Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people, their work, and their physical work environment. The purpose of Johns Hopkins’ Ergonomics Program is to promote employee health by reducing the risk of workers developing muscular skeletal injuries. This section presents best practices for workplace ergonomics.”
Here are the first steps for work-related ergonomic assistance:
- Take the appropriate training: MyLearning – Office Ergonomics
- Complete a Self-Assessment Checklist: Use checklist to identify areas of improvement. Work with supervisor to make necessary corrections to your computer workstations.
- Additional Assistance: If you completed training and Self-Assessment Checklist and need additional help, contact [email protected]
Office Ergonomics
Spending long periods of time spent sitting, typing on a keyboard and using a mouse computer workstation may expose workers to ergonomic hazards and place them at risk for injury. The main risk factors for developing injuries are awkward postures, repetitious motions, and contact hazards (resting upper extremities against sharp edges). It is important that computer users are able to recognize these hazards and know how to adjust their workstations.
- Office Ergonomics Training
- Self-Evaluation Checklist for Computer Workstation
- How to Adjust Computer Workstation (Source: Wall Street Journal)
Schedule On-site Ergonomic Assessment
If you have completed the On-line Training and Self-Assessment and you need additional help, contact [email protected] with the following information:
- Supervisor Name & Email
- Office Campus & Location
- Availability
- Any Additional information
Lifting Guidelines (Weight) For A Single Individual
| Sex/Age | No Restriction | Training Required | Lifting Aids Required | Not Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male <50 | 0-40lbs. | 41-60lbs. | 61-130lbs. | >130lbs. |
| Male =>50 | 0-30lbs. | 31-50lbs. | 51-105lbs. | >105lbs. |
| Female* <50 | 0-25lbs. | 26-40lbs. | 41-80lbs. | >80lbs. |
| Female* =>50 | 0-20lbs. | 31-30lbs. | 31-60lbs. | >60lbs. |
| * females who are pregnant should not lift more than 25 lbs. | ||||
References
Applications Manual for the Revised Lifting Equation, US Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-110, NTIS, Springfield, VA 1994.
Grandjean, Etinne Fitting the Task to the Man, A Textbook of Occupational Ergonomics, 4th edition, Taylor & Francis Inc., Philadelphia, Pa 1988.
The Ergonomics Group, Health and Environmental Laboratories, Eastman Kodak Company, Ergonomic Design for People at Work, Volume 2, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, NY, 1986.