Some possible modifications for the office could include providing standing desks, adjustable chairs and workstations, footrests, ergonomic keyboards, and lumbar support. Manufacturing and industrial companies can improve the ergonomics for their employees by providing anti-fatigue standing mats, adjustable workstations, occupational therapy, and training to improve neck and shoulder posture. At its core, conducting a successful ergonomic assessment is a simple process: Evaluate the work environment and evaluate how your workforce interacts with that environment.
But you should keep these broad goals in mind as you begin your ergonomic assessment so that you can analyze the specifics without getting bogged down in irrelevant details. Here are five foolproof steps for performing a successful ergonomic assessment:.
The first step to any ergonomics assessment is to take a workplace history and ensure that you understand your baseline. This will help you focus your ergonomics assessment and improvement efforts on areas where you will see the most results. There are well-respected ergonomics assessment tools available in the public domain that have been developed by organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Here are some of the best available ergonomics assessment tools:. Most of these tools are easily accessible online and several have now developed mobile apps as well. Choose the tools that apply to your workplace or facilities and use these as the basis for gathering your objective data. Rather than jumping right in with your chosen tools and measuring ergonomic risk factors, we recommend starting with a hands-on, subjective evaluation of your current workplace.
Begin by walking the floor or the offices to get a real-life understanding of the environment your employees are working in and making notes about any problem areas you see.
Remember to be critical and look at your workplace the way an outsider might see it—come to it with fresh eyes. During your walk-through, pull employees aside for a quick conversation about their working conditions.
A single page form is used to evaluate required body posture, force, and repetition. Based on the evaluations, scores are entered for each body region in section A for the arm and wrist, and section B for the neck and trunk.
The Liberty Mutual MMH Tables commonly known as Snook Tables outline design goals for various lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying tasks based on research by Dr. Stover Snook and Dr. This is done by comparing data for each of the specific manual handling tasks against the appropriate table. This tool is designed to evaluate ergonomic risks factors including awkward postures, highly repetitive motions, high hand force, repeated impacts, lifting, and hand-arm vibration.
Some questions you could ask include:. Another way to gain employee insights is through a comfort survey. Then pair that list with your chosen methodology and tools to start your objective evaluation. Begin by reviewing the information in its entirety, taking note of insights that stand out. Dive into each job type or department category to get a more granular picture of risks and potential opportunities. Then create a prioritized list of task risks and mitigation opportunities to tackle in the short-term and long-term.
Some questions to ask yourself throughout this process are:. Some questions to consider during your discussion might include:. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, The New Leaf. Our goal is to keep you updated, educated and even a bit entertained as it relates to all things EHS and sustainability. Please note some functionalities might not be supported in this version of Edge. More information. News Events Webinars Blog Overview. Search Ask Antea Group What are you looking for?
The 7 Steps for Conducting an Ergonomic Assessment Include: Review existing data and any past ergonomic assessments Establish a standard ergonomic assessment method Get a real-life picture of your facility Engage employees and get direct feedback on their workspaces Gather objective data Assess data and prioritize risk Craft a plan to implement mitigation.
Download Our Ergonomics Assessment Infographic! What Is an Ergonomic Assessment? Get a real-life picture of your facility If you want your ergonomics program to be successful, you need to have on-the-ground knowledge of the environment that employees are working in. Some questions you could ask include: Does your job involve heavy or strenuous lifting? Do you experience discomfort while doing your job? Do you get easily fatigued when performing your job?
What do you see as the biggest safety issue with your job? How would you solve the issue?
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