Ergonomic Safety – Part 2

 

Ergonomic Safety – Part 2

Ventilation Requirements for Confined Space

A proactive approach to Ergonomics will ensure that:

• Engineers will receive training in ergonomics and have appropriate information and guidelines regarding risk reduction

• Management planning new work processes should have knowledge of Ergonomics principles that contribute to the reduction or elimination of risk for the employees.

• Design strategies emphasize fitting job demands to the capabilities and limitations of employees. Incorporate the hierarchy of control, For example, for tasks requiring heavy materials & manual handling, use of mechanical assist devices to reduce the need for manual handling would be designed into the process

• Considering the other aspects of design should include like load design, layout of the workplace to allow for ease of access when using mechanical aids and eliminating unnecessary lifting activities.

Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace : A Complete Guide

Symptoms of MSDs

• Pain

• Weakness

• Stiffness

• Sensitivity

• Swelling

• Burning sensation

• Tingling

• Drowsiness

• Difficulty moving

• Clumsiness

Human Factors in Industry The Key to a 

Safe and Secure Workplace

Basic Ways to Reduce Ergonomic Risks

Hierarchy of control to be applied & Importance to be given for the Engineering Improvements. Engineering advancements include rearranging, modifying, redesigning, or replacing tools, equipment, workstations, packaging, parts, or products. These enhancements can be very effective because they may reduce or eliminate contributing factors. (For example, if your job requires sitting for prolonged periods of time, having an adjustable seat or foot stool so that your knees are higher than your hips helps protect your lower back.)

Administrative Improvements. Administrative improvements include changing work practices or the way work is organized.

• Providing variety / rotation in jobs

• Adjusting work schedules and work pace

• Providing recovery time (i.e., muscle relaxation time)

• Modifying work practices

• Ensuring regular housekeeping and maintenance of work spaces, tools, and equipment

• Encouraging exercise

Personal Protective Equipment. Safety devices, or personal protective equipment (PPE), includes gloves, knee and elbow pads, safety shoe, and other items that employees required to wear for that specific activity.

 Workplace Risk Assessment: 

A Key Step in Improving Safety

What are the advantages of ergonomics?

1. Increased savings

→Less injuries

→More productive and sustainable employees

→Fewer workers’ compensation claims

2. Fewer employees experiencing pain

→Implementing ergonomic improvements can reduce the risk factors that lead to  discomfort.

3. Improved productivity

→Ergonomic improvements can reduce the primary risk factors for MSDs, so workers are more efficient, productive and have greater job satisfaction.

4. Increased morale

→Attention to ergonomics can make employees feel valued because they know their employer is making the workplace safer.

5. Reduced absenteeism

→Ergonomics leads to healthy and pain-free workers who are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Hearing Protection Safety Why It Matters