PIKE COUNTY, Ohio – Ergonomics, the study of people's efficiency in their work environment, is paramount to working safely, whether in the office or in the field.
Office of Environmental Management
October 10, 2023
minute read time
At the Portsmouth Site Carpentry Shop, Fluor-BWXT employees demonstrate routine work activities for the Stretch & Flex program team during field evaluations to identify the presence of any safety or ergonomic issues. From left: Zachariah Henson, Troy Joyce, Bill Conley, Tony Lore and John Doss.
PIKE COUNTY, Ohio – Ergonomics, the study of people's efficiency in their work environment, is paramount to working safely, whether in the office or in the field.
That’s why Portsmouth Site deactivation and demolition contractor Fluor-BWXT partnered with local healthcare provider Adena Health System to offer the Stretch & Flex Program.
“Ergonomics plays a key role in safety,” Ergonomic Assessment Specialist Andrea Gobel said. “As we observe staff members performing their daily tasks, we evaluate what postures, repetitive motions and force may put them at risk for injury.”
The Stretch & Flex team recently visited the Portsmouth Site to conduct field evaluations and speak to workers about the physical demands of their jobs. At one visit to the Carpentry Shop, employees demonstrated routine work activities, including using saws and forklifts. And after observing the carpenters disassembling scaffolding at a facility, the team customized warm-up routines to target their specific needs.
“Many of our work-related injuries are soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons and ligaments,” said Occupational Safety & Health Manager Elise Allison. “Programs like Stretch & Flex will help identify and modify at-risk activities as well as provide for overall improvement in worker flexibility to reduce injuries from common everyday activities.”
During one evaluation, Adena’s ergonomic specialist identified a solution to reduce strain by adding a small platform for the keyboard, moving it closer to the worker. This small action would help prevent unnecessary eye strain and allow the worker to sit ergonomically correct, preventing back strain.
Some groups have already incorporated stretches into their morning routines to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles.
“We began our morning stretching routine in May of this year,” Project Support Associate Debbie Adkins said. “We do this each morning as different people take turns leading the stretches. Over the following weeks, more and more people have joined as it’s become a team-building activity as well as a benefit to our bodies.”
-Contributor: Michelle Teeters
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