Ergonomic solutions Flashcards
4 elements of successful ergonomic solutions
- Based on an effective ergonomic task analysis
- Results in tangible and realistic ergonomic “controls” at any or all levels of Engineering and Administrative controls
- Can be effectively implemented
- Eliminates or diminishes the root cause of current or projected health problem
what may be some limitations to task analysis
- analysis tools (measurement errors and limitations)
- who was analyzed (different styles of performance, injury that could have altered performance)
a successful ergonomic task analysis….? (2)
- correctly identifies major hazards related to current or potential injury
- can tie the determining factors that affect the health problem to relevant literature
what are ergonomic controls
An imposed constraint for the purpose of reducing or preventing exposure to occupational risk factors
2 types of ergonomic controls
engineering controls
administrative controls
Physical or logistic changes to work stations, equipment, materials, production facilities, or any other relevant aspect of the work environment that reduce or prevent exposure to risk factors
engineering controls
Types of engineering control
- workstation layout (ex heights)
- work methods (ex, change the way things are transported)
- selection and use of tools (ex, change tool design, change the way tools or parts are manipulated)
- personal equipment (ex, wrist supports, back belts, gloves)
the use of administrative measures (ie, policies, permits, standards, procedures) to reduce the risk of health risks.
administrative controls
types of administrative controls
- documented work standards (a ‘correct’ method) (traingin classes, manuals , poster etc)
- reduce shift length or overtime
- rotate workers through several jobs with different physical demands
- schedule more breaks for rest and recovery
- adjust the work pace
- train workers to recognize risk factors for MSDs
- instruct workers in work practices that can easy task demands
what do you need to consider when implementing a successful solution
logistics necessary for implementation by taking into account common barriers
– challenges and barriers to implementing ergonomic change (need to ‘sell’ the value of the erg assessment and change)
what are some employer administrative level barriers Lack of resources/funding/training
Lack of resources/funding/training
- Costs
- Ergonomic assessment reports often do not specify practical recommendations
what are some employee level barriers
- No consultation with employees affected by change results in lack of ownership over change
- Resistance to change
- How will the suggested change be accepted by the workers
- Technology change can result in loss of jobs effective ergonomic solution may involve automation which can impact both the employer and employee
4 general barriers to ergonomics
- The concept of ergonomic change (and cost of change) are not well accepted
- Still an “elective” subject in most, if not all, Engineering curriculums
- The science behind Ergonomics has been coined by some as “Voodoo Science” 4. Some companies have had to create their own ergonomics… Kodak
(ppl dont know what it is)
what do you need to consider when trying to eliminate the root cause of current health problem? (2)
- It is important to consider the impact of the ergonomic solution and whether it will eliminate or diminish the root cause of the current health problem
- It is not enough to say that it is related to the health problem you need to demonstrate that it will have a positive impact on the work through ongoing study and evaluation of the solution
demonstrating that the solution will have a positive impact on the work through ongoing study and evaluation of the solution, requires? (3)
- This may require a study to show its impact on occurrence of symptoms/injury (white papers)
- Facilitates ongoing evaluation of ergonomic solutions
- Eliminates or diminishes the root causes without creating new risk factors
