Ergonomic Awareness
When considering what triggers ergonomic issues some important information employees should be aware of:
- Repetitive motions
- Improper lifting and reaching
- Amount of force exerted
- Frequency of movements
- Work postures
- Duration at the computer
All these factor into whether an employee is at-risk to experience an ergonomic related injury. Supervisors should be diligent in reviewing the work assignments and recognizing if any of the following triggers and/or precursors to ergonomic injuries exist.
- Assignments that involve more than 4 hours of daily computer use
- Performing computer tasks with awkward postures
- Repetitively reaching or moving the upper extremities beyond their normal range of motion
- Working without adequate micro-rest breaks or alternating tasks
- Makeshift changes to workstation to increase support
- Musculoskeletal discomfort
If these situations are occurring, advise employees to obtain an ergonomic evaluation and/or go to Health Services for assistance. The Safety Coordinator, safety representatives or EHS Division Liaison are available resources.
Ergonomics Resources
- EHSS Ergonomics Website
- Ergonomics Evaluation - Guide for Supervisors: How to Close Out an “Unresolved” Ergonomic Evaluation
- Ergonomics Evaluation - Guide for Supervisors: When to Request an Ergonomic Evaluation
- Health & Safety Manual: Ergonomics
For further ergonomics information or assistance, contact Ira Janowitz at x6071.
If any of these factors are occurring, notify your supervisor and follow-up with an ergonomic evaluation and/or go to Health Services. The Division Safety Coordinators and EHSS Liaisons are also available resources.
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