Evaluate Common Controls For Mitigating Ergonomic-Related Ha ✓ Solved

Evaluate common controls for mitigating ergonomic-related hazards

Evaluate common controls for mitigating ergonomic-related hazards.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Ergonomic-related hazards pose significant risks in various occupational settings, leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), repetitive strain injuries, and decreased productivity. Effectively mitigating these hazards requires implementing control strategies that address the root causes of ergonomic issues, primarily focusing on improving tool design, workstations, and work procedures. This paper evaluates common controls used to reduce ergonomic-related hazards with an emphasis on proper tool design and other control measures, supported by current ergonomic principles and industry best practices.

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a substantial occupational health concern worldwide, impacting workers' quality of life and organizational productivity. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2004), ergonomic hazards often stem from improper design of tools, equipment, and work stations that fail to accommodate the diversity of workers' anthropometry and task requirements. Consequently, implementing effective controls is imperative to minimize these hazards. Such controls include engineering modifications, administrative changes, and the use of personal protective equipment, but this paper primarily focuses on controls related to tool design and workstation adjustments.

Understanding Ergonomic Hazards and Their Impact

Ergonomic hazards typically manifest as awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertions, vibration, and contact stresses (Stack, Ostrom, & Wilhelmsen, 2016). When these hazards are left unaddressed, they can result in MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and rotator cuff injuries. The impact extends beyond individual health, causing absenteeism, decreased work quality, and increased organizational costs (Radwin, 2003). Therefore, effective controls must aim to modify the work environment to fit workers’ physical capabilities and reduce hazardous exposures.

Hierarchy of Controls for Ergonomic Hazards

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2004) advocates a hierarchical approach to incorporating controls, which prioritizes engineering solutions over administrative and personal measures. This hierarchy emphasizes elimination or substitution as the most effective controls, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. In ergonomics, engineering controls often yield the most significant risk reductions when appropriately applied.

Control Measures Focused on Tool Design

1. Engineering Controls through Tool Redesign

The first line of defense against ergonomic hazards involves redesigning hand tools to better fit the anthropometric variability of users and the specific demands of the task. Properly designed tools reduce the need for forceful exertion, awkward postures, and repetitive motions (Chengalur, Rodgers, & Bernard, 2004). Features such as ergonomic handles, appropriate handle diameter, non-slip coatings, and angled grips can significantly minimize strain (Lehto & Landry, 2012).

In a case study involving pharmaceutical technicians, the use of a dial torque wrench with a specialized attachment reduced hand strain and injury risk while improving task accuracy (Mills, 2014). This intervention exemplifies how engineering controls like tool redesign can effectively mitigate ergonomic hazards and decrease MSD incidence.

2. Tool Selection and Proper Use

Utilizing ergonomic principles in selecting the right tools entails matching tools to the task requirements. For example, choosing lightweight, powered tools over manual counterparts reduces force exertion and fatigue (Kuzmenkova, 2017). Furthermore, selecting tools that fit comfortably within the work space allows workers to maintain neutral postures, thereby reducing strain. Proper training in the correct use of tools also enhances safety and effectiveness.

3. Workstation Ergonomics

Workstation adjustments, such as adjustable height workbenches and accessible tool placement, complement tool design controls. These modifications enable workers to adopt neutral postures, reduce reaching and bending, and minimize static muscle loading (Radwin, 2003). In combination, these measures foster ergonomic work environments that diminish the risks of MSDs.

Administrative Controls and Personal Measures

While engineering controls are paramount, administrative controls can further mitigate ergonomic hazards. These include job rotation, scheduled breaks, and ergonomic training to raise awareness about proper body mechanics (Stack et al., 2016). Personal protective equipment, like wrist supports, may provide additional relief but are generally considered supplementary rather than primary controls.

Implementation and Effectiveness of Controls

Through case examples and ergonomic evaluations, it is evident that properly designed and selected tools significantly reduce ergonomic risk factors. Implementing engineering controls, such as redesigning hand tools and optimizing workstations, leads to decreased physical strain, lower injury rates, and improved worker morale (Lehto & Landry, 2012). Moreover, cost-effective solutions like replacing manual tightening with torque-controlled tools, as demonstrated in the pharmaceutical industry, offer substantial return on investment by enhancing productivity and safety (Mills, 2014).

Conclusion

Mitigating ergonomic-related hazards in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach centered on effective control strategies. Engineering controls, especially ergonomic tool design, play a critical role in reducing awkward postures, forceful exertions, and repetitive motions that contribute to MSDs. Alongside proper tool selection, workstation adjustments, and administrative measures, these controls contribute to safer, healthier, and more productive work environments. As such, organizations should prioritize ergonomic design in their hazard control programs, continually assess work tasks, and involve workers in selecting suitable tools and modifications to optimize ergonomic safety.

References

  • Chengalur, S. N., Rodgers, S. H., & Bernard, T. E. (Eds.). (2004). Kodak’s ergonomic design for people at work (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • Kuzmenkova, V. (2017). ID [Photograph]. Retrieved from holding-tool-tool-kit-car-isolated-white-background-hand-holding-tool-tool-kit-car-image
  • Lehto, M. R., & Landry, S. J. (2012). Introduction to human factors and ergonomics for engineers (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
  • Mills, S. (2014, June 4). Encouragement Words Displays Empower Enhance Engage And Enable Stock Image. Stock Image (Graphic).
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2004). Easy ergonomics: A guide to selecting non-powered hand tools (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2004–164). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Radwin, R. G. (2003). Ergonomically-designed hand tools [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from
  • Stack, T., Ostrom, L. T., & Wilhelmsen, C. A. (2016). Occupational ergonomics: A practical approach. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • Valmedia Creatives. (2017). ID [Photograph]. Retrieved from working-landscaping-project-man-using-his-hands-to-take-load-wood-chips-inside-wheelbarrow-as-part-image

Related Assignments