Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

A Glass Blower’s Companion with Jason Michael -Helping Today's Glass Artist Think Like an Artistic Entrepreneur


Feb 4, 2016

Episode 81-Ergonomics

er·go·nom·ics
ˌərɡəˈnämiks/
noun
  1. the study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
 
     There are many Ergonomic issues confronting the glassblower with repetitive motion and muscle fatigue. While focusing on blowing glass it’s easy to forget about things like good posture and healthy work habits. That stuff creeps up on you, similar to the afflictions millions of computer users have experienced worldwide. After a full day of work, or week, or year... you may notice your wrists are sore and your back and neck are killing you.
 
The hunched back seen by many glassblowers becomes a permanent shortening of some muscles and lengthening of others, creating lifelong functional problems. Someone in their 20’s may not see the importance of using good body mechanics now, but these poor body mechanics can lead to lifetime of physical pain.
 
The ideal situation is one in which the body position is changed every 20 minutes or so, neither sitting nor standing for prolonged periods.
 
Most scientific research is related to workers sitting or standing at computer workstations, but that doesn’t mean a glassblower should dismiss the importance of ergonomics research.
 
 
 
    • 92,500
    • 76 injuries or illnesses due to repetitive motion, including typing or key entry, repetitive use of tools, and repetitive placing, grasping, or moving of objects other than tools. Of these injuries or illnesses, 55% affected the wrist, 7% affected the shoulder, and 6% affected the back.
 
 
 
Video with exercises for correcting kyphosis (rounded shoulders, forward neck and head)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTV6UCh-yh
 

 

-what are the best type of floor mat to stand on while working behind the torch?

 

http://www.cisco-eagle.com/catalog/c-3146-anti-fatigue-matting-in-practical-ergonomics.aspx


Physical fatigue occurs when muscles are constricted and blood flow is reduced.   Because the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through these constricted areas, the body runs out of energy.  The result is pain, discomfort and fatigue. Anti-fatigue mats work by encouraging subtle movement of leg and calf muscles, which in turn, promotes an easier flow of blood back to the heart. This is called "Dynamic Ergonomics" - the study of ensuring standing worker comfort by means of muscle activity.

In a formal study at the Center of Ergonomics at the University of Michigan, Ergonomist Mark Redfern concluded that different standing surfaces can have dramatic effects on physical fatigue.  The study involved fourteen subjects at the Ford Chesterfield Trim Plant who were required to stand throughout their entire shift.  A variety of floor conditions were tested, from concrete to a 3/8" rubber anti-fatigue mat.  The results were conclusive.  Workers who were forced to stand on hard concrete floors for long periods of time suffered significant levels of fatigue and discomfort in the legs, back and throughout the body.  On the other hand, workers who stood on anti-fatigue mats were able to reduce the level of fatigue and discomfort by as much as 50%!

How do Anti-fatigue Mats Work?

Standing for long periods of time on hard floor surfaces is very uncomfortable and causes physical fatigue. Leg muscles become totally static and constricted as they work overtime to keep that person in an upright position. Blood flow is greatly reduced causing pain and discomfort.

In this situation the employees' heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through these constricted areas and his body begins to run out of energy. However, if a person is allowed to stand on an anti-fatigue mat, his muscles will subtly contract and expand as they adjust to the flexibility of the mat.

This muscle movement increases blood-flow and increases the amount of oxygen reaching the heart. And fatigue is greatly reduced.

How can anti-fatigue matting save you money?

We refer to the aches and pains of long term standing as Cumulative Standing Trauma (CST) - excessive stress on the spine and back muscles due to stagnant body positions or poor distribution of body weight which may cause pain and injury. Fatigue and pain caused by such long term standing is too often overlooked.  Unfortunately, workers are suffering the consequences on a daily basis.  Companies are losing literally billions each year in reduced productivity, increased worker compensation costs, higher insurance rates and absenteeism.

Since back injuries accounted for 31% of all compensable workers claims in 1994, it is important to not aggravate an existing problem or cause a new one through Cumulative Standing Trauma. CST may also lead to (1.) pronation - the extensive flattening of the foot, which results in arch and heel pain, and (2.) varicose veins caused by the stagnation of blood in lower extremities.  All of these problems can ultimately lead to long term and costly health issues. Anti-fatigue mats are designed to reduce the aggravation and injury associated with CST, thereby reducing costs.

The plight of the standing worker is very real.  The National Safety Council, in its publication "Ergonomics", recommends the use of anti-fatigue mats, as do numerous ergonomists, industrial hygienists, occupational nurses, risk managers, and loss control agents, safety engineers and insurance companies.  Luckily, millions of workers are now benefiting from these recommendations.

 
The right anti-fatigue mat for the right application can go a long way towards easing the situation and creating a more productive quality driven environment.  Making a conscious effort to place employee comfort and protection as a priority will ensure healthier, happier, and more productive employees.
__________________________________________________________________