HEALTH AND SANITATION 33
Watch your back !
By
Chris Coetzee
Ergonomics is important for the long-term health of plumbers and , in fact , all tradesmen . How do you best take care of your health ? Chris Coetzee from OHSS Consulting has a few ideas .
Supplied by Chris Coetzee
In short , for a plumber , ergonomics is the process of arranging workplaces and systems so that they fit the people who use them .
According to the International Ergonomics Association : “ Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system , and the profession that applies theory , principles , data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance .”
The goal of ergonomics is to create a safe , comfortable and productive workspaces by bringing human abilities and limitations into the design of a workspace .
Some Ergonomic hazards include :
• Awkward postures
• Bending
• Compression or contact stress
• Forceful exertions
• Insufficient rest breaks
• Lifting
• Lighting
• Noise
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Reaching
• Repetitive motions
• Static or sustained postures
• Temperature extremes
• Vibration
When we look at how ergonomics impact us , we must perform a survey and a risk assessment to understand the risks and hazards and then apply a system ’ s approach for anticipating , identifying , analysing , mitigating and reviewing ergonomic risks .
We always look at the 3 domains , but the primary focus is the SYSTEM ( See the picture on how each element impact the individual )
Reference : Work System Model ( Carayon & Smith , 2000 ; Smith & Carayon-Sainfort , 1989 ) and Works by Dr Jessica Hutchings .
• Physical
• Cognitive
• Organisational
Chris Coetzee is an internationally qualified consultant in health and safety .
Activities performed by plumbers could cause pressure on the hands or wrists , repetitive twisting hand motions . Additionally , you perform work that requires excessive force or activities that require holding unsupported arms .
Plumbers should know the ergonomic related hazards associated with all their tasks and perform all works in a manner that is both comfortable and ergonomically efficient .
While performing any type of plumbing work , why not think of the below precautions :
• Implementation and compliance to the HSE plan , task-based risk assessment .
• Avoid extreme positions including bending , twisting and excessive reaching .
• Take 5 minutes rest periods , hourly .
• Tools and equipment should be positioned so the wrist is in a neutral position , oriented to reduce the potential for cumulative trauma disorders of the hands and wrists .
• Reduce reaching by setting up work situations so that the distance between the worker and the object being handled is minimal .
• Obtain assistance in lifting heavy objects whenever that task may be more than can be safely handled . Avoid lifting more than 25kg alone whenever possible .
• Bulky loads should be carried so as to permit an unobstructed view of the intended path ahead .
• Ensure a good grip before lifting .
• Lift gradually . Lift slowly , smoothly and without jerking .
• The back should be kept nearly vertical or straight and the lifting done with the leg muscles , which are large and strong .
• Avoid bending . Do not place objects on the floor if they must be picked up again later .
• Avoid twisting . Turn your feet , not your hips or shoulders . Leave enough room to shift your feet so as not to twist .
• Avoid reaching out . Handle heavy objects close to the body . Avoid a long reach out to pick up any object .
• Do not be tempted at the last moment to swing the load by bending or twisting your back .
• When two or more persons carry a heavy object that is to be lowered or dropped , there shall be a prearranged signal for releasing the load .
• When two or more persons are carrying an object , each employee , if possible , should face the direction in which the object is being carried .
• Keep in good physical shape . Get proper exercise , maintain a good diet and make sure you are well rested .
• Employ the ‘ plan , do , check , act ’ ( PDCA ) concept .
May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za