EHOS Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention Plan

ERGONOMICS PROGRAM

Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention Plan

Table of Contents
	1.0	POLICY
	2.0	PURPOSE / SCOPE
	3.0	ADMINISTERING AGENCY
	4.0	REFERENCES
	5.0	DEFINITIONS
	6.0	RESPONSIBILITIES
	7.0	WORKSITE EVALUATIONS
	8.0	CONTROL OF EXPOSURES
	9.0	TRAINING
Appendix
		ERGONOMICS STANDARD, REPETITIVE MOTION INJURIES, TITLE 8 CCR, ARTICLE 106, SEXTION 5110


1.0	Policy:
	It is the intent of California State University, Northridge to develop Policies and Procedures to comply with Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 5110, "Repetitive Motion Injuries".

2.0

Purpose/Scope:

It is the intent of California State University, Northridge to develop Policies and Procedures to comply with Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 5110, "Repetitive Motion Injuries".

2.1	PURPOSE:
	The intent of this program is to minimize occupational injuries and illnesses resulting from repetitive motion.
2.2	SCOPE:
	The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (Cal-OSHA) Ergonomics Standard (8 CCR 5110), "Repetitive Motion Injuries", applies to all University employees.


3.0	Administering Agency:
	State of California, Division of Occupational Safety & Health (Cal-OSHA)


4.0	References:
	Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 5110; Repetitive Motion Injuries

5.0

Definitions:

5.1	REPETITIVE MOTION INJURY (RMI):
	Any physical disorder that develops from or is aggravated by the cumulative application of biomechanical stress to the musculoskeletal system.
5.2	EGRONOMICS:
	The study of the relationship between people and the work they perform.

6.0

Responsibilities:

6.1

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, SAFETY & RISK:

•	Responsible for issuing and administering the Ergonomics Program.
•	Developing and implementing training programs.
•	Reviewing all accident/injury reports and identifying any RMI trends.
•	Providing ergonomic worksite evaluations.
•	Recommending feasible and effective engineering and administrative controls to reduce or eliminate RMI's.

6.2

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT:

•	Ensure all workstation chairs are purchased in accordance with State and CSU procurement laws and regulations.
•	Ensure workstation chairs purchased meet the requirements of the CSP Systemwide Bulletin 98-03 Specification/Standards - Ergonomic Chairs.
•	Provide sources (vendors and products) which meet the above guidelines for ergonomic chairs and accessories.

6.3

INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS/MANAGERS/SUPERVISORS:

•	Responsible for recognizing ergonomic hazards within the department, and contacting EH&S for assistance.
•	Ensuring that all "worksite evaluation" recommendations are implemented.
•	Supporting and encouraging stretching at the worksite throughout the day.
•	Providing effective engineering controls to reduce RMI risk factors, when recommended by EH&S.

6.4

EMPLOYEE:

•	Responsible for adjusting their worksite/job operation to fit their work needs.
•	Varying their work tasks throughout the day, when possible.
•	Stretching at their workstations throughout the day.
•	Reporting symptoms of an RMI to their supervisor.
•	Maintaining an awareness of the symptoms, consequences, risk factors, and risk reduction strategies for RMI by attending ergonomics training provided by EH&S.


7.0	Worksite Evaluations:
	•	Evaluations of an individual job, process, or operation will be performed by EH&S upon request, or after an RMI trend is identified.
	•	Equipment will be recommended to individuals which support good ergonomic design for their job. (Dependent upon available resources within individual departments)
	•	Proper work practices and techniques and administrative controls will be recommended by EH&S.

8.0

Control of Exposures:

•	Accident reports indicating an RMI will be reviewed by EH&S.
•	EH&S will evaluate exposures resulting in an RMI.
•	Exposures leading to an RMI will be corrected or minimized to the extent feasible.
•	Employees with RMI's will receive appropriate medical treatment.
•	When practical, injured employees returning to work will be given alternative tasks consistent with the health care provider's recommendations.
•	Time will be provided to employees to stretch at their workstations periodically throughout the day.


9.0	Training:
	The goal of the training program is to ensure that all individuals potentially at risk from an RMI are adequately informed of the following information:
	•	Contents of the campus Ergonomics Program.
	•	The exposures which have been associated with an RMI.
	•	The symptoms and consequences of injuries caused by repetitive motion.
	•	The importance of reporting symptoms and injuries to their supervisor.
	•	Methods used to minimize RMI's including (but not limited to):
	•	Administrative controls such as job rotation work pacing or work breaks.
	•	Engineering controls such as workstation redesign, adjustable fixtures & redesign.
	•	Worksite adjustments
	•	Stretching /exercises
	•	Employee awareness
Revised 1/02