{"id":76177,"date":"2021-01-28T16:39:31","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T21:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.21cpw.com\/?p=76177"},"modified":"2021-01-28T17:05:21","modified_gmt":"2021-01-28T22:05:21","slug":"postal-bulletin-february-is-ergonomics-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.21cpw.com\/postal-bulletin-february-is-ergonomics-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Postal Bulletin: February is Ergonomics Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"<\/a>In Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, Postal Service™ employees reported over 30,000 recordable industrial accidents. Of those, almost 9,000 (or 30 percent) were related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These disorders are illnesses or injuries that affect one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system, which is the soft tissue and bone structure of the body. These injuries primarily involve the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow us to move and use our joints. The most frequent body parts affected are the back, shoulder, and wrist. The study of ergonomics helps to prevent MSDs.<\/p>\n

Ergonomics is simply \u201cfitting the task to the person or making things user-friendly.\u201d Ergonomics looks at a task, sees how it is done, and evaluates how to provide a method that is a better fit to the worker and their capabilities. For example, a task requiring you to extend and reach could be modified by moving the object closer to you or by using a reach pole. Sometimes equipment or workstation changes can be used to make a task easier and reduce risk of injury. Other solutions may include change of methods, techniques, or job rotation to reduce the risk. Ergonomics is not only applicable to work, but to sports, recreational, and leisure activities as well.<\/p>\n

MSDs are \u201cwear-and-tear\u201d injuries that occur over a period of time. MSDs develop very differently from sudden, traumatic injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones. They can take weeks, months, or even years to develop.<\/p>\n

MSD risk factors include awkward posture, force, and repetitive motion. In FY 2020, 54 percent of the MSDs were related to posture, 23 percent to repetitive motion risk factors, and 23 percent to force risk factors:<\/p>\n