Economics With Ergonomics wrists and shoulders. Cleaning staff are at high risk of develop-ing these MSDs due to the repetitive motions and heavy lifting typically required to thoroughly clean a facility. Departments can dramatically reduce physical stress and the likelihood of injury by providing ergonomically-designed tools to concurrently complement the workerʼs body and the cleaning function. In doing so, organizations will experience additional benefits, including increased productivity, quality results and cost sav-ings, while reducing waste and saving resources. The higher the voltage indicated by the electrode, the stronger the muscle contrac-tion. The results revealed that newer applica-tors require significantly less shoulder, upper back and lower back effort than tra-ditional systems. Each muscle group consistently exerted more energy and effort when using the mop and bucket method compared with the applicators tested. When using the alternative method, par-ticipants exerted: 36 percent less forearm flexor effort 35 percent less deltoid (cap of the shoulder) effort 23 percent less trapezius (neck and upper back) effort 36 percent less erector spinae (pos-tural muscle of the lower back) effort. With these systems, users typically lift a heavy bucket of finish and pour it into a container that is affixed to the unit handle, which significantly increases the weight. Over time, performing this task repeated-ly using these methods will take a toll on the human body and potentially result in injury. This is, in large part, due to the hazards of heavy lifting and the use of tools designed with straight handles that do not fit workersʼ hands properly. According to the independent EMG study, these injuries can be avoided by uti-lizing applicator systems designed to pro-vide maximum ergonomics. Poor Ergonomics Are Costly Job functions, such as applying floor finish, where cleaners are required to perform heavy lifting and potential distress are not only costly to an employeeʼs health, but costly to the organization as well. Every year, MSDs account for more than $15 to $20 billion in workersʼ compensation and 34 percent of all lost workday injuries and illnesses. Further, according to OSHA, total direct costs add up to as much as $50 billion annually, which means that $1 of every $3 spent on workersʼ compensation can be attributed to MSD-related issues. Fortunately, studies reveal that utilizing modern, ergonomically-designed equip-ment not only enables employees to com-plete the task more quickly and efficiently, but dramatically reduces the opportunity for injury. This not only protects staff, but greatly reduces employee turnover, which can be another costly expense for an organization. Sustainability And Increasing Productivity Beyond the enhanced safety and health benefits for cleaning staff, utilizing ergonomically-designed tools and equip-ment can also increase an organizationʼs productivity while saving resources and eliminating product waste all at the same time. Why Floor Care? While there are many areas in a facility that can benefit from improved ergonomics, hard floor care should take high priority. A vacuum, for instance, is one of the most commonly used tools in the cleaning industry. In past years, this equipment was cum-bersome, heavy, difficult to maneuver and caused the user to perform repetitive motions, causing distress to wrists, arms and the back. Today, users have many vacuum options to choose from that are designed to fit the user and minimize any risk of injury. In the aforementioned study, applying floor finish was the focus. For years, the duty of applying floor finish involved using one of three traditional methods: Mop and bucket; flat mopping; and backpack applicator systems. With the traditional mop and bucket method, floor finish is poured into a bucket and then carried or rolled to the area where the work is to be performed. Then, workers usually grip a straight mop handle and must continually push the mop back and forth across the floor to apply the finish. These activities pose risks to the worker, the results of the work as well as the organ-ization. Flat mop and backpack applicator sys-tems also require heavy lifting. "Physical stress and the likelihood of injury can be dramatically reduced through the use of ergonomically-designed equipment and tools." In addition to saving time, some modern equipment features also save solution, resources and water. In todayʼs facilities business and opera-tions environment, conservation is on own-ersʼ and managersʼ radar screens. Most manufacturers in the JanSan indus-try are looking to minimize their productsʼ impact on the environment from inception to disposal — and beyond. Still, employee safety should be a top pri-ority in your cleaning department or con-tract business. Labor accounts for a significant portion of your spending, so be sure workers are safe, happy, productive and captivated by the work they are performing with the latest in ergonomic solutions. CM Field Study With Floor Finish In an independent electromyography (EMG) study by a leading researcher at the University of Wisconsin, several partici-pants with varying height, weight and expe-rience levels were analyzed as they fin-ished floors using both the traditional mop and bucket method and new, ergonomical-ly-designed applicator innovations. The electrical impulses that initiate mus-cle contraction were measured by placing surface electrodes on the skin above the muscle groups studied. 36 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • October 2009
CMM – Archives Oct 2009: 36
