TALKING THE TALK
Welcome to our world. Won’t you come on in? First, though, we have a pre-requisite: a survey course in ErgoSpeak, the particular dialect of that strange and remote tribe, The Ergodytes (you may know them as Ergodyne staffers).
Just so we’re on the same page, talkin’ the same language, study the terms and definitions below. While we can’t make you do your best in this course, you should know that if you don’t, you’re only cheating yourself.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Aegis®
Microbe Shield Anti-microbial treatment which kills microorganisms with an electrical charge.
Agion®
Antimicrobial Highly effective, silver-based anti-microbial treatment which works through the controlled release of silver ions. These ions attack microbes and inhibit their growth by obstructing respiration, transport, and reproduction.
Akton™
Polymer gel with outstanding impact and shock adsorption qualities. Adsorbs some vibration. Evenly distributes weight and heat. See ProFlex® Trade Series Gloves.
Amara™
One of a number “poromerics,” breathable leather substitutes made from a PU coating on a micro fiber base (most often polyester). Amara offers the durability and suppleness of real leather, plus predictable performance and washability.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute. A private, non-profit membership organization that coordinates voluntary standards activities. ANSI assists with standards-developers and standards users from the private sector and government to reach agreement on the need for standards and establish priorities.
ANSI 107/ANSI 207
ANSI standards which establish a set of performance criteria for high-visibility apparel. ANSI 107 covers all workers except public safety personnel, who are addressed by ANSI 207. GloWear® garments are 3rd party-certified to either ANSI 107 or 207 for guaranteed performance.
ANSI S3.40-2002/ISO 10819
Method for measuring vibration transmissibility in gloves. Vibration in high and mid frequencies causes Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, a painful, debilitating, and permanent disorder.
Aramid Fiber
Class of heat-resistant, unusually strong synthetic fibers which include Kevlar. Used in aerospace and military applications, including ballistic-rated body armor. Also used in ProFlex® High Performance Extrication Gloves.
Armortex®
Armortex® Fabric combining Kevlar, nylon, and spandex to deliver good abrasion-resistance, stretch, and non-slip characteristics.
Arsenal™
A place of storage or a magazine containing arms and military equipment; A stock of weapons—or tools, equipment, and the like.
Awkward Posture
Posture that puts body joints in an unnatural, unfavorable position, such as bent wrists, neck, etc.
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Ballistic Weave
Refers to the strong basket weave design developed for early version bulletproof vests and used in Arsenal® Tool Rigs and Bags.
Banox FR3
Fire resistant treatment applied to Chill-Its™ Cooling Vests. Meets the standards NFPA701-1975, NFPA701-1977, ASTM1506-1994, and OSHA 29CFR1910.269.
BET 001
Beverage Extrication Tool (AKA “Jaws Of Beer”). Specialized tool for rescuing beverages entrapped in capped bottles.
Brace
Plastic or metal splint used to immobilize a body part and prevent movement.
Bursitis
Swelling or inflammation of a joint's fluid-filled sacs.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
A nerve disorder caused by injury of the median nerve where it passes through the wrist on its way to the forearm and the hand. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or pain in the thumb and fingers.
Chondromalacia
Uneven or roughening of the back of the Patella (knee cap).
CLO
Relative measure of the ability of apparel insulation to provide warmth. One CLO is the amount of clothing required by a resting person to be comfortable at a room temperature of 70°F (21°C). Analogous to R-value for rating house insulation. Lowest CLO value (0) is that of a buck naked person, while the highest practical CLO value (4) is that of Eskimo clothing (fur pants, coat, hood, gloves, etc.).
Cortisone
Medicine used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and other tissues.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)
Term used for injuries that occur over a period because of repeated trauma or exposure to a specific body part, such as the back, hand, wrist and forearm. Muscles and joints are stressed, tendons are inflamed, nerves pinched, or the flow of blood is restricted. Common occupational induced disorders in this class include carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), tendinitis, tenosynovitis, synovitis, stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger, DeQuervain's Syndrome, and low back pain.
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Denier
Sure, “one who denies.” But also a unit of linear measure for fiber weight and density. The higher the number, the heavier and more dense the material.
DeQuervain’s Syndrome
Chronic inflammation of the tendon and muscles on the side of the wrist and the base of the thumb. Symptoms include pain, tingling, swelling, numbness and discomfort when moving the thumb.
Discs
Gelatinous plate-like protectors that cushion the back’s bones.
DWR Finish
Durable, water repellent finish.
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EN 388
European standard used to rate protective gloves in terms of abrasion, cut, puncture, and tear resistance.
EN 420
European standard which establishes criteria for the general suitability of protective work gloves.
Epicondylitis
Medical term for “tendinitis of the elbow.” The condition occurs with an inflammation of the connective tissue inside the elbow. Symptoms include forearm and elbow pain. Lateral epicondylitis is often called tennis elbow; medial epicondylitis is often referred to as golfer’s elbow. Both terms refer to the elbow motion which has been shown to contribute to the injury.
Ergonomics
Greek term for “the laws of work.” The science of adapting workstations, tools, equipment and job techniques to be compatible with the human anatomy to reduce the risk of injury due to occupational stressors.
Ergonomic Hazards
Workplace conditions that pose biomechanical stress to the worker. Such hazardous conditions include, but are not limited to, faulty workstation layout, improper work methods, improper tools, excessive tool vibrations, and job design problems that include aspects of work flow, line speed, posture and force required, work/rest regimens and repetition rate. These are also referred to as occupational stressors.
Ergonomic Risk Factors
Conditions of a job, process or operation that contribute to the risk of developing CTDs. Examples include repetitiveness of activity, force required, and awkwardness of posture. Jobs, operations, or workstations that have multiple risk factors will have a higher degree of severity of each factor.
Ergonomics Team or Committee
Those responsible for identifying and correcting ergonomic hazards in the workplace, including ergonomic professionals or other qualified persons, such as health care providers, engineers and other support personnel, plant safety and health personnel, managers, supervisors and employees.
Ergonomists or Ergonomics Professional
A person who possesses a recognized degree or professional credentials in ergonomics or a closely allied field, such as human factors engineering who has shown, through knowledge and experience, the ability to identify and recommend effective means of correction for ergonomic hazards in the workplace.
EVA
Don’t cry for me, ethylene-vinyl acetate. EVA is one of the materials commonly called “foam rubber.” Frequently used as padding in sports equipment and PPE.
Extension
When used concerning wrist posture, bending the hand upward.
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Flexion
When used concerning wrist posture, bending the hand downward.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent materials, like GloWear® Hi Vis background materials, absorb invisible UV light energy and convert it to a highly visible “glow” for optimal daytime conspicuity.
Force
The exertion used to perform a task or motion that effects the muscles, tendons and nerves.
Frequency
How often the repetition or motion is performed.
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Ganglionic Cyst
A tendon sheath disorder commonly occurring in the wrist. The affected sheath swells and forms a lump under the skin.
Glass Bead Tape
Highly versatile retroreflective material with good wet weather performance, excellent home & industrial washing, and a flexible, comfortable feel.
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HAVS
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, a disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to vibration while using vibrating tools. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and loss of nerve sensitivity. Risks for HAVS are reduced by use of ProFlex® VR Series Gloves.
Health and Safety Committee
Those responsible for identifying and correcting safety hazards in the workplace, including ergonomic hazards.
Health Care Provider
A physician specializing in occupational 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.
Herniated or Slipped Disc
Damage of disc(s) in the back or irritation of spinal nerves resulting in pain, numbness or weakness.
Hi Cool®
A layered system of fabric made from fibers specially designed to enhance moisture wicking and breathability. See Chill-Its® Absorptive Series.
High Gloss Tape
Fluorescent retroreflective tape which provides night time color, high brightness, all weather performance, and excellent home wash durability.
Hipora®
Waterproof, breathable membrane based on “micropore” technology. Allows body-side moisture to escape while remaining impervious to outside water.
Honeycomb Gel
Gel design in which octagonal holes are created in the gel to reduce weight.
Hook and Loop
Fastening tape consisting of a nylon strip of small hooks which fasten to a corresponding strip of uncut pile. Used as a closure on many Ergodyne products.
Hot Rox™ Heat Exchanger
Patented heat exchanger captures warmth when you exhale. As you inhale cold air the module warms the air, returning heat to your body and helping to maintain core body temperature.
Hypalon®
Rubber composite material providing excellent abrasion and flex fatigue resistance; flame and oil resistance; and resistance to weather, ozone, and oxidizing chemicals. See ProFlex® 350 Gel Kneepads.
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Incidence Rates
The number of injuries and/or illnesses or lost workdays per 100 full-time workers, calculated as (N/EH) X 200,000. N = number of injuries and/or illnesses or lost workdays; EH = total hours worked by all employees during the calendar year; 200,000 = base for 100 full-time equivalent workers (working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year).
Incident Command
A standardized emergency response system in which the first responder on scene is considered in charge until either the situation is resolved or someone more qualified to lead arrives. Often color coded garments are used to identify and communicate the roles played by all responders.
Inflammation
Swelling, pain or irritation of body tissue.
Injected Gel
Gel that is injected into the product instead of sewn in as a sheet. Offers the best, most complete performance of all gel types.
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Job Rotation
Alternating workers’ jobs or duties to reduce stress from repetitive or physically strenuous jobs.
Joint
A body part where two bones meet and are connected by ligaments.
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Keprotec®
Made with Kevlar, Cordura, and PU to create a uniquely tear and heat-resistant material. See ProFlex® 730/732 Performance Extrication Gloves.
Kevlar®
Best known for use in body armor, Kevlar is also used to make incredibly strong thread and reinforcement fabrics for glove wear zones. Five times stronger than steel, it’s abrasion, puncture, and heat resistance make it ideal for use in work gloves.
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L
Ligament
The fibers joining to form a joint.
Log 200 or (200 Log)
An OSHA-required form for employers to record and classify occupational injuries and illnesses, and note the extent of each case.
Lost Workdays
Days away from work or days of restricted activity or both, due to illnesses or injury. The number of days away from work or days of restricted work activity that does not include the day of injury, onset of illness or any days in which the employee would not have worked though able to work, such as holidays, days off, etc.
Lost Workdays, Restricted Work Activity
The number of workdays (consecutive or not) that the employee temporarily was assigned to another job, or the employee worked at a permanent job less than full-time, or the employee worked at a permanently assigned job but with limited job duties.
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Median Nerve
Nerve running through the center of hand and supplying the sensation of temperature, touch, and pain to the thumb and first three fingers of the hand. (See carpal tunnel syndrome).
MONDO
Not Bondo, but still Divine and a footwear measurement of the longest part of the foot or footwear in centimeters.
Muscle
Body tissue contracting to produce movement or force.
Musculoskeletal System
Bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and their interaction with each other.
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NBR Gel
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber. Provides ultra soft yet stable support for knees. See ProFlex® 350 Gel Kneepad.
Neo Foam
Blend of DuPont Engage EVA and Rubber. Offers high levels of shock absorption and gradual rebound. Found in Trex® Footbeds.
Neoprene
Lightweight synthetic rubber used in joint and muscle sleeves designed to provide support and/or insulation and heat retention to the area. See Ergodyne® Sleeves.
Nerve
Transmits feeling and movement from body to brain.
Neutral Posture
Keeping the body parts in a natural position.
Nickel Plating
Corrosion-resistant surface that helps keep the underlying metal in good shape over the long haul.
NIOSH
Federal agency responsible for research and recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. Part of the CDC within the HHS Dept.
Nu2O2®
Patented material designed to absorb harmful occupational vibration. Combines three layers: urethane gel, oxygen-impregnated urethane gel, and neoprene. Used in ProFlex® Vibration Reducing Glove models.
Nylon
Extremely strong fiber resistant to tearing, abrasion, and damage from many chemicals. Fast drying, nylon is resistant to water, perspiration, moths, as well as other insects.
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Occupational Illness
Any abnormal condition or disorder, other than one resulting from an occupational injury caused by exposure to factors associated with employment. It includes acute and chronic illnesses or diseases which may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact. The broad categories of occupational illnesses are skin diseases and disorders, dust diseases of the lungs, respiratory condition due to toxic agents, poisoning (systemic effects of toxic materials), disorders due to physical agents other than toxic materials, and disorders from repeated trauma.
Occupational Injury
Any injury such as a cut, fracture, sprain, amputation, etc., which results from a work-related event or from a single instantaneous exposure in the work environment.
Open Center Stay
Patented feature of ProFlex Wrist Supports and some gloves. This flexible stay’s unique open center design reduces pressure on the median nerve to help reduce some of the risks for carpal tunnel syndrome.
OSHA
No, not a small town in Wisconsin. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is the agency responsible for the enforcement of health and safety regulations for workers. OSHA is part of the Department of Labor.
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Perfor-Air™ Ventilation
Unique system of footbed perforations and a matching channel pattern to maximize airflow under foot. Best thing since dry socks!
Permethrin
An extremely common synthetic chemical, permethrin is widely used as an insecticide insect repellent, and acaricide. It has a low mammalian toxicity and is poorly absorbed by skin.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gear designed to protect the wearer’s body from workplace injury.
Polyester
Classic John Waters film and the most widely used manufactured fiber. Polyester delivers superior fastness, is readily washable, and resistant to mildew, sunlight, and water.
Public Safety Vest
Hi Vis vest that meets the requirements of ANSI 207-2006. This standard balances appropriate visibility for police, fire, EMTs, and other public safety personnel with ease of access to duty and gun belts.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride is a widely used flexible polymer which provides superior abrasion resistance and gripping ability. PVC is also resistant to shock, oil, weather, and UV radiation.
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Radial Deviation
When used in describing wrist position, twisting the wrist so the thumb moves toward the wrist.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
A progressive color change of the fingers often accompanied by tingling or numbness in response to cold, vibration or stress, due to decreased circulation. Raynaud’s Phenomenon is also called Vibration Syndrome or Vibration White Finger.
Repetition
Motion or movement that is repeated throughout the workday.
Retroreflectivity
Type of reflection that sends light back to the source, regardless of the angle of incidence. Performance rationale for glass bead and hi gloss reflective tapes.
Risk Factor
Conditions of a job, process or operation that contribute to the risk of developing CTDs. Examples include an activity’s repetitiveness, force required and awkwardness of posture. Jobs, operations, or workstations with multiple risk factors have an increased risk of CTDs.
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Sciatica
Numbness, tingling or pain in the back, legs, and/or buttocks caused by herniated or slipped disc placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Silicone
Synthetic rubber which offers superior dry gripping power, stability over a wide temp range, resistance to harsh environments, and long lasting performance.
Spandex
Also known as “elastane.” Spandex offers exceptional elasticity (stretchability) along with greater strength and durability than rubber.
Splint
Plastic or metal brace that stabilizes or immobilizes an injured body part and prevents movement.
Split Grain
Interior cut of the hide or skin. Softer and more pliable than top-grain leather.
Static Posture
Holding a body part in the same position for a period of time.
Sticky Fingers® Stays
Patented feature of certain ProFlex® Back Supports which reduce “ride up” while delivering firm, continuous lower back and abdominal support.
Storm Drains
Patent pending tool rig drains that keep tools and fasteners ventilated and dry. Nickel plating is corrosion-resistant to last over the long haul.
Systems Approach
A comprehensive program by the employer which addresses workplace processes, operations and conditions as interdependent systems to identify and eliminate or reduce all types of hazards to employees.
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Tenacious
Stubbornly unyielding. Holding together firmly—just like the products made by a certain St. Paul-based company.
Tendinitis
Tendon disorder caused by inflammation of the tendon and its sheath.
Tendon
Strong tissue connecting bones to muscles.
Tenosynovitis
Inflammation of the sheath surrounding the tendon.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Compression of nerve and blood vessels between arm and neck, causing numbness and weakness of fingers, hand or arm.
3M™ Thinsulate™
Super efficient insulating material from 3M. Ultra thin fibers allow the creation of a dense, tangled mat that reflects radiant heat and traps air while allowing moisture to escape.
Top Grain
Highest quality leather. Uppermost layer of the hide and most preferred for versatility, durability, and resilience.
Trigger Finger
A tendon disorder which occurs when the tendon sheath of a finger swells so that the tendon becomes locked in the sheath and any attempts to move the finger will cause a snapping, jerking movement. Trigger Finger usually strikes in the first finger.
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Ulnar Deviation
When used to describe a wrist position, twisting the wrist so the small finger moves toward the wrist.
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Vibration Syndrome
Whiteness in the fingers caused by decreased circulation, often accompanied by tingling or numbness. Also called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.
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White Finger
Whiteness in the fingers caused by decreased circulation, often accompanied by tingling or numbness. Also known as Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.
WRMD
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Also called Cumulative Trauma Disorders and Repetitive Stress Injuries.
Workstation
Work space or work area.
Wrist Deviation
Twisting or turning of the wrist, which may increase the likelihood of a CTD.
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ZeroRebound™
Shock dispersing forefoot and heel pads that offer superb shock absorption and a gradual rebound for a soft springy feel.
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