Above-shoulder work
Defined by Matheson as referring to high-level work requiring some degree of shoulder flexion/abduction. In actuality, the term is more properly represented as “above eye-level work”.

 

Accommodation
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as adjustment of lens of eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This factor is required when doing near point work at varying distances from the eye. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Accommodation component appears eight in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading Ac.

 

Agility
The ability to stop, start, and change the direction of the body or body parts in a controlled manner.

 

Angular Acceleration
Angular Acceleration refers to the rate at which velocity (speed) changes about an axis of rotation.

 

Angular Velocity
Angular Velocity refers to the speed at which a limb's position relative to the adjacent limb changes about an axis of rotation.

 

Anthropometry
Anthropometry is the science that studies and characterizes the measurements of the human body such as size, mass, shape, and inertial properties.

 

Back Posture
The Neutral posture of the back is standing straight to allow the spine to form its natural curve. Awkward back postures include mild forward bending (20 to 45 degrees back flexion), severe forward bending (greater than 45 degrees back flexion), bending backward (hyperextension greater than 10 degrees) bending to either side (lateral bending greater than 20 degrees), and twisting the back.

 

Balancing
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; or maintaining body equilibrium when performing gymnastic feats. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles" of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Balancing component appears third in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading Ba.

 

Bending
Defined by Matheson as referring to the shortening of a joint. Can refer to bending at the waist, bending at one’s elbow, bending one’s knee, etc.

 

Climbing
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Climbing component appears second in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading C1.

 

Cold/Hot Temperatures
Cold tempertures or extreme heat can reduce the dexterity and sensitivity of the hand, causing employees to apply more grip force to hold tool handles and objects.

 

Color vision
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as ability to identify and distinguish colors. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Color Vision component appears ninth in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading CV.

 

Competitive Test Performance (CTP)
The behavioral tendencies to maximize one's test scores/performance under evaluation conditions.

 

Contact Stresses
Contact stresses are produced when parts of the body come into contact with hard, sharp, objectsm resulting in forces transmitted through the skin to underlying structures such as tendons and nerves.

 

Crawling
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Crawling component appears seventh in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading Cw.

 

Critical Demand Elements
These are the motions required to meet the critical demands. They include things like flexion, extension, rotation, etc.

 

Critical Demands
These are the physical requirements needed to perform the job task.

 

Crouching
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Crouching component appears sixth in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading Co.

Defined by Matheson as Crouching: a work-intensive, low-level work position with one’s back leaning forward and buttocks adjacent to heels.

 

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) is the term used in these guidelines for health disorders arising from repeated biochemical stress due to ergonomic hazards.

 

Cycle Time
The amount of time it takes to complete a task. Some work is repetitive and others are more variable.

 

Depth perception
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as three-dimensional vision. Ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Depth Perception component appears seventh in the second set of Physical demand ratings under the vertical heading DP.

Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)
a two volume set which provides descriptions of the most common job classifications in the United States.

 

Distraction-based clinical testing
Defined by Matheson as referring to a clinical testing situation, wherein the evaluee is unaware of all information being gathered with respect to his or her test performance. For example, while a client is focused upon a simple dexterity test, a trained evaluator will also be gathering crucial data pertaining to tolerance issues such as: sitting, standing, bending, neck flexion, repetitive reaching, level of effort, symptom magnification, weight bearing, etc. It is difficult, if not impossible for the tested client to consciously control his or her performance in all evaluated areas while being distracted by the associated work activity (Kyi, 1997).

 

Distraction-based testing
See 'Distraction-Based Clinical Testing'

 

Duration
Duration refers to the amount of time a person is exposed to a risk factor. The duration of job tasks can have a substantial effect on the likelihood of both localized and general fatigue.

 

Dynamic standing
Defined by Matheson as referring to the physical task of being on one’s feet while being provide the opportunity to regularly “walk around”. Often used interchangeably with walking though dynamic standing will allow more stoppages to perform various activities.

 

Environmental Nuisance Factors
Micro-Shock, Noise, Vibration, Illumination, Heat/Cold, Ventilation, Color

 

Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic Hazards refer to workplace conditions that pose a biochemical stress to the worker. Such hazardous workplace conditions include, but are not limited to, faulty owrk station layout, improper work methods, improper tools, excessive tool vibration, and job design problems that include aspects of work flow, line speed, posture and force required, work/rest regimens, and repetition rate.

 

Ergonomic Risk Factors
Ergonomic Risk Factors are conditions of a job, process, or operation that contribute to the risk of developing CTD's.

 

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science that facilitates maximum productivity, consistent quality, and long term worker health and safety. Click here for a more in-depth definition.

 

Ergonomics Team
Ergonomics Team refers to those responsible for identifying and correcting ergonomic hazards in a workplac, including ergonomic professionals or other qualified persons, health care providers, engineers and other support personnel, plant safety and health personel, managers, supervisors, and employees.

 

Ergonomist
Ergonomist or Ergonomics Professional refers to a person who possesses a recognized degree or professional credentials in ergonomics or a closely allied field (such as human factors engineering) and who has demonstrated, through knowledge and experience, the ability to identify and recommend effective means of correction for ergonomic hazards in the workplace.

Essential Job Tasks
These are the activies to allow a worker to complete the job objective.

Far acuity
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. (Note: There is no Physical Demand component for rating clarity of vision in the middle distance of 20 inches to 20 feet.) In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Far Acuity component appears sixth in the second set of Physical demand ratings under the vertical heading FA.

Feeling
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture, by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Feeling component appears first in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading Fe.

Field of vision
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as observing an area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Field of Vision component appears last in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading FV.

Fingering
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Fingering component appears tenth (last) in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading Fi.

Force
Forces may be either external or internal forces. An external force can be defined as a force applied, voluntarily or involuntarily, to the surface of the body.

Forearm/Elbow
The neutral posture of the elbow is when the harm is relaxed with the hands down. The highest force from the biceps can be obtained when the arm is nearly parallel to the ground. Awkward postures of the elbow include repetitive or sustained extreme elbow flexion and rapid or forceful rotation of the forearm, pronation (palm down) to supination (palm up).

Functional Capacity Evaluation
is an intensive short-term (usually one day) evaluation that focuses on major physical tolerance abilities related to musculoskeletal strength, endurace, speed and flexibility. Click here for a more in-depth definition.

Glossary
Used to help explain a word or term as used in the Matheson System philosophy or the occupational rehabilition or safety field.

Goniometer
A device used for measuring the range of joint movement.

Hand/Wrist
The neutral position of the wrist is when it is held in a straight to slightly extended position (the knuckles slightly higher than the forearm, such as in a handshake). Awkward postures of the wrist include extreme wrist bending(i.e. flexion and extension) and wrist deviation(radial and ulnar deviation).

Handle Grip Forces
For highly repetitive tasks, required grip forces should not exceed 15% of an individuals one-time maximum grip force. For occasional tasks, required grip forces should not exceed 30% of one-time capacity, and infrequent tasks, the required grip force should not exceed 50% of the one-time grip force.

Handling
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands. Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand, such as to turn a switch or shift automobile gears. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the handling component appears ninth in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading Ha.

Health Care Provider
A Health Care Provider is a physician who specializes in occupatioal medicine, or a registered nurse specializing in occupational health, or other health personnel (such as emergency medical technicians) working under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse.

Hearing
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as perceiving the nature of sounds by ear. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Hearing component appears third in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading He.

Heart rate analysis to evaluate effort
Defined by Matheson as referring to persons providing full physical effort on repetitive, large muscle group activity should demonstrate a corresponding increase to heart rate. While there is no exact value to prove full effort, Matheson evaluators are trained to use a base-line rate of 65%-70% of that client’s maximum allowable heart rate (220-Age). For persons who are very fit who are very de-conditioned, evaluators should be prepared to adjust this number up or down accordingly. A further factor to consider in use of this method relates to medications that can affect heart rate. Examples of these types of medications are beta-blockers and antihistamines. One must be cautious in implementing too low of heart rate elevation to show full effort, as other non-effort related factors can also increase heart rate to some extent (i.e. Nervousness, Apprehension, Anxiety, White-Coat Syndrome, Caffeine, Nicotine, etc.). It is suggested that evaluators seek to minimize such external factors where possible, and ask clients directly if they feel nervous or anxious during relevant tests (Kyi, Enright 1999).

Job Objective
This defines 'why the job exsists'.

 

Job Site Analysis
Job Site Analysis is a detailed description of the job demands of a particular job and is based on ergonomic principles. The frequent and infrequent job tasks, as well as the essential functions (in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) Legislation), are described in detail.

 

Job Title
This defines the job and is determined by the employer.

 

Knee/Ankle
Awkward posture of the lower limbs indludes repetitive or sustained squatting (knee flexion) and repetitive bending of the ankle (flexion to extension).

 

Kneeling
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Kneeling component appears fifth in the first Physical Demand column Under the vertical heading Kn.

 

Low-level work
Defined by Matheson as work performed below mid-thigh level. May be performed in crouching, kneeling and/or a combination of both. Seated work below mid-thigh must be reported specifically, as many jobs do not allow workers to sit on the floor while working.

 

Magnitude
Magnitude quantifies the extent to which each physical stress is involved. Measurements of force, posture, recovery, vibration, and cold magnitude is reported in terms of the average, peak, or root means square levels for the duration of the specific exertion, motion, or posture.

 

Motion
Motion pertains to rotational motion of a body segment relative to another, about a common joint. Motion includes angular displacement, velocity, or acceleration.

 

Near acuity
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Near Acuity component appears fifth in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading NA.

 

Neck
The neutral posture of the neck is when the neck is straight. Awkward positions of the neck include bending the neck forward (beginning at neck flexion greater than 20 degrees) or backward (beginning at neck extension greater than 5 degrees) and to the side (lateral bending greater than 20 degrees), or turning (twisting) the head to the right or left (rotation greater than 20 degrees to the right or left).

 

NIOSH Lifting Equation
NIOSH Lifting Equation defines a recommended weight limit for the lifting and lowering of objects.

 

Physical demand factors
The Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs indicates that the physical demands of an occupation are described in relationship to twenty different factors including Strength, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Handling, Fingering, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Tasting/Smelling, Near Acuity, Far Acuity, Accommodation, Environment, Color Vision, Field of Vision.

Matheson also defines such physical demand factors as Above-Shoulder Work, Static Neck Positioning, Static Standing, and Dynamic Standing.

 

Physical effort
Defined by Matheson as referring to an individual’s tendency to provide high levels of physical exertion during encountered testing procedures. This type of testing is best evaluated via a multi-faceted approach, ideally implementing a combination of: isometric, behavioral and/or cardiovascular measures to help gauge a client’s level of effort.

Physical Effort testing is not intended to imply motivation or intent. Some possible reasons behind sub-maximal effort include: fear of pain, desire to have the evaluator fully appreciate one’s level of perceived dysfunction, desire for secondary gain, and/or habitual display of reduced abilities related to one’s chronic pain cycle. (Kyi, Matheson 1997).

 

Physical Effort Testing
refers to an individual's levels of physical exertion during encountered test procedures.

 

Posture
Posture refers to the position of a specific articulation on body part relative to an adjacent body part, determined by the angle of the joint connecting them.

 

Qualified Person
Qualified Person refers to one who has thorough training and experience sufficient to identify ergonomic hazards in the workplace and recommend an effective means of correction.

 

 

Reaching
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Reaching component appears eighth in the first Physical demand column under the vertical heading Re.

 

Recovery
Recovery consists of operations containing pauses, rest, or scheduled breaks, or motions and exertions that provide specific muscle groups and joints the opportunity to recover through reduced magnitude.

 

Reliability of Pain and Disability Reports
A battery of tests designed to better assess the dependability and accuracy of a clients subjective reports of pain and/or disability.

 

Repetition
Repetition refers to a task or series of motions that are performed over and over again, with the variation. If tasks or motions are repeated frequently (e.g. every few seconds), fatigue and muscle-tendon strain can accumulate, which can result in permanent tissue damage. Frequent repetition of the same work activities can also exacerbate the effects of awkward postures and forceful exertions.

 

Shoulder
The neutral position of the shoulder occurs when is performed while the upper arm is hanging down by the side of the body, with elbow near the side of the body. Awkward postures of the shoulder include elevating the arm in front (shoulder flexion greater than 45 degrees) or to the side of the body (shoulder abduction greater than 45 degrees).

 

Squatting
Defined by Matheson as a low level work position with one’s back upright, knees and hips flexed and buttocks adjacent to heels.

 

Static neck positioning
Defined by Matheson as referring to the functional task of maintaining one’s gaze in primarily one direction over time. Typically associated with “prolonged tolerance to work requiring looking down”, i.e. reading, writing, typing, using an adding machine, etc.). Functional tolerance in this area addresses how long a worker can continue that activity (albeit with very brief breaks to look around, shrug shoulders, etc.), before he or she must take a significant (greater than 10 minutes) break from that activity.

 

Static standing
Defined by Matheson as referring to the physical task of standing primarily in one place. Allows for the individual to move slightly within no more than a one-meter circumference. Static standing jobs may include grocery cashiering, casino card game dealing, highway toll taker, etc. Functional tolerance in this area addresses how long a worker can continue that activity before he or she must take a significant (greater than 10 minutes) break to sit, lie down, or walk around.

 

Stooping
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Stooping component appears fourth in the first Physical Demand column under the vertical heading St.

Defined by Matheson as bending forward at the waist. Mild = < 30 degrees, moderate = 30 to 45 degrees, severe/extreme = > 45 degrees.

 

Strength
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as having five levels: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy. Most jobs require workers to expend energy to some extent. The amount can be affected by a workers body position and the frequency of the repetition of a task.

 

Symptom magnification
Defined by Matheson as referring to the conscious or sub-conscious tendency of an individual to under-rate his or her abilities and/or over-state his or her limitations. Symptom magnification is measured through assessment of observed functional performance, as compared to a client’s subjective reports of the limitations caused by his or her symptoms. It does not imply intent. This concept is based upon Dr. Leonard Matheson’s original term of "symptom magnification syndrome". While subjective reports of persons exhibiting symptom magnification should certainly not be ignored, they should be considered with caution. In such instances, significantly more weight should be placed upon objective findings and test results than upon a person’s subjective reports or estimates of ability. (Kyi, Matheson 1997).

 

 

Systems Approach
A Systems Approach to safety and health management means a comprehensive program by the employer which adresses workplace processes, operations, and conditions as interdependant systems in order to identify and to eliminate or reduce all types of hazards to employees.

 

Talking
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to clients or to the public and to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Talking component appears second in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading Ta.

 

Tasting/smelling
Defined by the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs as distinguishing, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality of flavors or odors, or recognizing particular flavors or odors, using tongue or nose. In Part A of "Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles", the rating for the Tasting/Smelling component appears fourth in the second set of Physical Demand ratings under the vertical heading TS.

 

Vibration
Exposure to localized vibration, occurs when a part of the body comes in contact with a vibrating object, such as power hand tools. Localized vibration from hand-held power tools can increase grip force and symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAV) and carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Work capacity evaluation
an evaluation to collect reliable information about current (vocational) status and estimate potential (vocational) status. See Functional Capacity Evaluation