Workplace Ergonomics Control Work Processes to Avoid Strains and Sprains

Ergonomics

Workplace ergonomics Control work processes to avoid strains and sprains

Ergonomics is about fitting the task to the • Provide adjustable workstations, anti-fatigue Ergonomics risk individual. It’s an important part of employee mats, and footrests. factors: safety and health, whether you work in an • Use and promote proper body mechanics. office, on a factory floor, or other environment. Posture: Can you • Maintain neutral postures; redistribute maintain a neutral Good ergonomics can improve efficiency posture while and productivity as well as reduce the risk of loads to larger muscle groups. performing the task? strains and sprains. • Adjust lighting higher or lower to suit the task. (Neutral posture supports the natural If you observe risk factors in your • Minimize exposure to heat and cold. curve of the spine and workplace, look for ways to modify the task to body alignment, and minimize the impact on employees. Here are Match the tool to the task. can be sustained with some guidelines: • Avoid pinch grip or repetitive gripping; allow minimal effort.) Do you avoid awkward and Optimize the process. power grip for forceful tasks. static postures? • Place frequently used items within arm’s • Spread contact over several fingers. Frequency and reach; provide easy access to the load. • Consider how tool design (shape, contour duration: How often do texture) makes it harder or easier to grip. you repeat the same • Mechanize operations; use gravity, carts, motion or motions? and conveyors when possible. • Reduce or isolate equipment vibration. How much time do you spend performing the • Break down the load. Lift fewer items at • Consider inline vs. pistol tool handles, task? How often do you once, or buy items in smaller packages. depending on surface orientation. rest between motions? • By contrast, increase the size or weight • Consider lift assists, fixtures, turntables, Force/exertion: How of items, so that they cannot be lifted counter-balancers, and holsters. much energy or effort manually. • Provide good coupling or handles. is needed to perform a task? • Push or pull loads instead of lifting, • Use versatile methods and equipment that lowering, or carrying. can perform a variety of tasks. Vibration and contact stress: Are equipment • Keep forces low during movement. vibrations or contact • Reduce prolonged static postures and stress causing Job redesign approaches: discomfort or pain? contact stress. • Consider work/rest cycles. Job enlargement: Increase physical variety • Standardize the types and sizes of materials by performing more components of a job. and equipment. Job enrichment: Expand role by increasing Design for the person. ownership and responsibility. • Design jobs to accommodate a wide range of body sizes and strengths. Job rotation: Introduce alternative tasks • Consider any special job demands, for with differing, less cumulative physical instance heavy thinking or sharp vision. demands. Vary tasks; allow time to learn a new task.