|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

OSHA Ergonomics Requirements

Ergonomics is the study of body positioning while performing work duties. Proper ergonomics support the back and prevent strains and other injuries. For example, adjusting the position of a computer keyboard can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome for the user. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a multi-faceted approach to reducing musculo-skeletal disorders due to poor workplace ergonomics. Ergonomic requirements have been developed for a few specific industries, but they can be adapted to nearly all work environments.

  1. Employee Involvement

    • The involvement of employees, and the strong support of managers, is a critical component in the development of OSHA's ergonomics requirements. Employees have the most accurate insight into workplace ergonomics issues and can identify risks and solutions. Managers should respond to any ergonomics issues presented by their employees. According to OSHA, employees respond better to changes when they are involved in the process.

    Hazard Recognition

    • Employers should regularly review work sites for potential ergonomics issues. They should also do their own research into workplace hazards. Analyzing injury records and workers' compensation benefit records is a good place to begin. Surveys and interviews are additional tools employers can use to identify ergonomic problems. Among the factors that lead to injuries are force, repetition, and awkward and prolonged static postures. Force is defined as the amount of physical effort required to perform a task or to maintain control of equipment or tools. Repetition is defined as performing the same motion or series of motions frequently for an extended period of time. Awkward and prolonged static postures are defined as positions that place stress on the body, such as repeated or prolonged reaching above shoulder height, bending forward or to the side, twisting, kneeling and squatting. Cold temperatures and employee behavior may contribute to these risks.

    Training

    • OSHA requires all employees to receive job-specific training on ergonomics issues. Effective training includes the proper use of equipment and tools, proper work practices and positions, awareness of tasks that may lead to pain or injury and recognition of musculo-skeletal disorders.

    Solutions

    • Changes to equipment, work practices and procedures may be necessary to promote good ergonomics. These changes may also increase productivity because they eliminate unnecessary movement and reduce heavy manual work. For example, lighting should be positioned directly over a work area to eliminate eye-strain risks. Solutions should be evaluated for effectiveness and refined as necessary. Evaluations may include review of new injury reports, communication with employees and employee performance measurements.

Work Safety - Related Articles