INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS
Industrial ergonomic assessments evaluate workplace tasks and environments to
identify and mitigate risk factors that cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These
assessments adapt job requirements to the physical needs of employees to improve
well-being, job performance, and safety.
We provide ergonomic assessments and consulting services to companies as well as
proper implementation to ensure the best outcomes.
Purpose and Benefits
The primary goal is injury prevention and risk reduction, which yields several key
benefits:
- Injury Prevention Identifying and eliminating hazards reduces the risk of MSDs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain, which are among the most common workplace injuries.
- Cost Savings Addressing ergonomic issues can significantly cut workers’ compensation costs, reduce absenteeism, and lower medical expenses.
- Increased Productivity A comfortable and safe work environment leads to higher employee satisfaction, morale, and productivity, as workers can perform tasks more efficiently and with fewer disruptions.
- Compliance Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific ergonomics standard, employers are required by the OSH Act to protect workers from recognized serious hazards, including ergonomic ones.
Key Risk Factors
Ergonomic assessments focus on identifying the following risk factors within job tasks:
- Force The amount of physical effort required to perform a task, such as lifting, pushing, or gripping tools.
- Posture Awkward or sustained static body positions, such as excessive bending, twisting, or reaching.
- Frequency and Duration Repetitive motions performed over extended periods without adequate recovery time.
- Environment Factors like poor lighting, noise, temperature, and vibration can contribute to strain and discomfort.
The Assessment Process
A typical industrial ergonomic assessment involves several steps:
- Problem Identification Reviewing injury logs (like OSHA 300 logs), interviewing
employees, and observing the workplace to identify existing or potential issues. - Job Analysis Conducting an in-depth analysis of high-risk tasks to pinpoint specific hazards and their root causes.
- Solution Implementation Developing and implementing targeted control measures, which may include engineering changes (e.g., adjustable workstations, lifting aids), administrative controls (e.g., job rotation, proper rest breaks), and training.
- Evaluation Periodically reviewing the effectiveness of implemented solutions to ensure continuous improvement and long-term success of the ergonomics program.
Contact us for more information on how we can help you remain compliant, mitigate risk and assist in lowering your recordable injuries.
