Ergonomics

There are signs that indicate ergonomic problem areas. For instance, your company's OSHA Form 300 log, workers' compensation claims or other accident and injury reports may show cases of musculoskeletal disorders, e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, Raynaud's syndrome, and low-back pain.

In addition, watch for these ergonomic indicators:

• Jobs that require the same motions every few seconds (three to five) for more than two hours at a time

• Fixed or awkward work postures for more than a total of two hours, such as bending, bent wrists, kneeling, twisting, or squatting

• Use of vibration or impact tools or equipment for more than a total of two hours

• Lifting, lowering, or carrying more than 25 pounds more than once during the work shift

• Piece rate or machine-paced work for more than four hours at a time.

• Workers' complaints of physical aches and pains related to their work assignments

Ergonomic Risk Factors

There are also a number of ergonomic risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. These factors should be addressed as part of your worksite control program. Among the factors of concern are:

• Regular repetitive tasks

• Jobs requiring forceful or prolonged exertions of the hands

• Vibration and/or cold temperatures

• Jobs requiring heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects

• Poor body mechanics

• Restrictive workstations

• Awkward postures

• Hand tools that do not meet the requirements of the job

Controlling Ergonomic Hazards

After you have identified workplace hazards that contribute to ergonomic injuries and illnesses, the next step is implementing methods of controlling these hazards. NIOSH recommends taking a three-tier approach:

• Reducing or eliminating potentially hazardous conditions using engineering controls

• Changes in work practices and management policies, sometimes called administrative controls

• Use of personal protective equipment