Susan Mahaffey, Beverly Ryan, Anne Staten, Diane Stowell, John Vasi
Guest: Mari Tyrrell-Simpson of Business Services (Workers Compensation Administrator for UCSB)
Meeting of Library Ergonomics Task Force December 15, 1999 10:00 - 11:15
The meeting began with David Howarter giving a brief report of his attendance of the National Ergonomics Conference & Exposition. The conference, held in Anaheim, CA, on December 7-9, consisted of a number of sessions and 2 general assemblies. The speakers ranged from Ergonomics specialists to product vendors and representatives of Cal/OSHA and Federal OSHA. Discussion sessions included the new proposed Ergonomics Standard from OSHA and the California Repetitive Motion Injury Standard. Noteworthy is that California Repetitive Motion Injury Standard is actually more stringent than the standard that OSHA has proposed.
Materials brought back from the conference and exposition range from vendor brochures to product catalogs and software trial version CD-ROMs. The materials will be discussed and evaluated by the task force in the coming weeks and months.
Marilyn Albertson has spoken with Dale Krick and Larry Parsons regarding ideas for the proposed ergonomics survey. The form may assist staff and supervisors in determining areas in which improvements could be made to workstations and tasks to help avoid repetitive stress injuries. The task force will be looking at how other institutions have put together such forms and creating a rough draft. Marilyn handed out copies of a Cal/OSHA form related to this. Larry Parsons gave her a copy of the form when she met with him.
Mari Tyrrell-Simpson spoke to the group about what she is trying to do, including the just-finished sessions that she, Trenna Hunter and Larry Parsons conducted on Workers Compensation. The sessions were mainly presented for supervisors and outlined the current procedures and recent developments on campus to address workers comp claims and respond to injury claim concerns. Members of the ergonomics task force attended the sessions and comments regarding the content of the sessions have been very favorable. This led to a brief discussion of the idea that Sarah has proposed: brown bag lunch discussions/presentations related to ergonomics issues/concerns. These could be training sessions or educational sessions outlining campus resources that are available to staff and students. Larry Parsons has expressed interest in the role EH and S could play assisting us with training materials, etc.
John Vasi asked Mari if she could note what other departments on campus are doing, and should we be doing? Of course, something of great interest to all is the Stanford Program. This is a PC-based program that will allow employees the opportunity to conduct evaluations of the worksite and consider exercises aimed at relieving stress and overuse injuries. The program is new, having just been developed at Stanford University. UCSB intends to acquire and begin making available the software early in 2000. It is possible that classes will be conducted to train in the use of the software representatives of departments would be invited to attend. More on this as it develops! The goal is to assist people BEFORE they are hurting. Even after injuries occur, direction to resources could be provided.
A question to Mari regarding the difference between what EH and S (Larry Parsons) does and what HR (Dale Krick) does related to RSIs: EH and S provides assistance BEFORE a claim is filed. They can assist in providing training to departments. HR (Dale Krick) gets involved once a claim is filed.
Groups such as the Librarys Ergonomics Task Force want to assist in preventing injuries from happening. Mari mentioned that she feels that this is her goal, too. Interest & involvement is picking up on campus.
Regarding the Stanford Program, the question was asked, what is the Stanford Program? Mari responded that it is an ergonomics program that Stanford University developed. It is a PC-based software program that allows the user to evaluate his/her workstation. It also may have a stretch and exercise video break component.
Interest in a program that provides reminders for rest breaks. David noted that he looked at several at the ergonomics expo. Demo software is available for some of these. Beverly was going to try out one or two of these on her PC.
Mari responded favorably to the ideas of comprehensive ergonomics programs for all and to the idea of learn at lunch programs for employees.
-Submitted by David Howarter, Task Force Chair
| David Howarter - Committee Chair | (805) 893-2584 Library Asst Supervisor - Serials & Conservation |
| Lydua Agadjanova | (805) 893-4107 Cataloging / Acquisitions |
| Marilyn Albertson | (805) 893-2436 Asst - Cataloging / Acquisitions |
| Carol Gibbens | (805) 893-8051 Reference Services |
| Caitlin Hunter | (805) 893-5444 Special Collections |
| Susan Mahaffey | (805) 893-2362 Cataloging / Acquisitions |
| Beverly Ryan | (805) 893-7225 Bibliographic Systems Librarian |
| Ann Staten | (805) 893-3384 Serials |
| Diane Stowell | (805) 893-2362/3671 Asst - Cataloging / Acquisitions |
| John Vasi | (805) 893-2674/3474 Assoc University Librarian - Administrative Services |
This page was created by Bruce Machado of Reference Services: (805)893-8022
for David E. Howarter - Committee Chair of Ergonomics Task Force: (805) 893-2584
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