Ergonomics
Nov 29, 2011

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss ergonomics. How important proper ergonomics can be to both the employer and the employee. To talk about some of the education and training options available to companies for its employees. Some employer responsibilities and how OSHA enforces them. And finally, a look at a few organizations created to influence ergonomics.

Introduction Ergonomics is basically the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. Throughout this paper I will go over the importance of proper ergonomics, along with a certain medical disorder that can result from ergonomic hazards. Then discuss different types of ergonomic education and training, as well as the delivery options available. Look at some basic employer responsibilities as well as OSHA Enforcement. And briefly go over two organizations that influence human factors and ergonomics around the world.

Importance of Proper Ergonomics The science of fitting workplace conditions and demands of the job to the capabilities of the working population is Ergonomics. Ensuring effective and successful ergonomic practices will help generate higher productivity, greater avoidance of illness and injury, and even a possible increase in job satisfaction among the workforce. The avoidance of illness and injury is extremely important in today’s workplace as many companies are dealing with budget restraints. The “do more with less” way of thinking can lead to having more workers’ compensation claims and less time the employee is at work due to injuries. Some reasons for this are that people are now forced to spend more time in front of computers to make up for things like going paperless or cutting workforce size. Reducing workforce size can also leave people at the same job stations for longer periods of time performing the same repetitive tasks. These issues can all lead to the increased possibility of a worker suffering from some type of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD). An MSD is a condition where a part of the musculoskeletal system has been injured over a period of time. This disorder can occur when a certain part of the body is called upon to work harder, stretch farther, impact more directly, or otherwise function at a much greater level than the body is prepared for. Add extremes in temperature changes, hot or cold, and you could be putting even more undue stress on the body. While the immediate impact might be minute, it is the buildup of constant trauma over time that causes the disorder. MSDs have also been associated with aging, so as the population ages throughout the world, MSDs are likely to become more prevalent (Felson, 2002). Some of the more common MSDs include strains and sprains, soreness or pains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and connective tissue disorders.

Education and Training Different types of ergonomics education and training can be used for various categories of workers. You could use awareness training to give out general information to all employees. You could teach things like proper posture while sitting and typing as well as taking breaks at certain time intervals from looking at your computer monitor. More specialized training might be needed for the worker on an assembly line that has to bend over or make the same movement repeatedly for hours at a time. And possibly intensive, formal, training for those that will be taking on job analyses or problem solving work. There are also several different ways to deliver the training. There are booklets that can be handed out to employees with ergonomic tips covering a wide variety of topics. Videos or DVDs of specific training can also be used. Some companies even offer e-training on the internet for specific industries, and can even customize training for specialized needs. You can also use an ergonomist to conduct classroom training either onsite or offsite (ETC, 2008).

Employer Responsibilities Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are charged with certain responsibilities. Of the most important, employers must provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules and regulations under the OHSA Act. Ergonomic hazards are recognized hazards. In regards to MSDs, there are several steps that an employer can take to encourage early evaluation by a health care provider if there are any signs of this disorder. Within the training program employers could provide information regarding signs and symptoms of MSDs, as well as proper reporting procedures if suspected. Ensure employee privacy, to the extent permitted by law, regarding medical conditions are kept confidential. Employers could also look into modifying jobs, work stations, or otherwise accommodating employees that have functional limitations due to MSDs (Cohen, Gjessing, Fine, Bernard, & McGlothlin, 1997). A protective layer of clothing or other type of equipment between the hazard and the worker might also be appropriate.

OSHA Enforcement Back in March 2001 our Congress passed, and President Bush singed, Joint Resolution 6, which rescinded the original ergonomics rule put into place under the Clinton administration. President Bush stated the rules signed by the former president were “unduly burdensome and overly broad.” President Bush did promise to seek other ways to address concerns over ergonomics and other workplace related issues (CNN, 2001). Under the Congressional Review Act, the agency is also prohibited from issuing a new rule that is substantially the same as the first one. This does not mean OSHA will not cite employers for ergonomic hazards. Under the OSH Act’s General Duty Clause, employers must keep their workplaces free from recognized serious hazards, to include ergonomic hazards. OSHA does have basic criteria that it uses when deciding to cite, and are imposed by the General Duty Clause. Its criteria includes: whether there exists an ergonomic hazard, whether the hazard is recognized, whether the hazard is causing (or likely to cause) serious physical harm to employees, and whether a feasible means exists to reduce the hazard. In cases where OSHA determines not to cite, it can still issue a hazard alert letter with recommendations on how to reduce the hazard as well as resources available to assist employers in the process. OSHA can then follow up with companies to evaluate the actions, if any, that the employers have taken to address the ergonomic hazards (Occupational Safety & Health Administration, n.d.).

Organizations Influencing Ergonomics The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) is an international organization that was founded in Zurich, Switzerland. The IEA is the federation of ergonomics and human factors around the world. Its mission is to elaborate and advance the science and practice of ergonomics, contribute to society by expanding its scope of application to improve the quality of life, and to work closely with its constituent societies and related international organizations. One contribution of the IEA was working with the International Labour Organization to publish a revised version of “Ergonomics Checkpoints”. The original version was published back in 1996 and has been a popular training product since then. This book provides information on practical and easy to implement solutions for improving safety, health, and working conditions. In 1957, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) was founded. Its mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and designs of all kinds. The HFES believes such knowledge should be given consideration in the assignment of all human beings and machines, whether they serve as operators, maintainers, or users within the system. For those entering the human factors profession, those that will conceive, design, develop, manufacture, test, manage, and participate in the systems, the Society encourages appropriate education and training. They have 23 technical groups, and numerous local and student groups. Each technical group is concerned with its own specific human factor aspect. The Aerospace Systems group, Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making group, Environment Design group, and Marcoergonomics group are just a few of the 23.

Conclusion Overall, there is more to just sitting up straight at your desk when we talk about ergonomics. Proper ergonomics is important in every job we do, can affect each worker, and eventually even cause damage to the business itself. There are plenty of educational and training opportunities available to employers to recognize, correct, and prevent ergonomic hazards. Employers must also remember they too have certain responsibilities required by the OSH Act of 1970, and OSHA is required to enforce those standards. Hopefully with all the information available today, and good communication on everybody’s part, we can start decreasing the number of ergonomic hazards in our workplaces.
References

Cohen, A., Gjessing, C., Fine, L., Bernard, B., McGlothlin, J. (1997, March). Elements of Ergonomics Programs. U.S. Department Of Health and Human Services. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/97 117/pdfs/97-117.pdf

CNN. (2001). Bush signs repeal of ergonomic rules into law. Inside Politics. Retrieved Nov 20, 2011, from the CNN web site: http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/03/20/ bush.ergonomics/

ETC. (2008). Ergonomics Training and Education. Retrieved November 21, 2011, from the Ergonomics Technologies Corp. (ETC) web site: http://www.ergoworld.com/ergonomics-training3.htm

Felson, D. (2002). Musculoskeletal Disorders. Retrieved November 25, 2011, from the Healtline web site: http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/musculoskeletal-disorders

Occupational Safety & Health Administration. (n.d.). Ergonomics: Enforcement. Retrieved November 19, 2011, from the U.S. Department of Labor web site: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/faqs.html