Common Risk Factors
PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT:
THIS ACTION, such as lifting, pulling, gripping, or pushing heavy or awkward items, can overload muscles and lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders.
What is FORCEFUL / OVER EXERTION?
TRUE / FALSE:
Due to the dynamic nature of work and environmental conditions experienced by field staff, specific ergonomic assessments are not planned, unless specifically requested by a field service employee.
(You do not have to answer in the form of a question!)
TRUE
EYE SORENESS:
When viewing your monitor, work in areas with LESS OF THIS from outside lights.
What is LESS GLARE?
Draw the blinds or move your workstation!
MAKES THE DREAM WORK:
When lifting a heavy object, it's best to exercise THIS with another employee to reduce individual strain.
What is TEAMWORK / TEAM LIFTING?
ACRONYM:
MSD stands for THIS group of heath conditions
What is Musculoskeletal Disorder?
ICY-HOT:
THIS temperature and/or environment can be a risk factor of Musculoskeletal Disorders
What are COLD temperatures/environments?
FASHION FAUX PAS:
Wearing proper THIS/THESE to minimize ergonomic impacts is one of the many controls to reduce an individual employee's ergonomic risk factors.
What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
CHAIR HEIGHT:
When sitting in a chair, make sure the armrests are adjusted so that they are just slightly below THIS BODYPART when your shoulders are relaxed.
What are your ELBOWS?
PROPER LIFTING:
DOING THIS can be considered a good work practice for proper lifting techniques before beginning a lift.
What is PLANNING / ORGANIZING A LIFT AHEAD OF TIME?
DEFINITION:
THIS TYPE OF RISK is a work-related hazard that could result in a workplace or posture related injury or illness, if not adequately controlled.
What is an Ergonomic Risk?
JITTERBUG:
When performing tasks that involves the use of grinders, sanders, hand drills, chipping hammers, impact wrenches, or chainsaws, THIS can increase shoulder, hand, and neck Musculoskeletal Disorders?
What are VIBRATIONs / SHAKING?
DAILY DOUBLE DAILY DOUBLE!
REST EASY:
Taking THESE throughout the workday can reduce your risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders?
What are FREQUENT BREAKS?
TYPING:
When typing, your elbows should be bent to THIS ANGLE/DEGREE or slightly greater (inner angle).
What is 90 DEGREES / RIGHT ANGLE?
PROPER TECHNIQUE:
Make sure to do THIS to lifting distances when lifting heavy loads.
What is MINIMIZE / REDUCE / SHORTEN lifting distances?
ACRONYM:
CTS stand for THIS condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
WE UP:
An awkward posture of a work activity or condition can do THIS to the risk for Musculoskeletal Disorders?
What is INCREASE the chance for MSDs?
EXAMPLE-THEMED QUESTION:
Give 2 examples of Engineering and/or Administrative Controls that can reduce ergonomic risk factors.
(You do not have to answer in the form of a question!)
Common Answers:
• Minimizing the distance required when moving equipment.
• Minimizing lifting loads greater than 25 pounds.
• Minimize muscle force of continually pulling or pushing objects
• Maintain proper body posture
• Minimize use of vibrating or impact tools and equipment.
• Minimize awkward work postures like working overhead, squatting, or repetitive motion.
POSTURE AND MOTION:
THESE ARE THE TWO LEADING CAUSES of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the office environment?
(Think about how an employee would be SEATED or MOVING in the office)
What are AWKWARD POSTURE and REPETITIVE MOTION?
DAILY DOUBLE DAILY DOUBLE!
COMMON LIFTING PHRASE:
Lift with your THIS, and not with your THAT.
What are your LEGS and not your BACK?
DEFINITION:
THIS TYPE OF CONTROL is the preferred method for reducing or eliminating ergonomic risk factors.
What are Engineering Controls?
STATS MATTER:
In 2022, how many cases of ergonomic injuries resulted in missed workdays (SIX DIGIT NUMBER)?
(Closest answer wins! You do not have to answer in the form of a question)
380,000 cases of ergonomic injuries result in missed workdays
Also: Sprains, strains, and tears were involved in 547,980 cases, and injuries to the back cases totaled 250,830
REPORT IT, DON'T IGNORE IT:
As of the 3rd Quarter Company Meeting (last week), how many RIDIIs have been submitted in 2025 (goal of 125 by end of the year)?
(Closest answer wins! You do not have to answer in the form of a question)
88 RIDIIs (and not all just for work in the field!)
RISE UP, RISE UP:
RIGHT NOW, how many workstations in the Farmington office have a "standing desk" attachment?
(Closest answer wins! You do not need to answer in the form of a question)
SEVEN!
"FUN" WITH PHYSICS:
How much force is required to lift a box of "weight" 100 Newtons (N) upwards with a constant acceleration of 6.0 m/s2?
(Closest answer wins! You do not need to answer in the form of a question)
As the box "weighs" 100 N, its mass is:
100 N / 9.8 m/s2 = 10.2 kg.
To have an upward acceleration of 6.0 m/s2, there must be a net upward force of F = mass*acceleration:
10.2 kg x 6.0 m/s2 = 61.2 N
The total upward force must be equal and have a magnitude to overcome the downward force of gravity to provide for the upward acceleration:
Ftotal upward = 100 N + 61.2 N = 161.2 N
INJURY MANAGEMENT:
"P.E.A.C.E & L.O.V.E." is a modern acronym to remember some important steps in managing an injury. What does it stand for?
(Most correct answer based on the individual words wins! You do not have to answer in the form of a question)