Ergonomics
One goal of EOHS is to increase knowledge concerning the use of ergonomics.
We strive to provide recommendations about critical ergonomic design factors, assist in identifying specific aspects of design that affect employee’s comfort and health, and make recommendations on how to use ergonomic design to improve working conditions and help productivity.
EOHS will attempt to review work site design with the following parameters:
Cost Effectiveness
Human factor
Implementation strategy
Maintenance and operations outcome
Currently, ergonomic issues fall under the General Duty Clause of OSHA.
Each employer shall furnish to each employee a place of employment that is free from any recognized hazards that may cause or is likely to cause death or serious harm.
Each employee shall comply with OSHA standards, and all rules, regulations, and orders pursuant to safety that are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
While ergonomics is not considered a “legal” violation in most cases, the benefits of improving working conditions and productivity far outweigh any reservations concerning questions, concerns, or complaints that employees might have on this matter.
More than 57 million American workers will have some difficulty performing their daily activities of sitting, standing, reaching, or fingering. Since the whole study of ergonomics deals with either the human body or human behavior, each case is different. There are trigger points that clearly define where the investigations usually start. We look for the basics first -- sitting posture, reach of equipment, work schedule, and simple workstation design. Studying an ergonomic concern is a time-consuming investigation and is sometimes linked to an employee's existing physical condition. If we are unable to determine a reasonable solution, we have experts in the field that we can contact to assist us.
If you are concerned about an ergonomic issue, please fill out a Safety Concern Form and return it to our department.