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Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomics

Lab Safety Advisor, February 21, 2006

Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomics

Many work and everyday situations are hazardous to our health. Musculoskeletal illnesses such as lower back pain and psychological illnesses due to stress constitute the most important cause of work-related absence due to illness and occupational disability. These conditions can be partly due to poor design of equipment, technical systems, or tasks. The reporting of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) and other work-related disorders because of ergonomic hazards has increased significantly. Computer technologies and new equipment often expose employees to increased repetitive motion and other ergonomic risk factors.

Posture and movement play a key role in ergonomics. Musculoskeletal disorders involve muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, bones, or supporting vasculature. These injuries include disorders of the back, neck, upper or lower extremities, or shoulders and involved strains, sprains, or tissue inflammation and dislocation.

Making ergonomic changes beneficial to employers

From an employer's point of view, making ergonomic changes to allow employees to keep working can reduce worker's compensation claims and actually save money in the long run. However, just because a device is labeled "ergonomic" does not guarantee that it has gone through human-centered design and user testing. It is up to the consumer to investigate ergonomic claims and make sure the device reduces risk factors and improve performance. Well-planned ergonomic efforts adapt the job to the person rather than forcing the person to fit the job. They require an understanding of potential problems, the ability to balance safety and operational efficiency, and accommodate operational changes.

Functional workspace within the laboratory depends on the equipment in use and the arrangement of individual testing workstations. A typical laboratory workstation for manual testing may be 22 square feet for one person. An automated workstation with an analyzer could take 45 square feet or more depending on the size of the instrument. Laboratories with physically challenged employees may have to allow more space to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements including a 60-inch turnaround for wheelchair access in the space provided.

 

Many things in the workplace are labeled as being "ergonomically designed". The cautious buyer should consider the following question when purchasing an "ergonomic item":

  • Does the product perform the desired function well?
  • Do ergonomic experts recommend the product?
  • Does the product feel comfortable after using it for a week?

Assembling an ergonomics safety team

In order to get employee buy-in for any type of ergonomic change, it is best to use a team approach and ask for volunteers to be on the team. Often these individuals will be the ones who have experienced ergonomic issues in the past. A member of the management team should be the chairperson, and it is best to have an odd number of people on the team so that there are no tie votes on important matters. An ergonomist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist would make an excellent addition to the team if not in a full-time capacity. Certainly he or she could offer assistance at the beginning of the team's work and to help train in the use of any assessment tools that may be necessary.

The first step in the work-site analysis is to determine what jobs and workstations are the sources of the greatest problems. A systematic analysis of injury and illness records can accomplish this step. Next, identification and analysis of trends or ergonomic problems relating to particular work area, workstation, job title, or operation are performed. Each workstation that is considered a problem or high risk should be analyzed by direct observation with assistance from qualified personnel such as an ergonomist (a scientist who studies how workstations can be adapted to the people who use them), a healthcare provider, or an affected employee familiar with the risks. Use of a symptom survey checklist, a complaint log or a suggestion box may also be useful.

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