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Ergonomics
In recent years, management of employees in office settings has expanded to include the concepts of ergonomics. Ergonomics can be defined as an applied science of adapting work environments to the needs and comfort of the workers. The emphasis is on making the work environment fit the worker rather than the worker fit the environment.
Concerns regarding an increase in repetitive muscular injuries (RMI's) are commonplace in offices with computer use. The goal of any ergonomics program is to maximize employee comfort, morale and productivity while reducing workplace injuries.
Emergency Management & Safety Solutions will assist your company to develop an effective program that has the following five components.
1. Management Commitment and Employee Involvement
- A. Management Commitment
The implementation of an effective ergonomics program requires a tangible, identifiable commitment on the part of management.
B. Employee Involvement
Employees can assist with the development of procedures, analysis of job tasks, suggestions for improvement and assessment of new equipment and technology.
C. Management Review and Evaluation
This includes monitoring of musculoskeletal complaint rates, evaluating workplace changes and effectiveness of procedures.
D. Ergonomics Program Team
A multidisciplinary team approach will consolidate expertise and responsibility. Team members may come from departments such as Facilities, Safety and Health, Human Resources, Training, Information Technology, and Medical.
- Workplace analysis should identify jobs and operations where changes can be made
that may increase comfort, productivity and morale and reduce the chance for
upper extremity injuries. This includes identifying jobs with static postures
and prolonged repetitive motions and establish criteria for prioritizing intervention.
It is also critical to perform an analysis of the work environment for the operations
identified in the first step. This may include lighting, noise, ventilation,
chair and work station design.
- Potential ergonomic-related problems may be addressed by making changes to ensure
that computer workstations are set up effectively and that tasks are designed
with sensitivity for the worker. This includes both engineering and administrative
control measures.
A. Engineering Controls
Engineering controls refer to measures that can be taken to change the workstation layout, working environment or the job itself.
B. Administrative Controls
Administrative controls refer to management of the work organization to reduce the frequency or the duration of work-related factors that may cause discomfort or possibly be associated with RMI's. This may include actions such as work rotation, adjustment of overtime hours, or allowing workers to take microbreaks (30-60 second stops).
- Ergonomic case management refers to early evaluation, diagnosis and treatment
of ergonomic medical conditions (RMI's). The two components of this is early
reporting of symptoms and medical input for workstation analysis and prevention
where appropriate.
- Computer workstation education will enable employees to operate their computers
comfortably and productively and will empower employees to make healthy changes
to their workstation and work styles. The topics covered should include:
- Body Posture
- Vision and lighting information
- Exercises to avoid stress on the back, neck, arms, shoulders, eyes
- Information on work organization issues
- Information on how to use the adjustability features that are available on the workstations.