In industrial workplaces, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is paramount. One crucial tool in achieving this goal is the ergonomic assessment, a systematic evaluation of workplace conditions to identify and mitigate ergonomic risks. These assessments play a pivotal role in preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and promoting a safer, more efficient work environment.
An ergonomic assessment involves a comprehensive examination of workplace tasks, equipment, and environmental factors to identify potential ergonomic hazards. By analyzing various aspects of job tasks, such as posture, force exertion, repetition, and duration, these assessments aim to minimize the risk of MSDs and injuries among workers.
Ergonomic assessments are indispensable tools for safeguarding employee health and well-being in the workplace. By systematically evaluating job tasks and work environments, these assessments help organizations identify and mitigate ergonomic risks, ultimately promoting a safer and more comfortable work environment for all employees. Some of the most important reasons for utilizing ergonomic assessments are:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) constitute a significant portion of workplace injuries, particularly in industrial sectors such as manufacturing and transportation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), private companies experienced more than 900,000 MSD injury cases from 2021 to 2022, including more than 500,000 that caused the employee to spend time away from work. The BLS also notes that MSDs represent the largest category of workplace injuries.
The financial impact of MSDs on organizations is substantial, encompassing both direct and indirect costs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that employers spend approximately $15 to $20 billion annually on direct costs related to MSDs, including medical treatment and rehabilitation. According to the BLS, MSDs account for nearly 30 percent of total workers' compensation costs. Moreover, indirect costs, such as lost productivity and administrative expenses, can be up to five times higher than direct costs, as reported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
MSDs not only jeopardize physical health but also erode employee morale and job satisfaction. Workers experiencing MSDs may be more likely to take extended sick leave or seek alternative employment opportunities, leading to increased turnover rates. Persistent discomfort and pain resulting from ergonomic hazards can diminish employee morale, engagement, and overall job satisfaction, further emphasizing the importance of addressing ergonomic risks to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.
There are many different types of ergonomic assessments, and each has its own purpose. Listed below are five of the most common types of assessments used widely amongst occupational health and safety professionals. While not an exhaustive list, incorporating these diverse ergonomic assessments into workplace safety protocols enables organizations to proactively address ergonomic risks
Purpose: REBA is utilized to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by scrutinizing the entire body's posture and movement during various tasks.
When to use: Best suited for evaluating tasks involving dynamic movements and postures like lifting, bending, reaching, and pushing/pulling.
Example: Consider a worker on an assembly line in a manufacturing plant. Utilizing REBA, you can analyze the worker's posture during repetitive hand movements, bending, and reaching tasks. This assessment unveils postures prone to musculoskeletal strain, such as prolonged bending or twisting.
Purpose: RULA concentrates on the upper limbs (arms, neck, and trunk) to assess the risk of MSDs arising from repetitive tasks or prolonged static postures.
When to use: Suitable for tasks primarily involving repetitive motions or sustained static positions, such as assembly line work or computer tasks involving keyboard/mouse usage.
Example: In a factory setting, RULA can evaluate a worker's posture while operating heavy machinery or performing repetitive tasks. It may reveal strained wrist and arm postures due to machinery positioning or assembly line setup.
Purpose: NIOSH lifting equation assesses the risk of back injuries related to manual lifting tasks, considering factors like weight lifted, distance, frequency, and posture.
When to use: Applicable when evaluating manual lifting tasks in warehouses, construction sites, or any setting involving manual material handling.
Example: For warehouse workers manually lifting heavy boxes onto shelves, the NIOSH lifting equation can analyze lifting technique, box weight, distance lifted, and lift frequency. It may identify tasks exceeding weight limits or involving awkward postures, risking back injuries.
Purpose: RHSI evaluates the risk of hand/wrist injuries from repetitive manual tasks like gripping, twisting, and grasping.
When to use: Most appropriate for tasks with repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as assembly work, typing, or using hand tools.
Example: In an assembly line scenario, RHSI can assess repetitive hand movements and grip force required for tasks involving hand tools. It may highlight potential hand/wrist strain due to tool design or force requirements.
Purpose: Snook Tables offer guidelines for assessing overexertion injury risk based on parameters like frequency, duration, and weight, applicable to various manual tasks.
When to use: Useful for evaluating manual tasks involving exertion like lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling across different industries.
Example: For warehouse workers pushing heavy carts or pallet jacks, Snook Tables can assess overexertion injury risk. Analyzing load weight, pushing frequency, and task duration helps identify high-risk scenarios, guiding interventions to prevent injuries.
Ergonomic assessments serve as a foundational component of any workplace's ergonomics process. Identifying where ergonomic risks exist and assessing workers' exposure to them are crucial steps in creating safer work environments. Here's a breakdown of how to use an ergonomic assessment:
Ergonomic assessments should prioritize jobs that are likely to pose the highest risk to workers. These tasks often involve elements such as high force exertion, awkward postures, prolonged durations, or high frequency of movements. By focusing on these high-risk tasks initially, organizations can address the most pressing ergonomic concerns and prioritize interventions accordingly.
Whenever a new task is introduced as part of an operator's job, or when changes are made to the workstation or task procedure, ergonomic assessments should be performed. This ensures that any potential risks of MSDs or soft tissue injuries associated with the new task or changes are identified and addressed promptly. By conducting assessments proactively, organizations can prevent the introduction of new ergonomic hazards and maintain a safe work environment for employees.
Ergonomic assessments are also necessary after improvements have been made to a workstation or task. Whether modifications are made to the workstation layout, equipment, or procedure, follow-up assessments help ensure that the implemented changes have effectively reduced the risk level for workers. This iterative approach allows organizations to continuously monitor and refine ergonomic interventions to optimize workplace safety and employee health.
As you've seen, there are multiple benefits to including ergonomic assessments as part of your safety program. However, many evaluation types can be manual and time-intensive, leaving little time for higher value work such as implementing solutions and interventions. Using the latest technological advances in computer vision and AI, TuMeke automates the ergonomic assessment process, offering numerous benefits:
Computer vision technology ensures precise analysis of workplace conditions, minimizing the potential for human error.
Automation streamlines the assessment process, allowing for timely identification and mitigation of ergonomic risks.
Automated assessments provide rich, objective insights into the highest-risk tasks and jobs, facilitating informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
By preventing injuries and reducing associated costs, automated assessments contribute to significant cost savings for organizations.
In conclusion, ergonomic assessments are indispensable tools for promoting workplace safety and minimizing the risk of MSDs in industrial environments. By conducting thorough assessments, organizations can create safer, healthier work environments, enhance employee well-being, and improve overall organizational performance. Automating the assessment process further enhances efficiency and accuracy, enabling organizations to proactively address ergonomic risks and foster a culture of safety.
%201.svg){kind=logo}
.jpg)
