Chapter 10: Reducing and Eliminating Workplace Injuries through Ergonomics 2 CCHs
By: Katherine Rush, PT Learning objectives After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Define ergonomics and discuss the benefits of and ways to determine the needs of an ergonomics program, the goals of the program (if implemented), and the steps involved in implementing a well-designed ergonomics program. Summarize the steps employers should take in conducting a job hazard analysis and discuss what risk factors evaluators should notate in a workplace evaluation including awkward postures, contact stress, lifting, lighting, repetitive motion, and other factors that are of particular importance to safety within the workplace. Many companies today are using “ergonomics,” or the study of work, when designing workspaces that will prevent injuries and strains, as well as other disorders. Repetitive tasks, increased needs for quick production and the frequency of musculoskeletal injuries are all factors that contribute to the rising costs of workers’ compensation payouts. Estimates indicate that employers spend as much as $20 billion a year on direct costs of musculoskeletal disorder-related workers’ compensation cases, and up to five times that amount for indirect costs, or costs associated with hiring and training replacement workers [1] . Studies have shown that employees involved in ergonomic programs tend to feel Job hazard analysis How does a company determine if it needs an ergonomics program? All companies can benefit, to some extent, from an ergonomics program; however, generally a company will consider the investment when there have been multiple workers’ compensation claims. Typically the goal of a company would be to reduce the cost involved with workers’ compensation insurance, reduce the number and severity of injuries, and prevent further injuries as well as reduce the indirect costs associated with the injuries. Occasionally a patient will demonstrate need of an ergonomics assessment during physical or occupational therapy treatment. Perhaps the pain or discomfort that brought them to therapy is either directly caused or exacerbated by their employment. This may be a trigger to the employer that a company-wide ergonomics program is needed, or at least an individual assessment is indicated. In these cases, the goal is to reduce or eliminate the source of pain for the patient. Regardless of whether a business is requesting a company-wide program, or a patient needs an individual assessment, the first step used to determine need and extent of an ergonomics program is to perform a job hazard analysis. According to OSHA, the following five things should be included in a job hazard analysis [3] : 1. Involve the employees . Employees who are not initially consulted and involved in the process are less likely to fully participate in the program. This is typically not an issue if a patient requests the assessment, but if a company is initiating a corporate-wide program, employees may be less inclined to participate. Many of the interventions that can improve the safety of a task require employees to change movement patterns and to accurately report possible and actual risks. If they are involved and are fully participating, the outcomes will be much better. There are several different times and ways to include employees. Start by asking employees about the risks involved with their job. Are they currently having discomfort or pain? Perhaps even having an unreported
Discuss recommendations for improvement, both to the individuals and to the employers, which will to decrease and/or eliminate risks to workers while creating healthier environments that will ultimately reduce the likelihood of workers’ compensation claims and injuries. Describe activities, exercises and stretches that will benefit office workers and will encourage movement, as well as reduce strain and/or injuries brought on by sedentary office work.
INTRODUCTION
better, feel valued by their employers and are more efficient in their work as a result. The Washington State Bureau of Labor and Statistics found that every ergonomics program studied either increased productivity or reduced injuries; the outcome was a decrease in costs to the employer and, in turn, reduced the injury levels to “zero” [2] . This course will offer suggestions for completing a successful, comprehensive and useful ergonomics assessment that will focus on preventing musculoskeletal injuries by effectively analyzing job hazards, identifying and evaluating risk factors and offering recommendations to reduce or eliminate these risks within the workplace environment. injury? If so, management should include them in the process of coming up with solutions, and ask them about ideas to improve processes and possible equipment purchases to reduce the risk of injury. While the primary focus of an ergonomics program is to prevent injuries, a well-designed ergonomics program will also improve the efficiency of the employees. Once the solutions have been decided on, management can include employees in the process of implementing them. In some cases, key employees have been identified to spearhead the implementation of solutions. These key employees receive additional education about the benefits and the mechanics of the ergonomic solutions, and then it becomes their job to train and implement these strategies in their individual departments. Once ergonomic solutions have been implemented in each department, management should include employees in ongoing monitoring of the program’s effectiveness and encourage suggestions for improvement. 2. Review accident history . Employers should have a record of all workers’ compensation claims; however, actual accidents will not give a full picture of the possible risks. Near misses should also be assessed. A near miss is defined as any incident where harm did not occur, but harm could have occurred as a result of equipment malfunction or the processes or actions of the employees. If the employer has not kept a record of this, interviewing the employees may give more insight on risks that may not have caused injuries yet. As part of the ergonomics program, a system should be put into place to monitor all actual and potential injuries. A good record-keeping system will assess the effectiveness of the ergonomics program as well as assist in the prevention of future injuries. 3. Conduct a preliminary job review . Management should talk to the employees to determine if they aware of any risks. Employees may also be able to provide ideas to improve the
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