1/23/2020 How to Recognize Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Workplace
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ow to Recognize Ergonomic Ris
Factors in the Workplace
August 29 / by Mark Middlesworth
Learn how to recognize ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.
Recent studies in the field of ergonomics identify both occupational and non-
occupational risk factors which lead to MSDs.
This article focuses on occupational, ergonomic risk factors.
The most important factor that results in the formation of MSD is the balance between
local so tissue fatigue and the individualʼs ability to recover from this fatigue. Su icient
blood supply is a critical factor in controlling local so tissue fatigue.
If an adequate supply of blood flow is maintained to the so tissues performing work,
metabolic balance can be sustained and excessive fatigue can be prevented.
One important key to maintaining this critical balance is the relationship between work
and human factors.
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1/23/2020 How to Recognize Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Workplace
Ergonomic Risk Factors
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Risk factors related to work activity and ergonomics can make it more di icult to
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maintain this balance, and increase the probability that some individuals may develop a
MSD.
The major workplace ergonomic risk factors to consider are:
High Task Repetition
Forceful Exertions
Repetitive/Sustained Awkward Postures
1. High Task Repetition
Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature, and are frequently controlled by
hourly or daily production targets and work processes. High task repetition, when
combined with other risks factors such high force and/or awkward postures, can
contribute to the formation of MSD. A job is considered highly repetitive if the cycle time
is 30 seconds or less.
Control methods to consider:
Engineering Controls – Eliminating excessive force and awkward posture requirements will
reduce worker fatigue and allow high repetition tasks to be performed without a significant
increase in MSD risk for most workers.
Work Practice Controls – Providing safe & e ective procedures for completing work tasks
can reduce MSD risk. In addition, workers should be trained on proper work technique and
encouraged to accept their responsibilities for MSD prevention.
Job Rotation – Job task enlargement is a way to reduce duration, frequency and severity of
MSD risk factors. Workers can rotate between workstations and tasks to avoid prolonged
periods of performing a single task, thereby reducing fatigue that can lead to MSD.
Counteractive Stretch Breaks – Implement rest or stretch breaks to provide an opportunity
for increased circulation needed for recovery.
2. Forceful Exertions
Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle e ort increases in
response to high force requirements, increasing associated fatigue which can lead to
MSD.
Control methods to consider:
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1/23/2020 How to Recognize Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Workplace
Engineering Controls – Eliminating excessive force requirements will reduce worker fatigue
and the risk of MSD formation in most
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systems, adjustable height li tables and workstations, powered equipment andRequest
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tools will reduce work e ort and muscle exertions.
Work Practice Controls – Work process improvements such as using carts and dollies to
reduce li ing and carrying demands, sliding objects instead of carrying or li ing, and
eliminating any reaching obstruction to reduce the lever arm required to li the object.
Proper Body Mechanics – Workers should be trained to use proper li ing and work
techniques to reduce force requirements.
3. Repetitive/Sustained Awkward Postures
Awkward postures place excessive force on joints and overload the muscles and tendons
around the e ected joint. Joints of the body are most e icient when they operate closest
to the mid-range motion of the joint. Risk of MSD is increased when joints are worked
outside of this mid-range repetitively or for sustained periods of time without adequate
recovery time.
Control methods to consider:
Engineering Controls – Eliminate or reduce awkward postures with ergonomic modifications
that seek to maintain joint range of motion to accomplish work tasks within the mid-range of
motion positions for vulnerable joints. Proper ergonomic tools should be utilized that allow
workers to maintain optimal joint positions.
Work Practice Controls – Work procedures that consider and reduce awkward postures
should be implemented. In addition, workers should be trained on proper work technique
and encouraged to accept their responsibility to use their body properly and to avoid
awkward postures whenever possible.
Job Rotation – Job rotation and job task enlargement is a way to reduce repeated and
sustained awkward postures that can lead to MSD.
Counteractive Stretch Breaks – Implement rest or stretch breaks to provide an opportunity
to counteract any repeated or sustained awkward postures and allow for adequate recovery
time.
The Bottom Line
Systematically recognizing and controlling ergonomic risk factors is an important part of
your companyʼs commitment to providing a safe place of work for all team members.
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