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OSHA Ergonomic Program Requirements

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines ergonomics as “the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population.” Poor workplace design increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in jobs that include repetitive or stressful motion. OSHA provides guidance to the poultry, grocery, nursing home and shipyard industries for employers to minimize MSDs in their workers.

  1. Providing Management Support

    • Like any other safety and health issue in the workplace, an ergonomics program needs management support. Employers provide support by communicating the importance of worker safety and health with a written safety plan. Resources that support ergonomics include floor mats, adjustable tables and stools, appropriate tools and personal protective equipment.

    Worker Involvement

    • Worker involvement helps employers create and maintain a comprehensive ergonomics program. Employers should actively seek workers’ input on needed ergonomic improvements and the evaluation of improvements. Employers need to allow workers to submit recommendations without fear of reprisal.

    Provide Training

    • Employers should provide ergonomics training to workers that includes procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses, ergonomic process policies, how to identify ergonomic risk factors, proper use of tools and safety equipment, proper lifting techniques, and how to recognize symptoms of MSDs. Supervisors and managers should receive additional ergonomics training to recognize problems and implement appropriate changes.

    Identify Problems and Implement Solutions

    • Employers should conduct an initial workplace survey to collect available information to identify potential problems. Look at workstations that require repetitive, stressful or awkward motions and postures. Observe employees at their workstations and get recommendations from them.

      OSHA requires employers to record and report all work-related injuries and illnesses. Then they should analyze these reports to determine if workplace improvements are necessary and implement specific solutions based on the problems found. Examples include workstation modification, new equipment and work practice changes. Employers also need to follow up on injury reports to determine if the improvements are effective.

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