722 Ergonomics Program Management

More Points to Remember

• Emphasize Consequences. Always discuss the consequences if trainees ignore safe procedures. Remember, there is no successful safety management system without a clear understanding of consequences and accountability.

• Keep sentences short. Grammar checker software can help you do this. Usually, a sentence of 7-15 words is adequate.
• Emphasize why. Remind the worker why it is important to do the step safely. The number-one reason employees don't comply with safety is that they don't know why it's important.

Below is a completed JHA including the safe job procedure.

JOB: Placing heavy containers on the conveyor platform

BASIC JOB STEP	HAZARDS - POSSIBLE INJURIES	PREVENTIVE MEASURES
1. Position your body over the heavy container in a "squat" posture with knees bent and back vertical.	Improper posture. Back muscle strain or sprains.	Only trained workers should lift heavy loads.
2. Grasp hold on each side of the container.	Improper grip, lack of hand-holds. Hand, arm, shoulder strains.	Use high-grip gloves. Lift using hand-holds. Two persons should lift odd-shaped objects.
3. Lift the container to the conveyor platform.	Overexertion. Back muscle and spine injuries.	Use squat lift. Lift with legs, not the back. Keep the back vertical.
SAFE JOB PROCEDURE
Step 1. Position your body over the container in a "squat" posture with knees bent and back vertical. Be sure your body is placed over the center of the container between the knees. Doing this will allow for a vertical lift with the least amount of compressive forces on the back. Step 2. Grasp each side of the container. Make sure you have a secure grasp. Use hand-holds if they are available. If needed, use high-grip gloves. Step 3. With the container positioned between the knees, lift vertically with back kept in the vertical position. Hold the container close to the body with elbows bent at about a 90-degree angle.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.