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Ergonomics Protocol

I. Purpose
II. Scope
III. References
IV. Responsibilities
V. General Protocol / Procedures
I. PURPOSE

    This protocol establishes the requirements to prevent the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders at the University. It informs University personnel about musculoskeletal disorders and the risk factors that can cause or aggravate them. It strives to promote continuous improvement in the workplace ergonomic protection including proactive action to minimize the likelihood of injury. It identifies design principles that prevent exposure to risk factors and stresses education and action on individuals' parts. This protocol is established to ensure ongoing and consistent management leadership and employee involvement.

    The University has an Ergonomics Task Force whose purpose is to provide expertise on the total well being of the University of Utah community and to contribute to minimizing ergonomic hazards. Recommendations of the Task Force are provided to the administration through the Campus Helath and Safety Committee via the Environmental Health and Safety Director.
    The mission of the Task Force is to develop proactive programs to minimize and/or mitigate musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses caused by ergonomic hazards with a correlated effect of improved quality and productivity for the University community.

II. SCOPE

    This protocol covers musculoskeletal disorders in backs, upper and lower extremities. This includes back injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, repetitive strain disorders, etc. It applies to all University of Utah jobs that require more than two hours per day of: performance of the same motion every few seconds (computer keyboard entry), fixed or awkward position (kneeling, twisted or bent back, overhead work, stooping), or use of vibrating or impact equipment. It also applies to any job requiring manual handling of 25 pounds or more. Training and compliance with written programs is encouraged for all students.

III. REFERENCES
  1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Proposed Ergonomic Protection Standard, Federal Register, March 20, 1995
  2. University of Utah Policy and Procedures Manual. 2-72 Workers' Compensation Insurance, 2-73 Environmental Health and Safety, 2-74 Accident and Liability Reporting and Prevention.
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Department Chairperson/Director: Is responsible for ensuring this protocol is carried out within their area of authority. He/she may select safety coordinators and/or committees and provide them with the appropriate authority to oversee compliance with this protocol.
  2. Supervisors: Have overall responsibility for implementing this ergonomics protocol within their area of authority. They may request technical advice and assistance from Environmental Health and Safety. Responsibilities include:
    1. Ensuring employees and students receive training at their initial assignment. Documenting training.
    2. Ensuring that the trained employee optimally arrange the existing facilities/workstation for themselves.
    3. Investigating incidents or reports of injury/illness
    4. Ensuring records of training, incidents, and accident investigations are maintained
    5. Review injury/illness rates for area of responsibility.
  3. Workers: Shall be involved in all stages of the University's ergonomic process including identification, assessment, and control of the risk factors. They will perform duties according to training received.
    1. Participate in ergonomic training provided.
    2. Optimize their own work areas and tasks. Notify management of their reasonable needs to improve the workstation.
    3. Correctly use equipment provided by the employer.
    4. Identify ergonomically related concerns and symptoms to management for corrective actions.
    5. Follow University procedures (P&P 2-74 and 2-72) in the event of an injury or illness.
    6. Report concerns to supervisor.
  4. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department:
    1. On request, assists in training, hazard evaluation/determination, exposure monitoring, standard interpretation, and technical issues.
    2. Revises this Ergonomics Protocol and its attachments periodically.
    3. Coordinates the evaluation team ergonomic evaluations (worksite or individual case).
    4. Reviews incident trend reports as well as individual cases
    5. Has representation on the Ergonomics Task Force.
  5. Ergonomics Task Force
    1. Identifies University needs regarding ergonomic issues
    2. Promotes awareness of ergonomic issues
    3. Serves as a resource to departments requiring assistance in evaluating ergonomic issues. Assists in workplace evaluations as part of the evaluation team.
    4. Serves as a resource for managers to implement their ergonomics programs and resolve issues.
  6. Workers' Compensation:
    1. Provide data and trend reports
    2. Manage medical cases for the rapid identification, treatment, and return to work of the individual.
    3. Has representation on the Ergonomics Task Force.
  7. Mechanical Engineering Ergonomic Graduate Program Coordinator:
    1. Participate in the Ergonomics Task Force.
    2. Where feasible, offers student assistance in evaluating worksite or individual ergonomic cases.
V. GENERAL PROTOCOL / PROCEDURES
  1. Training: Workers in problem jobs (see scope above) and their supervisors must be trained. Effective relaying of information and training must be accomplished at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new potential risk is introduced into the area. Refresher training should be accomplished as needed. Training may include:
    1. Formal presentations on body mechanics, reduction of stresses, exercises, etc.
    2. Informal worksite evaluations/observations. OSHA's computer workstation evaluation.
    3. Training videos
    4. Handouts/literature.
  2. Worksite Evaluation: Should be performed for all duties which fall under the scope defined above. Areas/positions needing evaluation may be identified by the supervisor, worker, Environmental Health and Safety, The Ergonomic Task Force, Workers' Compensation or others. Employees should evaluate their own work areas prior to beginning activities within the scope of this protocol. When outside assistance is needed, Environmental Health and Safety should be notified and will coordinate an evaluation team. Worksites/cases must be evaluated if an employee was injured at the workstation and is going to return to the same activity.
  3. Accident/Incident investigation: In the event of an accident, incident, injury or illness the individual involved is to notify their supervisor. The supervisor should file a First Report of Injury and identify means to prevent recurrences. This includes evaluation of the workplace prior to reintroducing a previously injured individual into the same, potentially damaging, situation. See Worksite Evaluation above.
  4. Medical Management: Employees with musculoskeletal disorders must be promptly evaluated by a health care provider and appropriate treatment and follow-up provided. Light duty tasks will be offered to assist the employee in returning to work safely and as soon as possible.
  5. Stress Reduction: Equipment (makeshift or purchased) supporting neutral postures is encouraged. Exercising or taking a break from the repetitive task is encouraged. These items are covered during training sessions and during worksite evaluations.
  6. Record keeping: Documentation must be maintained for training accomplished. At a minimum this should include the date, presenter, nature of the training, attendees names and signatures.
  7. Personal Protective Equipment: Back belts are not to be issued without training on proper lifting techniques. Contact Environmental Health and Safety at 1-6590 if assistance is needed.