Engineering Control Improvement Options
Workstations
Ergonomic Hazard Controls - Berglund Construction
- Raise or lower the work surface or the employee. This reduces bending, reaching, and awkward postures. A rule of thumb is to try to keep your hands at about elbow height when working.
- Use cut-out work surfaces to get closer to the work. This reduces visual effort and awkward postures.
- Reposition the work to reduce bending and reaching.
- Reconfigure the workstation so that sliding and rolling replaces lifting and carrying.
- Use adjustable equipment that allows for a comfortable, upright working posture.
- Provide close, convenient storage for frequently used materials, parts, or tools to reduce reaching and awkward postures.
- Provide comfort: Foot rests, padding, and good lighting, all make work more comfortable.
Material Handling
- Use lifting aids to reduce force, repetition, and awkward postures in lifting or handling tasks. Examples of assist devices include vacuum lifts, manipulators, mechanical lifts, workstation cranes, scissors lift, and automatic feed systems.
- Use mechanical aids to reduce force, repetition, and awkward postures in transporting materials and products around the workplace. Examples include: adjustable carts, conveyors, and powered transport for longer distances.
Storage and Retrieval of Materials
- Provide adequate, well-lit storage with easy access to reduce repetitive reaching, bending, twisting, and forceful exertions. Use mobile, lightweight storage carts with adjustable trays. Tilted containers make access easier.
- Increase the efficient use of storage space by grouping stored items by container size or shape.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Which of the following devices is best at reducing force, repetition, and awkward postures when transporting materials over long distances?
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