Training

A Sound Ergonomics Program = Good Business Sense

OSHA estimates that 1.8 million workers each year report work-related MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain. About 600,000 of these MSD injuries are serious enough to require workers to take time off work in order to recover. Ergonomic measures, if implemented effectively, will reduce these numbers.

According to Safety Training Presentations’ PowerPoint® session on ergonomics, the most common MSD risk factors are:


  • Repetitive motions, such as typing and data entry, or repetitive placing, grasping, or moving objects

  • Forceful exertions, such as heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling

  • Awkward postures, such as reaching, bending, or squatting

  • Pressure points or contact stress, such as when body parts like knees, hands, or wrists press or pound against objects

  • Vibrations from using vibrating tools

  • Using tools that are not ergonomically designed, such as screwdrivers with narrow handles or pliers that require a wide grip


Need a training solution for MSD prevention or other safety issues? BLR’s Safety Training Presentations is your answer. It has all the safety training you need in one program: 25 subjects, one low price. Safety Training Presentations is easy to use and easy to purchase. Try it at no cost. Get the details.


Big Training in a Small Package

Trainees engaged in Safety Training Presentations’ ergonomics training session quickly learn to identify the most common of MSDs as well as common symptoms, such as:

  • Shooting pains or prolonged stiffness in the back and neck

  • Pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility in the shoulders

  • Shooting or stabbing pains or a feeling of numbness, in the arms and legs

  • Swelling, stiffness, or soreness in elbow or knee joints

  • Swelling, numbness, or loss of strength in hands and wrists

  • Jerking movements, loss of strength, loss of mobility, or loss of feeling in fingers

  • Pain at the base of the thumb

  • Numbness or tingling, stiffness, or a burning sensation in feet and toes

Trainees are strongly urged to take two critical steps at the first sign of MSD symptoms:

1.  Report the problem immediately to their supervisor.
2.  Seek prompt medical attention, since early treatment and intervention often can prevent the condition from getting worse or becoming permanent.

Trainees also learn how to protect themselves against MSDs. For example:

  • Change positions often and take stretch breaks in order to reduce exposure to excessive repetitive motions.

  • ; Switch to other tasks that require the use of different muscles.

  • Maintain a neutral posture as much as possible, and avoid working in an awkward posture whenever possible.

  • Always use proper lifting techniques.

  • Evaluate each job for possible MSD risk factors, inform the supervisor about these risks, and work together to make changes that will reduce or eliminate risks.

  • Use material-handling aids, such as hand trucks, whenever possible to reduce the need to apply force to a task, such as heavy lifting.


Try Safety Training Presentations at no cost and no risk. Find out more.


Affordable, Customizable Safety Training

Safety Training Presentations’ ergonomics training session is just 1 of 25 core safety presentations, each one responsive to either an OSHA training requirement or to common causes of workplace accidents, injuries, or illness. All are customizable, so you can add your specific hazards or safety policies.

Each lesson also includes completion certificates, sign-in sheets, evaluation forms, and training records. In short, it contains everything you need to motivate, reinforce, retain, and transfer new knowledge—and document that you did so.

In addition to ergonomics, Safety Training Presentations’ topics covered include:

–Bloodborne Pathogens
–Back Safety
–Emergency Action
–Fire Prevention
–PPE
–Welding/Cutting/Brazing
–Portable Power Tool Safety
–Scaffolds
–Lockout/Tagout
–Forklift Operator Safety
–Confined Space Safety
–Fall Protection
–Respiratory Protection
and more!

Of course, training needs change as OSHA introduces new requirements or as new work practices and technologies bring new hazards. To cover this, you receive a new CD every 90 days you’re in the program, each containing five additional or updated topics.

Just as important for those on a budget (and who isn’t these days?), the cost of these presentations works out to under $20 each.

We’ve arranged for Advisor subscribers to get a no-cost, no-obligation look at Safety Training Presentations for 30 days. Feel free to try a few lessons with your own trainees. Please let us know, and we’ll be glad to set it up.

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