What are the purposes of the Ergonomics program?

The purposes of the ergonomics program at Weber State is to encourage and assist employees to perform their duties in ways that minimize aches, tension, fatigue and other body stresses. (To fit the job to the worker, not the worker to the job.)

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and their environment.

What are cumulative trauma disorders (CTD)?

CTD is a condition of wear and tear on tendons, muscles, and nerves which occurs over time from overuse and often produces pain.

Our arms are made up of a system of muscles which are connected to our bones by tendons. At the joints, our bones are held together by ligaments. the system is fed by our blood supply and controlled by nerves.

As our fingers and thumb open and close, our tendons glide up and down our arm. Tendons are lubricated to decrease wear and tear. However, when the tendons or their sheaths become irritated, thickening of the tissues occurs. This can be painful and cause swelling in the area known as tendonitis.

Tendonitis can lead to other problems in the inner wrist. There is a tight fibrous band there that can compress the median nerve when swelling occurs. Grip and pinch can become weaker, and there can be numbness or tingling pain in some fingers. This condition is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are common ergonomic injuries and their symptoms?

Tendinitis

Swelling, tenderness and weakness in the hand, elbow, or shoulder due to inflamation of tendons. This often results when the muscles and tendons are repeatedly tensed.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness, pain, tingling and aching sensations in the wrist, thumb, and first three fingers of the hand. The median nerve and nine tendons lie in a small "tunnel" formed by bones on the top of the wrist, and a ligament on the bottom of the wrist. When tendons are irritated and start to swell it creates pressure on the median nerve.

Rotator Cuff Injury

Pain and limited motion in the shoulder caused when one or more of the four rotator cuff tendons is inflamed.

Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Pain, swelling and weakness in the elbow caused by inflammation of tendons attached at the elbow.

What are common risk factors for repetitive motion injuries?

Repetitive motion injuries can, over time, result from one, or a combination of the following factors :

Other risk factors:

• Fatigue
• Vibration
• Temperature
• At home hobbies and activities (Needlework, gardening, computer games, playing an instrument, keyboarding, second part time job)
• Medical Conditions