From the desks of John, Eddie, and Beth
Because of the rise in industrial injuries, ergonomics has become an essential part of many of JAN's accommodation cases. This is especially true when the cases involve back injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. The unique combination of using products to accommodate individuals and simultaneously preventing ergonomic-related injuries lends itself to creative situations. In light of this, JAN consultants who specialize in these areas summarized several possible situations and solutions. This edition of Consultants' Corner illustrates their first installment. The following accommodations may help accommodate a housekeeping or janitorial worker who has difficulty performing job functions due to lifting and reaching limitations:
Lightweight cleaning carts are available
to allow the easy transport of essential supplies. These come in space efficient
sizes for smaller, confined environments.
To distribute linens without excessive bending,
a spring bottom cube cart, which raises the top of the linens to waist height,
is helpful.
A portable and lightweight vacuum unit reaches
cramped areas without lifting and bending. A belt-mounted hip or back-pack
vacuum is sometimes extremely useful.
Ergonomic mop buckets with self-draining
spigots limit back strain by draining water from the bottom instead of forcing
an individual to lift a heavy bucket. Using a water pitcher to remove water
can also help lighten the bucket's load. Hand pumps are also options.
For window washing and dusting, a telescoping
handle enables a user to adjust the handle to comfortable positions. Spray
dusters, tacky-surface dust collectors, and treated dust cloths are also useful
in some situations. Adjustable, flexible, and extension handles for long and
awkward reaches are possibilities. Ergonomically designed sprayers that feature
extra-long triggers for comfort and pump sprayers for easy use are options.
To inspect tight areas, a low-task chair
on wheels and a lighted inspection mirror help limit frequent squatting.
Handle adapters, such as D-handles or pistol
grips can allow for more power and control when using long-handled tools such
as mops and squeegees.
"Wheelbarrow-style" and powered carts are
available to haul debris with ease.
To change the liners of a garbage can, a
can with door access eliminates overhead shoulder use. Also, a flat bed cart
with a bag sealer mounted on it enables an individual to effectively move
bags and easily close liners with one hand.
With a portable Trash Can Dumper from Vestil
Manufacturing, one person can empty trash cans into dumpsters. Hand cranks
or push-button operated units are available. See: http://www.vestilmfg.com/products/mhequip/trash_dumper.htm.
If you are interested in a supplemental packet of information illustrating these products and giving vendor information on where items can be purchased, send your name and mailing address to bloy@wvu.edu with the subject line of "cleaning packet." For a summary of the OSHA ergonomics standard, see: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/ergo.html.
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February 19, 2001