AlaCOMP

Overview

Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment.  Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimize the risk of injury or harm to the worker.  While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard for ergonomics, they do state that “Ergonomics- fitting a job to a person- helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity, and reduces the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)” (OSHA, 2021). 

Process to Protect Workers

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for employees.  Job related MSDs can be reduced by applying proper ergonomic principles.  The following steps are crucial elements of an effective ergonomic process:

1. Management Support - A strong commitment from management is a critical step in the success of an ergonomic process.  Management should set clear goals and objectives for ergonomics, discuss them with workers, assign appropriate responsibilities, and communicate clearly with their employees. 
2. Worker Involvement - Workers who are directly involved in the ergonomic process by participating in worksite assessments, developing solutions, and implementing procedures are an asset to an effective ergonomic process.  Involved workers can help identify hazards and give suggestions to reduce exposures to ergonomic risks. 
3. Training - Training ensures workers are aware of ergonomics and its benefits, are informed of ergonomic concerns in the workplace, and understand the importance of reporting early signs of MSDs. 
4. Identification - Identifying and assessing ergonomic problems in the workplace before they result in MSDs is a crucial step in the ergonomic process.
5. Reporting - Workers should know and be encouraged to report signs and symptoms of MSDs early.  Early reporting can improve job assessments, help prevent or reduce the progression of symptoms, and reduce the amount of loss time claims.
6. Implement Solutions - Once hazards are identified, there are many possible solutions that can be implemented to reduce, control, or eliminate ergonomic hazards. 
7. Evaluation - As with any safety program, evaluating the program’s effectiveness is an important step for continued improvement.  Established evaluation and corrective action procedures are needed to periodically assess the effectiveness of an ergonomic process and to ensure its improvement.  When evaluating the progress of an ergonomic process, assessments should determine whether ergonomic goals were met and determine the success of implemented solutions.

Review

A proper ergonomics program leads to a more productive workforce, less injury claims, and employees who feel better at work.    For more information on how you can improve your safety efforts with an effective ergonomics program, visit the AlaCOMP Online Safety Library or feel free to contact our Loss Control Department.

References

Department of Labor logo UNITED STATESDEPARTMENT OF LABOR. Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics.