SECTION XII - ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of employees. Ergonomics principles are used to improve the “fit” between the worker and workplace using worksite evaluation, engineering controls, administrative controls and training.
Administrative Controls: Policies or work practices that prevent or minimize exposure to risk factors (i.e. job rotation, mini-breaks, varying work tasks, limiting overtime).
Engineering Controls: Improving the physical design of the workstation or work area, providing necessary equipment and accessories, changing the way a job is done, or adjusting the workstation layout and equipment.
Musculoskeletal Disorders, Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs): Clinically diagnosed repetitive injury of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, peripheral nerves, joints, cartilage, bones and/or supporting vessels in either the upper/lower extremities or back, which are associated with ergonomic risk factors and which are not the result of acute or instantaneous events.
Worksite Evaluation: Safety and health review that identifies jobs and workstations that may contain musculoskeletal hazards, the risk factors that pose the hazards, and the causes of the risk factors.
Department Heads and Supervisors:
1. Ensure implementation of the ergonomics program within their Department;
2. Provide corrective action as necessary and practical to modify or replace equipment, machinery and tools which are found to create RMIs;
3. To the extent feasible, ensure employees are provided with and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials that minimize the risk of RMIs;
4. Implement to the extent possible administrative controls to limit the risk of RMIs within their department;
5. Implement to the extent possible engineering controls to limit the risk of RMIs within their department.
Employees:
C. WORKSITE EVALUATION:1. Follow procedure to ensure equipment is properly maintained in good condition;
2. Attend ergonomic training as required and apply the knowledge and skills acquired to actual job tasks or work activities;
3. Utilizing the Self Report of Pain and Discomfort form (attached as Exhibit 13), report signs and symptoms of RMIs and perceived work related hazards to supervision.
4. Report damaged, malfunctioning tools and equipment or materials to supervision.
1. Worksite evaluations shall be conducted when a job, process or operation has caused a RMI diagnosed by a licensed physician to more than one employee performing a job process or operation of identical work activity (e.g. word processing), and occurring within a twelve-month period.
2. Worksite evaluations shall be conducted when employees have reported signs and symptoms of RMIs to supervision.
3. Department Heads shall designate a supervisor responsible for conducting worksite evaluations within their department. Such supervisor shall work with the Risk Manager or his/her designee in conducting such evaluation.
Employees shall receive training that includes:
1. The Ergonomics Program;
2. Exposures that have been associated with RMIs;
3. The symptoms and consequences of injuries caused by repetitive motion;
4. The importance of reporting symptoms and injuries to his/her supervisor;
5. Methods used to minimize RMIs.
Accurate records will be maintained by Risk Management of:
1. Reports from employees of symptoms of RMIs and any perceived work related ergonomic risks;
2. Ergonomic worksite evaluations conducted in the workplace;
3. Prevention or control measures implemented to prevent or minimize exposure to work related ergonomic risk factors; and
4. Training records.
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Copyright © 2001 County of Inyo
Last Updated: October 13, 2005