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The
CAP Workplace Ergonomics Reference Guide
Faced
with the rising incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in the workforce,
the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracted with J.L. Mueller,
Inc. in 1997 to develop training programs and materials to address
both the prevention of disabilities, as well as accommodation of
those employees already disabled. Central to this effort was empowerment
of managers and employees to identify and rectify risks at their
own worksites, including disability prevention through lifestyle
changes and exercise.
In
cooperation with the DoD Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program
(CAP) staff, J.L. Mueller, Inc. identified workplace design factors
which might be barriers to workers with disabilities, as well as
risks to workers not yet experiencing a disability. The product
was an illustrated Workplace
Ergonomics Reference Guide for managers and employees to assess
their own work processes and environments and to identify remedies
for problems before they cause disability. This workbook became
the basis for ergonomic staff training throughout the Department
of Defense and provided simple guidelines to common workplace features
including:
| Workplace
Accessibility |
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Accessible
routes of travel |
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Accessible
doorways and door hardware |
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Changes
in level |
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Flooring |
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Navigation |
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Emergency
evacuation |
| Visual
and Auditory Information |
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Positioning
and lighting |
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Typeface
selection |
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Ambient
noise and auditory signals |
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Sound
attenuation |
| Lighting |
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Illumination
without glare |
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Materials
and positioning to reduce glare |
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Orientation
to natural and artificial light |
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Personal
measures for reducing eye fatigue |
| Storage |
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Easy
access at the workstation |
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Appropriate
containers |
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Identification
of materials |
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Safe
handling and transport |
| Seating |
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Adequate
support and stability |
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Adjustability
features |
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How
to adjust a seat, back and arm support |
| Work
Space Layout |
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Adequate
space |
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Work
surface materials and adjustments |
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Air
quality |
| Computer
Displays |
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Monitor
placement |
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Minimizing
glare |
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Locating
source documents |
| Computer
Inputs |
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Keyboard
and mouse positioning |
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Hand
and wrist support |
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Software
options |
| Telephones
and Other Office Equipment |
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Electrical
supply |
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Equipment
controls |
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Telephone
location |
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Telephone
peripheral options |
| Work
Practices |
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Maintaining
a neutral posture |
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Minimizing
repetitive and cumulative stresses |
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Maintaining
general health and productivity |
Significantly,
this resource covers not just ways the employer can improve workplace
ergonomics, but also how workers can minimize their risk of workplace-related
injury by adopting healthy work habits.
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