Setting the Stage for Action
Introduction
Fred A. Manuele, author of On the Practice of Safety, considers occupational ergonomics to be "the art and science of designing the work to fit the worker to achieve optimum productivity and cost efficiency, and minimum risk of injury." To best fulfill the goal to achieve these benefits through ergonomics, a sound program should be developed. An effective program will include a written plan, education, training, and effective procedures to identify, analyze, and evaluate work for ergonomic risk factors.
As with other workplace safety and health issues, managers and employees both play key roles in setting the stage: developing and carrying out an ergonomics program. It's important that management understand the benefits of an effective ergonomics program.
Ergonomics: Safety and Health Program
Ergonomics programs should not be regarded as separate from those intended to address other workplace hazards.
Ergonomics Programs that Work
Aspects of hazard identification, case documentation, assessment of control options, and health care management techniques that are used to address ergonomic problems use the same approaches directed toward other workplace risks of injury or disease. Although many of the technical approaches described in this course are specific to ergonomic risk factors and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), the core principles are the same as efforts to control other workplace hazards.
In 2023, a multinational company was cited by OSHA at three of its warehouses.
Federal officials found workers exposed to ergonomic hazards such as being at high risk of lower back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Strenuous warehouse working conditions, which require employees to lift heavy packages for long hours, often in “awkward postures,” contributed to the hazards, OSHA said.
The same company was cited for exposing workers to danger of being struck by falling boxes. They face a separate investigation for failing to record and report injuries and illnesses in a proper and timely manner.
The company disputed that a focus on productivity rates have led to high injury rates. They face ongoing federal probes into their workplace safety record, and fines upwards of $60,000.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. The science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers is called _____.
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