Notes

Outline

Maine Video Display Terminal Law Training Program

By the end of this presentation you will be able to: Identify the elements of the law Identify the training requirements Define ergonomics and its benefits Recognize signs and systems of early injury Identify work activities that can lead to injury List examples of ergonomic principles that reduce risk of injury

Maine VDT Law MRSA Title 26 – Labor and Industry Chapter 5 – Health and Safety Regulations Sections: 251 and 252 – Video Display Operator Effective date: January 1, 1992

Section: 251 Definitions Bureau – Bureau of Labor Standards Employer – Uses 2 or more terminals Operator – Four consecutive hours daily Terminal – Video display terminal (Does not apply to television, oscilloscopes, cash registers, or money typewriters)

Section: 252 Education Training requirements Under 5 employees MAY be only written 6 employees or more MUST be oral and written Training schedule Within the first month of hire Annually thereafter

Training Program Requirements Notification of rights by posting the law and poster that explains these rights and duties in plain language. (available from Bureau of Labor standards – 624-6400) Explanation of the proper use of the terminals Protective measures to avoid symptoms How to achieve and maintain proper posture How to adjust your workstation equipment

Definition of Ergonomics Ergonomics: It is the science and practice of designing jobs and workplaces to match the capabilities and limitations of the human body. Ergonomics means: fitting the job to the worker.

Benefits of Ergonomics Ergonomics helps to prevent injuries Ergonomics has other benefits: Improved quality of work Improved quality of life Reduced fatigue and discomfort

Safety, Health and the VDT Law Education on injury prevention is an important part of safety and health There are thousands of injuries, known as WMSD’s, in Maine each year (WMSD: Work-related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders)

What are Work-related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (WMSD’s) Also known as: Cumulative Trauma Disorders Repetitive Strain Injuries Overuse Injuries Usually develop gradually, but sometimes can appear suddenly Can be serious, if not taken care of early

What are Symptoms of WMSD’s? Discomfort, pain, dull ache Decreased range of motion, tightness Numbness, tingling Change of color Swelling of joint or limb Decreased grip strength

What Causes WMSD’s? Repetitive motion Forceful exertion Awkward posture Mechanical pressure Cold temperatures Stress Nutritional deficiencies Poor lighting Prolonged standing in one place Sitting (poor posture) Working with neck flexed

Will it happen to me? Age General health Heredity Posture Diet Activities

WMSD Injury Depends On! Duration of exposure (how long) – usually need hours of exposure before risk factors become a concern. Frequency of exposure (how often) Intensity of exposure (how much) Combinations of factors

Awkward Postures

Awkward Postures

Awkward Postures

Solutions: Static Postures Foot rests, shifting weight Well designed, adjustable, supportive seating Work surfaces at appropriate height Change positions frequently Routine stretch breaks

Solutions: The Chair The right size Lumbar support Proper height Armrests (removable) Pan Good foundation Adjustable while sitting or seated

Solution: The Monitor The monitor should be directly in front of you Top of screen should be eye level A copy stand should be adjacent to or in front of the monitor Adjust brightness and contrast

Solution: The Keyboard Spread keyboard work throughout the day Use macros for common functions Take stretch pauses Improve your posture and move around as much as possible

Solution: Lighting Bright lighting may “wash out” the image making it hard to see which will cause eye fatigue. Lighting should be indirect or “task lighting” should be used to reduce wash out or glare.

Solution: Glare Screen 90o angle to window Drapes or blinds Avoid bright lights Screen hood Walls, work surfaces non-reflective Keep screen clean Adjust color, contrast, and brightness

What Can You Do? Recognize and report symptoms Get involved in ergonomics Perform an Ergonomic Risk Assessment

Ergonomic Risk Assessment Identify the Hazards – use the attached checklist. Assess the Risk – how often do you do your job, your health, posture, workstation evaluation (attached). Control the risks – Adjust your workstation to fit your ergonomic needs.

Symptom Recognition and Reporting Report symptoms if: Pain is persistent, severe or worsening Pain radiates Symptoms include numbness or tingling Symptoms keep you from sleeping at night

Why is it Important to Report Symptoms? Chronic symptoms can lead to disabling injuries, even surgery Early treatment is more successful

Work Process    Even when the workstation design and environmental factors are at their best, a worker can suffer discomfort and injuries from factors related to the work process.

Six Key Points to Remember Ergonomics can help you on your job and at home WMSD’s can happen in jobs with risk factors Risk factors can be reduced and WMSD’s prevented Reporting symptoms early is important You can help by following good ergonomic practices

Getting Assistance Your supervisor MDOL/Bureau of Labor Standards Telephone No. 624-6463 Fax No. 624-6449 http://www.state.me.us/labor/bls/saftwkrs.htm Feeling Good On Your Job - Publication OSHA – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html OSHA – www.OSHA.gov