Performing the same constant actions can result in fatigue and strain of muscles and tendons, especially when performed frequently over a prolonged period of time. Overused, tired muscles and tendons cannot recover from the effects of repeated actions if sufficient recovery time is not allotted between exertions. For most repetitive strain injuries, the disease progresses through three injury/disease stages. The effects of performing repetitive actions are increased when combined with awkward postures and forceful exertions.

Examples:

• Intensive data entry requiring rapid, repeated keying actions
• Manual material-handling activities

Working in stressful or non-neutral body postures can fatigue or stress affected parts of the body due to the amount of force or stress which occurs.

Examples:

• Working with bent or flexed wrists
• Performing tasks with outstretched arms
• Prolonged holding of a single posture or position
• Lifting, lowering, or handling objects when the back is bent or twisted
• Sudden, jerking movements made during the work process
• Frequent or prolonged extended reaching for materials, especially above the shoulders
• Frequent stooping or squatting

Placing excessive loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints increases demands on the body necessary to sustain an increased effort, such as greater muscle exertion and physiological changes. This includes lifting, pushing, and pulling motions.

Examples:

• Using small or narrow tool handles that lessen grip capacity
• Using the index finger and thumb in a pinch grip to forcefully grip objects
• Twisting, bending or stooping at the waist to lift and lower loads
• Lifting, loading or lowering objects that do not have adequate hand-holds

Placing the forearms, wrists or fingers in repeated or continual contact with hard or sharp objects/surfaces or with unpadded, narrow tool handles can interfere with proper nerve function and blood flow.

Examples:

• Pressing forearms or wrists against sharp/hard desk edges when keying or writing
• Using tools that press into the base of the palm
• Using the palm of the hand as a hammer

Localized vibration exposure is produced by contact between the hands and a vibrating object, such as a power tool. Whole-body vibration exposure occurs while standing or sitting in vibrating environments such as in trucks or heavy machinery, or while using heavy equipment such as jackhammers.

Mild pain or tiredness that clears up after rest and generally does not affect the worker's lifestyle away from work, to any great extent. This stage can last for weeks or months, but is generally reversible if the cause is identified and removed.

More severe pain, aching, tingling, numbness or tiredness that develops early in the working day, persists longer at night, and affects activities even at home.

Symptoms become continuous, even during complete rest. Often, the worker can no longer carry out ordinary light tasks at work or at home. At this stage, recovery may take years if it occurs at all.

When using the keyboard, the upper arm and forearm should form a right angle. The hands should be in a reasonably straight line with the forearm, using a wrist rest. Long or unnaturally high reaches should be avoided. Armrests should also be avoided while keying.

The chair height is correct when the entire sole of the foot can rest on the floor or on a footrest and the knee is level with or slightly higher than the hip. This allows blood to circulate freely in the legs and feet.

If you are concerned there may be a problem with your workstation or are already experiencing ergonomic-related discomfort, you may request an assessment of your work area. To request an assessment:

1. Review the Workstation Adjustment list
2. Complete the Workstation Ergonomics Self-Evaluation Checklist

This assessment is for those who have not previously had an ergonomics assessment done at Walla Walla University.

Once you complete the Workstation Ergonomics Self-Evaluation Checklist, Human Resources will schedule an assessment of your work area. Once completed, a report will be written listing any problem areas and the recommendations for improvement. A copy of this report will be made available to your supervisor. Human Resources will assist with any modifications that need to be made to your workstation.

This assessment is for those who have had a previous assessment done. You may want a re-check because your workstation has changed, your duties have changed, or you've started experiencing ergonomic-related discomfort that you weren't previously.

Please complete a new Workstation Ergonomics Self-Evaluation Checklist. Human Resources will schedule an new assessment of your work area and make an updated report of any problem areas and the recommendations for improvement. A copy of the report will be made available to your supervisor. Human Resources will assist with any modifications that need to be made to your workstation.