Postured Ergonomics

A Comprehensive Industrial Ergonomic Assessment Checklist

Luke Curtis June 22, 2023

As businesses strive to increase efficiency and productivity, it's crucial not to overlook the impact of ergonomics on your workforce. Ergonomics – the study of people's efficiency in their working environment – plays a vital role in the health and safety of your employees. This is especially true in an industrial setting, where the work is often physically demanding, and the potential for musculoskeletal disorders is high.

Performing an ergonomic assessment is a proactive way to identify potential problems and make necessary adjustments. Here's a comprehensive ergonomic assessment checklist to help you get started.

Understand the Nature of Work and Workflows

Understanding the nature of work and how the workflows are designed is a crucial first step in any ergonomic assessment. This step involves conducting a comprehensive job analysis to uncover the detailed aspects of each task performed in your workplace, along with how those tasks interact to form the larger workflow.

• Types of Tasks Performed: Begin by identifying the types of tasks performed by employees. In an industrial setting, this might range from operating heavy machinery to performing precision assembly work. Understanding the nature of each task will help to reveal the specific ergonomic challenges that may be associated with it.
• Duration and Frequency of Tasks: Next, consider how often and for how long each task is performed. Tasks that are performed repetitively or for extended periods can pose a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This is especially true if these tasks involve high force or awkward postures.
• Sequence and Flow of Tasks: Understanding the sequence and flow of tasks can help you identify potential bottlenecks or areas where workers may be rushing, leading to increased ergonomic risk. Additionally, knowing the sequence of tasks can help in designing more efficient and ergonomically friendly workflows.
• Required Force, Posture, and Repetitive Motions: Lastly, pay attention to the force, posture, and repetitive motions required in each task. Are employees required to exert a lot of force, such as in heavy lifting or pushing? Do tasks require employees to work in awkward postures or perform repetitive movements? These are all factors that can contribute to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

By carrying out a thorough understanding of the nature of work and workflows, you can pinpoint potential areas of ergonomic concern. This information is the foundation for the rest of your ergonomic assessment and will guide your efforts to improve the ergonomics of your workplace.

Remember, every workplace is unique, so it's crucial to approach this process with a keen eye and an open mind. Changes in one area can often lead to unforeseen consequences in others, so it's important to consider the system as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual tasks.

Identify Ergonomic Risk Factors

Next, identify the ergonomic risk factors present in your workplace. These could include:

• Repetitive motions
• Forceful exertions
• Awkward postures
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Exposure to vibration or extreme temperatures
• Poorly designed workstations

Evaluate Employee Discomfort and Health Issues

Talk to your employees about any discomfort or health issues they may be experiencing. Common complaints in an industrial setting could include:

• Back pain
• Neck or shoulder tension
• Wrist or hand discomfort
• Lower limb discomfort
• Fatigue

Keep in mind that these symptoms could be early signs of a musculoskeletal disorder, and should be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

Review Workstation and Equipment Design

Investigating the design of workstations and the equipment used in your industrial workspace is another key element of an ergonomic assessment. This examination can help you uncover potential hazards and opportunities for ergonomic improvements.

• Seating Arrangement: While the traditional office environment often comes to mind when considering seating arrangements, even in industrial settings, where employees might not sit at desks, seating can be an important consideration. For tasks that are performed while seated, ensure chairs provide adequate support and can be adjusted to fit the user properly. Also, consider if employees have the opportunity to sit and rest during appropriate times, such as breaks.
• Height and Reachability of Work Surfaces and Equipment: The height of work surfaces and equipment should be such that employees can work comfortably without straining their backs, necks, or shoulders. Pay attention to areas where employees have to stretch or bend to reach necessary tools or equipment, as these could pose a risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Remember, the best height for a work surface or piece of equipment will depend on the specific task being performed and the individual employee's body size and shape.
• Availability and Use of Adjustable Components: Workstations should be designed to fit the worker, not the other way around. To this end, having adjustable components at the workstation, such as adjustable height work surfaces or tool holders, can be invaluable. These adjustments can allow each employee to customize their workstation to fit their needs, reducing strain and the risk of injury.
• Lighting Conditions: Proper lighting is crucial to prevent eye strain and fatigue. It can also reduce the risk of accidents. Ensure that work areas are well-lit and that lighting is appropriate for the task being performed. Avoid creating situations where employees are working in their own shadow or where glare could be an issue.
• Noise Levels: High noise levels can lead to hearing loss, but they can also increase stress and make communication difficult, contributing to workplace accidents. Consider whether noise is a potential issue in your workplace, and if so, take steps to reduce noise levels where possible and provide appropriate hearing protection where necessary.

By reviewing the design of workstations and equipment with these factors in mind, you can identify potential ergonomic issues and take steps to create a safer, more comfortable, and more productive work environment. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides useful guidelines for workstation design that can serve as a helpful resource during this review.

Develop and Implement Solutions

Once you've identified areas of concern, it's time to develop and implement solutions. These could range from adjustments to workstation design, changes in work practices, or training employees on correct posture and lifting techniques.

Our guide to understanding industrial ergonomics is a useful resource for workers and employers alike, providing in-depth insight into the importance of a well-designed, ergonomic workplace.

Regularly Review and Update Your Assessment

Ergonomics is not a one-time fix. Regularly reviewing and updating your ergonomic assessment will ensure that you continue to meet the changing needs of your workplace and workforce.

Consult a Professional

An ergonomic assessment can be a complex process, and it's often beneficial to consult a professional. At Postured Ergonomics, our team of ergonomic consultants are experts in industrial ergonomics. We'll help you conduct a thorough ergonomic assessment, identifying problem areas and providing effective, tailored solutions.

For businesses in San Diego and beyond, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our ergonomic consultation and assessment services. Your employees' health and safety, as well as your business productivity, could depend on it. Get in touch with us today.