Ergonomics Risk Assessment & Training: Phase Associates
Workers using their muscles, tendons, and ligaments frequently, over time, or in awkward positions can lead to pain and injury. Known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), these types of injuries cause around 30% of days away from the workplace.
As an employer, you can help prevent these injuries through an ergonomics risk assessment and training. So, if you’re wondering, “what do you look for in an ergonomic assessment and training?” keep reading to find out.
What Is an Ergonomics Risk Assessment?
Ergonomics can help minimize the risk of injury to your workers. Not only does this keep them healthy, it can also increase profitability. Comfortable workers are more likely to be satisfied with their work, increasing their productivity.
An ergonomics risk assessment finds unsafe practices and conditions in a workplace. Once these hazards are found, you can create a plan that helps to prevent them.
What Are the Key Components of an Ergonomic Risk Assessment?
An ergonomics assessment checklist will look at a few different points. These include:
- Posture
- Repetition of tasks/movements
- Tools used
- Lighting
Any worker complaints must also be kept in mind when completing ergonomic assessments. You should also find out if workers have been diagnosed with health issues like carpal tunnel, tendonitis, or back ailments. These issues can point toward specific topics to investigate and solve.
What Are the Ergonomics Assessment Tools?
Part of your assessment will include using at least one ergonomics assessment tool. These tools help determine how risky the specific job you are evaluating is. Each device focuses on a different task to measure the accompanying risk.
The WISHA Lifting Calculator and NIOSH Lifting Equation are valid for lifting or lowering. Meanwhile, Snook Tables are better for pushing, pulling, and carrying tasks. Finally, for tools and functions where vibration is a concern, you may want to use the UK-developed Hand-Arm Vibration Calculator.
Finally, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) are appropriate for upper and entire body posture, respectively.
For most, reading about WISHA Lifting Calculators, UK-developed Hand Arm Vibration Calculators, NIOSH Lifting Equation, Snook Tables and Rapid Limb and Body Assessments can be confusing. In addition, you have no clue what they do and why they are vital.
Phase Associates is here to help you learn more and provide your company with a PHASE Associates ergonomics risk assessment by implementing the proper methods and tools.
What Do You Look for in an Ergonomic Assessment?
When choosing an ergonomic assessment, you should look for a well-rounded one. First, it should evaluate your current work practices and conditions. This will allow your partner to develop a plan that will provide you with practical and effective recommendations to keep your workers safe.
In addition, PHASE Associates’ services include ergonomic training. These training courses teach employees simple ways to keep themselves safe and comfortable.
It would be best if you also looked for a service to develop a program and team. An ongoing ergonomics-focused team can help make sure your new suggestions are implemented and continue to be used in the future.
Keep Workers Safe with Ergonomics Risk Assessments
Ergonomics risk assessments can help identify your workers’ health, safety, and comfort problems. Keep in mind the answer to “what do you look for in an ergonomic assessment?” so you can choose ergonomics risk assessment and training that will benefit your employees.
Contact PHASE Associates to start your company’s ergonomics risk assessment today.
We offer ergonomic risk assessments to NJ, PA, NY, CT, DE, GA, VA, and MD. We look forward to servicing your ergonomic risk assessment and training needs.