Safety Update

Safety Update: The Need for Ergonomics

Office ergonomics brings together the design of objects, systems and environments for human use. The human body is limited in terms of force, frequency, position and duration of movement and may experience acute or cumulative trauma if the job demands exceed human capabilities. Musculoskeletal disorders are the result of these limitations and include wear and tear, repetition, sprains and accidents. In order to ensure that human limitations are not exceeded, we can be proactive in modifying or reducing risk factors.

Being proactive simply means conducting a hazard identification and assessment process; evaluating work tasks, assessing the hazards associated with those tasks, and assigning a control measure. Performing a Job Demands Analysis or JDA is a basic way to identify the potential hazards associated with the tasks performed. First, we must identify job demands while taking into account the differences in human capabilities and limitations. This information can be gathered by surveying individuals in terms of posture, chair adjustment, workstation layout, workspace layout, task execution and job design. Next, risk factors are derived from the job demands analysis. For example, a chair adjusted improperly will contribute to body stress; neck and back strain are common risk factors. Once the risk factors are identified, appropriate controls may be assigned. The control measures most often used are engineering or administrative in an attempt to eliminate or reduce harmful positions, minimize static stress, reduce repetitive movements and reduce excessive force.

Next week we are going to look at common ergonomic risk factors, applicable preventative measures and key benefits of an ergonomics program.

The Topic for November 15th: The Need for Ergonomics Part 2

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