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OSHA Ergonomic Standards for Lifting & Reaching

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, does not have specific regulatory requirements for ergonomic issues in the workplace. The general standard described in federal code only states that an employer will provide a safety work environment. OSHA does, however, provide guidelines and e-tools to assist employers reduce the incidents of musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, in the workplace. Improved ergonomic conditions reduce work related injuries and worker’s compensation claims.

  1. Provide Management Support

    • Without management commitment, a workplace improvement probably won’t be effective. Employers need to provide resources, assign personnel to ensure the program is maintained, as well as monitor progress. The ergonomic safety program itself needs goals, a measurement process to evaluate progress, such as training and job analysis, and follow-up to ensure progress is maintained.

    Involve Employees

    • Employee input is important to achieving a safer and more comfortable workplace. Open discussion of work methods, evaluation of equipment and suggested changes all help employers determine what changes and improvements are needed.

    Identify Problems

    • Along with worker input, the employer should analyze OSHA 300 and 301 forms. These two forms are the injury and illness reporting forms required by OSHA. Information from these forms can indicate where ergonomic improvements are needed.

      Another way for employers to identify problems is to observe the employees working. Attention should be given to the types of motion required, such as stepping, bending, twisting or reaching; the physical effort required, such as light or heavy lifting or carrying; and how often the worker carries out these movements.

    Implement Solutions

    • When improvements have been identified, they must be implemented. Three areas of ergonomic safety are common across most industries.

      Before you lift an object, it is important to know its weight. If it weighs more than 50 lbs., you should either use a “two-person lift,” or use a mechanical lift system. Keep the object as close to your body as possible, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift the object. While lifting and carrying an object, avoid twisting.

      Proper work posture for repetitive tasks involves keeping your body in a neutral and comfortable position. Keeping your back and neck straight, shoulders relaxed, hands and wrists in line with your forearms and using anti-fatigue mats are all examples of maintaining good posture and comfort. It is also important to take breaks and stretch periodically throughout the work shift.

      The best “work zone” for workers means keeping work movements between waist and shoulders vertically, between the shoulders horizontally and “as far forward as your wrist when you hold your arm slightly bent.”

    Provide Training and Evaluate Progress

    • Employers need to train workers on the most ergonomic methods. Employees also must be able to identify and use the proper equipment and work practices. Periodic refresher training can be used to inform employees of improved or new equipment and work methods.

      Constant evaluation of progress is necessary to ensure the ergonomic safety program is working. Progress can be indicated by fewer reported work related injuries or identifying areas for further improvement.

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