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Ergonomics and the Prevention of |
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Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. When there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can result. Ergonomics encompasses the practice of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker. It provides a means for adjusting the work environment and work practices to prevent injuries before they occur. PPE includes devices for protecting the eyes, face, head and extremities as well as protective clothing, protective shields and barriers. Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Although definitions vary, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes the general term “musculoskeletal disorders” or MSDs as follows:
The term “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders” refers to: (1) musculoskeletal disorders to which the work environment and the performance of work contribute significantly, or (2) musculoskeletal disorders that are made worse or longer lasting by work conditions. Neither the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) nor New Jersey PEOSH have a specific ergonomics standard. At present, serious ergonomics hazards in New Jersey public sector workplaces are addressed following federal OSHA's lead, under the General Duty Clause. The General Duty Clause of the PEOSH Act describes the employer's obligation to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." This clause is utilized to cite serious hazards where no specific PEOSH standard exists to address the hazard, as is the case with ergonomic stressors. When PEOSH uses the General Duty Clause to cite an employer, it must demonstrate that:
Although a mandatory ergonomics standard does not exist, PEOSH and OSHA have issued the following voluntary guidelines:
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Implementation of An Ergonomics Program An effective occupational safety and health program that addresses ergonomic hazards includes the following major program elements:
Management leadership and employee involvement are complementary and essential elements of a sound safety and health program. Commitment by management provides the organizational resources and motivating force necessary to deal effectively with ergonomic hazards. Employee involvement and feedback through clearly established procedures are likewise essential, both to identify existing and potential hazards and to develop and implement an effective way to abate such hazards. Additional employee input can be sought:
Workplace analysis identifies existing hazards and conditions, operations that create hazards, and areas where hazards may develop. Be aware of common contributing conditions within your industry or job classifications. If other companies in the same industry have ergonomic-related problems, then it is possible these potential problems are also your concern. Workplace analysis also includes close scrutiny and tracking of injury and illness records to identify patterns that may indicate development of MSDs.
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Once ergonomic hazards are identified through the systematic worksite analysis discussed above, the next step is to design measures to prevent or control these hazards. A three-tier hierarchy of controls is widely accepted as an intervention strategy for controlling workplace hazards: 1) engineering controls; 2) administrative controls, and; 3) personal protective equipment. Although engineering controls are preferred, administrative controls can be helpful as temporary measures or until engineering controls can be implemented. NIOSH recommends the following steps in hazard control:
PPE should be selected with ergonomic stressors in mind. It should not contribute to extreme postures and excessive forces. Whether the use of PPE worn or used by the employee (such as wrist supports, back belts or vibration attenuating gloves) offers protection against ergonomic hazards remains open to question. On the basis of a review of the scientific literature, NIOSH concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove the effectiveness of back belts in preventing back injuries related to manual handling jobs (see NIOSH's Back Belts - Do They Prevent Injury?). Less controversial types of PPE are vibration attenuating gloves and knee pads for carpet layers. Implementation of a medical management system is a major element in the employer's ergonomics program. Proper medical management is necessary to eliminate or materially reduce the risk of MSD signs and symptoms through early identification and treatment. Thus an effective medical management program is essential to the success of an employer's ergonomics program. In an effective program, health care providers will be part of the team, interacting with and exchanging information routinely in order to prevent and properly treat MSDs. For ergonomics, the overall goal of training is to enable managers, supervisors, and employees to identify aspects of job tasks that may increase a worker's risk of developing MSDs, recognize the signs and symptoms of disorders, and participate in development of strategies to control or prevent them. The program should be designed and implemented by qualified persons and tailored to the specific concerns in the workplace. Special training should be provided for persons administering the program. NIOSH recommends the following levels of ergonomics training and associated objectives based on employee categories: |
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