1.  California Code of Regulations, Title 8, General Industry Safety Orders

2.  Ergonomics Guidelines for UCSD

Ergonomics is defined as fitting the workplace to the worker and examining the interaction between the worker and his or her environment. Applying ergonomic principles can help reduce the risk of injuries or illnesses for those who work with computers, in laboratories, in jobs that require repetitive activities, and heavy materials handling.

It is the University's policy to reduce or eliminate hazards that contribute to the development of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD)--a class of disorders that are caused, precipitated, or aggravated by repetitive motions. The primary tools of UCSD's program are worksite evaluations, employee and supervisor training, and implementation of ergonomic control strategies. Ergonomics should not be seen as a one-time effort; it is a continuous, on-going approach used in optimizing the work environment.

1. Reporting

   Employees experiencing any CTD symptoms and/or back pain resulting from work tasks should report the problem to their supervisor as soon as possible. Early intervention is essential to the quick recovery and long-term prevention of CTD's. CTD's usually develop gradually. Symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the upper extremities are often ignored until the condition becomes chronic or permanent injury occurs. Supervisors and/or employees experiencing CTD symptoms are advised to contact Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) or Employee Rehabilitation to schedule an ergonomic evaluation.

2. Employee Education

   Employee awareness training has been shown to successfully reduce the risk of CTD problems. Upon request, EH&S provides training classes on Office Ergonomics--How to Reduce Ergonomic Risk Factors and Back Safety. In addition, Occupational Office Ergonomics: Fitting Tasks to the Worker is offered through Staff Education and Development.

3. Ergonomic Workplace Evaluation

   The evaluation consists of the employee workstation, tasks, and work practices. Workstation assessments include work tools (chair, keyboard, mouse, telephone); work postures of particularly the arms, hands, and spine; and identification of ergonomic risk factors: repetition rates, forceful exertions, awkward postures, localized mechanical stresses, lighting, vibration and temperature extremes. Evaluations may be scheduled through EH&S and Employee Rehabilitation.

1. Managers

   Managers and supervisors play a leading role in the implementation of strategies to control cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace. Managers at all organizational levels are encouraged to implement strategies to control cumulative trauma disorders. Measures to take include:

   1. Learning about CTD causes and control options.

   2. Providing resources (as available) to implement ergonomic solutions.

   3. Performing or requesting periodic risk assessments to identify ergonomic hazards.

   4. Purchasing furniture that has maximum adjustment flexibility and complies with standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI,) and UCSD's furniture guidelines (Appendix D of Ergonomic Guidelines for UCSD).

   5. Restructuring job tasks to reduce risk factors which contribute to CTD's.

   6. Encouraging supervisors to implement steps to control CTD's in the workplace.

   7. Providing training to supervisors and employees.

2. Supervisors

   Supervisors are encouraged to provide employees with appropriate ergonomics training, reenforcement, assistance, and evaluations (where appropriate). There are several ways this can be accomplished:

   1. Promote a safe and healthy work environment.

   2. Maintain an awareness of CTD risks.

   3. Evaluate the work environment for proper ergonomic practices and conditions.

   4. Provide proper workstations and assistive devices.

   5. Develop procedures to respond to employee concerns about CTD problems.

   6. Promptly report all employee injuries and/or employee complaints regarding cumulative trauma disorder symptoms.

   7. When necessary, seek assistance from EH&S, Employee Rehabilitation, or the Purchasing Department regarding ergonomic issues.

   8. Provide adequate recovery time by allowing employees engaged in highly repetitive tasks an opportunity for frequent, short, alternative work activities and breaks.

   9. Integrate ergonomics into total department safety management.

3. Employees

   Employees are encouraged to promptly report ergonomic problems to their supervisors. Prompt implementation of workplace changes can significantly reduce the potential for severe injuries or illnesses. It is recommended that employees:

   1. Adjust and use their workstation and equipment as outlined in the ergonomic guidelines.

   2. Follow safe work practices.

   3. Make effective use of recovery periods.

   4. Perform simple exercises and stretches as recommended by the evaluator.

   5. Follow ergonomic recommendations.

   6. Report work-related injuries to their supervisor.

4. EH&S-Occupational Health and Hygiene Division

   A primary goal of the Environment, Health and Safety Office is to reduce health, safety, and environmental risks to the UCSD community. Ergonomic evaluators from EH&S are expected to:

   1. Coordinate the ergonomics program to reduce cumulative trauma injuries at UCSD.

   2. Provide guidance on modifying the workplace to minimize the potential for injuries and illnesses.

   3. Provide ergonomics training for employees, supervisors, and managers.

   4. Evaluate individual and departmental workstations.

   5. Provide assistance and advice on the selection of ergonomically sound furniture and equipment.

5. EH&S-Risk Management Division: Workers' Compensation

   When an employee experiences a work-related injury or illness, Risk Management initiates workers' compensation procedures. The program objective is to bring about an expedient recovery and return to productive work. Risk Management notifies the EH&S Occupational Health & Hygiene Division of any new CTD injuries for follow-up.

6. Employee Rehabilitation Program

   The UCSD Campus Employee Rehabilitation Program serves faculty and staff members who have disabilities. The available range of services supports informed decision making through intervention, job accommodation analyses, and placement efforts. Other services include vocational and personal counseling, performance of job and workstation analyses, and comparative analysis of medical restrictions and job requirements.

7. Capital Planning and Budgeting Department

   The Capital Planning and Budgeting (CP/B) Department coordinates state and non-state minor and major capital improvement programs and prepares required documentation. CP/B is responsible for long-range facility planning, including workstation planning.

8. Purchasing Department

   Purchasing provides assistance and advice on the procurement of ergonomically sound furniture and equipment from various vendors, as well as the UCSD Storehouse.