WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
Ergonomics is the science (and art) of fitting the work environment to the employee. By improving the match between the work environment and the employee, you can expect improved employee comfort, reduced chances for occupational injuries, improved productivity, and improved employee job satisfaction.
Ergonomics is concerned with reduction of one or more of the following risk factors:
Awkward Posture: If a job task looks uncomfortable, it probably is and this increases the chances for injury. Whenever possible, strive to arrange the work environment or work processes to allow employees to work from comfortable, neutral posture. Excessive bending, reaching, awkward neck, back, and arm positions should be eliminated.
High Repetition: Repetition can be controlled by using equipment to reduce repetition, allowing employees to rotate tasks, assuring adequate staffing, and ensuring employees take regular breaks away from highly repetitive tasks.
Excessive Force: The need to exert excessive force should be controlled through use of proper equipment, assuring equipment is operating properly, and getting adequate help when needed.
Contact Stresses: Contact with sharp, abrupt edges whether from a fixed piece of furniture or from a tool should be avoided.
Vibration: Vibration can be reduced at the source through tool or equipment selection or by padding the body against vibration, e.g. padded gloves.
Extreme Temperatures: Work place ambient temperature should be controlled whenever possible.
Steps to improving ergonomics:
1. Identify the risk factors.
2. Determine potential solutions to reduce risk factors. If possible, determine temporary, short-term solutions that can be implemented until long-term solutions are implemented.
3. Implement the solution(s).
4. Follow-up to assure solution(s) are successful and to re-evaluate for additional risk factors.
Environmental Health & Safety
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Copyright © 2006 Minnesota State University Moorhead
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