A proactive ergonomics process identifies ergonomic risk factors and then reduces them through engineering and administrative controls before an injury occurs.
So far in our series on implementing proactive ergonomics we’ve covered how to make the business case for proactive ergonomics, what to include on your ergonomics process guidance document, and how to engage your people in the process.
With those things in place, now it’s time to implement the tactical elements of the ergonomics process.
Tactical elements of the ergonomics process
Step 1: Prioritize Jobs for Ergonomic Analysis
This prioritized list should be developed by the ergonomics team based on an initial facility tour, review of MSD history and data collected by employee surveys.
Step 2: Conduct Ergonomic Analysis
This analysis will objectively measure risk for each job in the workplace and help you develop an ergonomic opportunity list.
Step 3: Develop an Ergonomic Opportunity List
Developing an ergonomic opportunity list allows you to prioritize company resources in order to effectively and efficiently reduce risk by putting the appropriate controls in place.
Step 4: Determine Best Solution with Team Approach
A multi-disciplinary team should be involved in determining the best controls for implementation.
Step 5: Obtain Final Approval and Implement Solution
If the improvement requires a significant capital expenditure, cost-justify the solution to gain approval.
Step 6: Evaluate the Ergonomic Improvement for Effectiveness
Once improvements are in place, close the loop on the project by evaluating the ergonomic improvement and measuring its effectiveness.
Once you have completed the workplace improvement project, return to the ergonomic opportunity list for the next one!
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