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Ergonomics Safety Talk PDF

Ergonomics involves fitting a job to a person to prevent muscle and joint injuries, which account for a significant portion of workers' compensation claims. Common risk factors include environmental hazards, improper equipment, and specific work practices, while symptoms can range from tingling and inflammation to muscle discomfort. Preventative measures such as proper workspace setup, good posture, and communication with supervisors are essential to mitigate ergonomic risks.

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42 views2 pages

Ergonomics Safety Talk PDF

Ergonomics involves fitting a job to a person to prevent muscle and joint injuries, which account for a significant portion of workers' compensation claims. Common risk factors include environmental hazards, improper equipment, and specific work practices, while symptoms can range from tingling and inflammation to muscle discomfort. Preventative measures such as proper workspace setup, good posture, and communication with supervisors are essential to mitigate ergonomic risks.

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th
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ergonomics Safety Talk

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the word ergonomics
means fitting a job to a person. As simple as this may sound, ergonomics is all too often
overlooked, which can result in a variety of muscle and joint injuries for employees. The Bureau
of Labor Statistics reported that one-third of all workers' compensation claims resulted from
ergonomic injuries. It is essential to be aware of ergonomic risk factors so that they can be
reduced or eliminated through various safeguards and best practices.

Identifying Common Risk Factors

• Environment - The risks relating to your external work environment. Hazards commonly
include noise, temperature, and lighting.
• Equipment - The risk of improper fit or adjustment of the equipment used to perform a
job. The risk can span from chairs and keyboards to vibrating machinery.
• Work Practices - The risks caused by specific job requirements, procedures, or
processes. Work practice risks typically include repetitive motions, standing, forceful
exertion, and awkward positions. These practices make tasks more physically
demanding.
• Combined Exposure - The risk of exposure to multiple risk factors. For example, forceful
exertion while working in cold temperatures increases the possibility of an injury.

Identifying Common Symptoms of Ergonomic Injuries

Typical symptoms of an ergonomic-related injury can include:

• Tingling, inflammation, swelling, numbness, and pain in soft tissue areas.


• Muscle discomfort, tightness, or weakness.
• Difficulty or discomfort using an extremity or making specific movements.

Practicing proper ergonomics can prevent many common problems such as carpal tunnel
syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, trigger finger, and tension in the neck or
shoulders.

Measures to Prevent Injury

You can take preventative measures to protect yourself against ergonomic risk factors when
performing your work tasks by:

• Setting up your work area in a manner that properly fits your body.
• Maintaining good posture and always following proper lifting techniques.
• Taking frequent breaks and alternating non-repetitive tasks with repetitive tasks.
• Using proper tools or asking a co-worker for help to prevent strain or forceful exertion.
• Communicating with a supervisor to correct risk factors whenever possible.

ERGONOMICS WWW.SAFETYTALKIDEAS.COM
Summary

Poor ergonomics can cause many symptoms, such as numbness in your hand or tension in your
shoulders. Not addressing these issues can turn symptoms into long-term injuries. If you
experience any discomfort or pain, you should tell your supervisor. You should always follow
ergonomic best practices (i.e., safe lifting). If you are unsure about what to do, your supervisor
can help determine the best solution.

Discussion points:

1. What common risk factor mentioned above is relevant to your job?

2. What are two symptoms that are common with ergonomic injuries?

ERGONOMICS WWW.SAFETYTALKIDEAS.COM

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