Question By: Ergonomics can roughly be defined as the study of people in their working environment. The goal is to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury due to work. In other words, the employee is our first priority in analyzing a workstation.
Purpose
The Department of Environment, Health and Safety's (EHS) purpose is to help all UNC employees create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment.
Goal
EHS wants to provide information and education to allow any employee to avoid injury.
Ergonomics: Risk Factors
ob activities involving any of the ergonomic risk factors below may contribute to or result in an increased risk of strain and injury.
• Awkward
• Bending
• Compression or contact stress
• Forceful exertions
• Insufficient rest breaks
• Lifting
• Lighting
• Noise
• Pushing, pulling
• Reaching, etc.
Utilizing Ergonomics to Reduce Risk
1. Go beyond the standard assessment: Ensure that any workplace assessment not only takes into account the unique factors of the facility's environment, but also the hazards specific to each employee's role.
2. Select appropriate safety equipment: Based on the assessment, introduce and provide employees with suitable safety equipment that encourages safe postures, aids lifting heavy items and protects them from common musculoskeletal injuries.
3. Take varying heights into account: Three employees performing the same job may be three vastly different heights, meaning it is unlikely that all of them are comfortable at their fixed workstations.
4. Offer opportunities to mix it up: Spending too much time in one position, either sitting or standing, can lead to potential injury. Height adjustable workstations can also benefit employees by enabling them to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
5. Consistently communicate and educate: Raising awareness of the risks among employees and reminding them to adjust repetitive movements, take breaks, use protective equipment, and avoid hazards can have a big impact on the number of incidents leading to injuries.
Developing a comprehensive strategy to prevent and reduce MSDs and promoting workplace health is of benefit to employers and employees alike.
Partnering with several experts, BodyBilt recently hosted a webinar on ergonomic challenges organizations and individuals are currently facing.
Visit https://bodybilt.com/overcoming-ergonomic-challenges-in-todays-environment/ for more information.
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