Using ergonomics to achieve the best outcomes > Practical ergonomics: Bodies, people, workstations

The basic premise of occupational ergonomics is that tasks, workstations and workplace practices should fit individual bodies. The following ergonomic principles provide practical guidance as to how organisations can use ergonomics to address the physical factors that contribute to work disability.

Organisations should…

Modify job tasks

to reduce discomfort

Provide appropriate equipment

to make jobs easier and employees more comfortable.

Involve other company staff or external resources

where applicable

Ensure that there is a rotation of duties

and that employees comply with the rotation

Look at the working height that a task demands

if work is too high the shoulders must be frequently lifted to compensate. This leads to discomfort and / or shoulder problems. If the working height is too low, the back or neck must be excessively bowed often resulting in a backache or neck ache.

Check all work surfaces meet the stature of the operator

whether standing or sitting at the work.

Assess the distance the employee has to reach for objects.

Place items used most frequently in closer reach.

Alternate standing and sitting duties for each employee

Standing and sitting impose different stresses upon different muscles, so each changeover results in some muscles being stressed and others relaxed.

Encourage employees to perform appropriate warm-up stretches and movements

before commencing work, in order that muscles are correctly warmed up. End of shift stretches may also be beneficial.

Rotate job assignments to minimise the amount of time a worker spends doing a highly repetitive task

since repetitive work requires using the same muscles again and again and increases the likelihood of problems.

Control the physical set-up

Control the physical set-up by:

o	Monitoring factors such as the climate and lighting and supply the correct equipment and training to operate safely in workplaces where these cannot be controlled;

o	Ensure tools provided are appropriate for the environment (e.g. have non slip handles);

o	Supply task lighting where appropriate and ensure that all areas and offices are appropriately lit;

o	Placing assembly line materials such that the worker's strongest muscles do most of the work;

o	Having a high workbench for detailed work where close inspection of the product is required;

o	Modifying and replacing hand tools that cause discomfort or injury. Workers are often the best source of ideas on ways to improve a tool to make using it more comfortable. For example, pliers can be either straight or bent, depending on the job task;

o	Ensuring that workers are not required to stay in awkward positions – such as reaching, bending, or hunching over – for long periods of time; and

o	Positioning workers and equipment so that workers can perform their jobs with their upper arms at their sides and with their wrists straight for most of the time.

Encourage employees to take appropriate rest breaks.

Principles for taking care of bodies