ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

 What is an Ergonomic Assessment?
 An ergonomic assessment, also called an ergonomic risk assessment, is an objective measure of the risk
factors in your work environment that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders or injuries among your
workforce.
 Ergonomic assessments are part of ensuring the health and safety of employees and improving their
efficiency and productivity.

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Purpose and benefits
 The purpose is to provide a systematic plan and an objective approach in identifying , assessing and
controlling ergonomic risk factors associated with work tasks and activities in the workplace.
 The benefits are:
 enable employers to plan ,implement and monitor prevention measures
 reduction of MSDs
 reduction of compensation cost, medical expenses and employ absenteeism

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Objectives
Objectives of conducting ERA are to:
 Identify ergonomic risk factors that may cause harm to employees.
 Determine the likelihood of harm arising from exposure to ergonomic risk factors.
 Recommend appropriate control measures towards risk reduction.

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Framework of ERA

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Ergonomic Risk Factors
Awkward posture
 An attribute / characteristic that may cause or
contribute to a musculoskeletal injury.
Forceful exertions
 Two or more risk factors at one time increase
the risk of injury.
Repetitive motion

Static and sustained

posture

Vibration

Contact stress

Environmental risk factors

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Ergonomic assessment tools
 The tools were developed based on objective research by organizations such as the National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Washington State Department of
Labor and Industries to evaluate risk factors.
 WISHA Lifting Calculator
 NIOSH Lifting Equation
 Snook Tables
 Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)
 Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)
 Hand-Arm Vibration

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Ergonomic Assessment Tool Selection Matrix

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Ergonomic Prevention Approaches
 Engineering Controls – Engineering controls are the most effective at reducing WMSD
hazards, but may also be the most difficult to implement for an established work
process. Change the way you use materials, parts, products, and tools and you can
relieve workers from WMSD risks.
• Engineering controls include mechanical assist devices, fixtures, and lighter-weight
packaging materials.
 Administrative Controls – Administrative controls are practices and policies that
workers must follow until engineering controls become feasible.
• Include job rotation, use of part time workers, exercises, stress reduction, stretch
breaks.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Personal protective equipment (PPE), such
as knee pads and anti-vibration gloves and grip-gloves, may protect workers from
immediate hazards. PPE is inexpensive and used frequently where hazards aren’t under
administrative or engineering control.

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz

Prepared & Given by Uroosa Naz