722 Ergonomics Program Management

Elimination and Substitution

Elimination and substitution, while most effective at reducing hazards, also tend to be the most difficult to implement in an existing process. For example:

• If the process is still at the design or development stage, elimination and substitution of hazards may be inexpensive and simple to implement.
• For an existing process, major changes in equipment and procedures may be required to eliminate or substitute for an ergonomics hazard.

Some obvious examples of elimination include eliminating the need to carry heavy containers by replacing them with smaller containers. You can substitute that old office chair with a new ergonomically designed chair.

These strategies are considered first because they have the potential of completely eliminate the hazard, thus greatly reducing the probability of an accident. Redesigning or replacing equipment or machinery may be expensive, but remember that, according to the National Safety Council, the average direct and indirect cost of a lost work time injury is more than $38,000 and most injuries in the workplace are ergonomics-related.

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