Posted On: March 8, 2024

ErgoPro: Industrial Ergonomics Insights

What is Industrial Ergonomics?

Industrial ergonomics is the practice of designing workplace environments that match the capabilities and limitations of employees. In simpler terms, it's about making workspaces more comfortable, efficient, and safe. It’s a discipline that considers several factors, such as physical stress and environmental conditions, to improve human performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Why is Industrial Ergonomics Important?

• Increased Productivity: Ergonomically designed workspaces promote efficiency by minimizing physical strain and fatigue. When employees are comfortable and have the necessary tools and equipment, they can work with ease, resulting in fewer errors.
• Worker Health and Safety: By optimizing the work environment to meet the needs of employees, industrial ergonomics helps reduce the risk of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. This leads to reduced workplace accidents and improved overall worker health.
• Reduces Cost: it can help businesses save money on healthcare expenses and lost productivity by preventing injuries and minimizing absenteeism caused by discomfort or health issues.
• Employee Satisfaction: Creating comfortable and safe workplaces for employees shows that their well-being is valued, which increases morale and job satisfaction. Happy employees usually stay with the company longer and do better in their roles.

Musculoskeletal Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can occur with excessive and repeated physical stress on the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, or back.

Common MSDs

• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lower-back pain

Signs and Symptoms include

• Decreased grip strength
• Loss of muscle function
• An inability to do everyday tasks
• Reduced range of motion
• Painful joints
• Pain in wrists, shoulders, forearms, and knees
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in hands or feet
• Fingers or toes turning white
• Shooting or stabbing pains in arms or legs
• Back or neck pain
• Swelling of inflammation
• Stiffness
• Burning sensations
• Heaviness
• Weakness or clumsiness in hands; dropping things

Risk Factors

Risk factors are the conditions that increase the likelihood of an injury.

• Prolonged awkward postures
• Vibrations that contribute to MSDs
• Prolonged, repetitive, or forceful exertion of the hands
• Frequency of heavy lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying of heavy objects
• Jobs or work settings that combine risk factors will increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders

The level of risk depends on how long, how often, and the level of exposure to these conditions.

Common Risk Factors

It is the responsibility of the employer to assess the workplace to identify the jobs and activities that can potentially increase the risk of MSDs.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls help design the workstations, tools, and equipment to better fit the worker, these controls are preferred over others because they make permanent changes that reduce and eliminate hazards at the source.

Engineering controls include:

1. Product Design
2. Work methods design
3. Workstation design
4. Tool and equipment design

Administrative Control

Administrative control can also be implemented by the employer, administrative controls reduce the duration, frequency, or severity of exposure to a hazard by monitoring employees and keeping a schedule.

(Examples – rest breaks, job rotation, and job design)

If the hazards cannot be eliminated at the source, safe ergonomics work practices should be utilized.

Conclusion

Industrial ergonomics is imperative for creating workplaces that prioritize the health, comfort, and productivity of employees. By paying attention to signs of discomfort and understanding the factors that could lead to injuries, companies can take steps to protect their employees’ health. Implementing ergonomic solutions, such as engineering and administrative controls, not only reduces the risk of injuries but also increases morale and job satisfaction. Additionally, when a company takes the right measures for industrial ergonomics, it reflects positively on the company policies for employee health and well-being and ultimately, results in heightened productivity.

Written by: Muntaha Islam