ERGONOMIC CONSULTATION AND TRAINING
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Ergonomics is the science of designing a person's environment so that it facilitates the highest level of function. A person's work environment should fit his or her capabilities as a worker and NOT the worker fitting the set-up of the work station.
Good ergonomics prevent injury and promote health, safety, and comfort for employees. The use of good ergonomic principles can increase worker productivity and quality. Employers can implement a programme that includes guidelines for employees to follow, contributes to an efficient work environment, prevents injuries and the development of chronic medical conditions, and help its employees return to work after an injury has occurred. An ergonomic consultation can determine how the components of the workplace can facilitate a healthy and efficient environment or one that could cause injury or illness. Employers are assisted to identify hazards that may contribute to on-the-job injury, and recommendations made as to how it can be eliminated. The consultation has a two-step approach:
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- Identify and eliminate accident and injury risk factors in the workplace, such as actions associated with repetition, force, fixed or awkward postures, poorly designed tool handles, heavy loads, distance, vibration, noise, extreme temperatures, poor lighting, and psychosocial and other occupational stresses.
- Analyze job functions and job descriptions based on job tasks.
- Design pre-hire screenings to determine a candidate's suitability to a particular job.
- Modify tools and equipment so that they do not enable injury or illness.
- Provide education and training on injury prevention, workplace health and safety regulations, and managing job-related stress.
- Determine reasonable accommodations and worksite accessibility
- Recommend changes employers can take to minimize injury and accident risk factors.