How Do I Control Ergonomic Hazards? Safety

How Do I Control Ergonomic Hazards?

There are simple things that employers can implement and workers can do to reduce ergonomic stress, such as:

  • Use a buddy system or the proper lifting device to carry heavy loads. To the extent feasible, use your legs to push up and lift the load, not the upper body or back. Do not twist the body during a lift – step to one side or the other to turn.
  • Design work activities so employees do not have to work on their knees. If the job requires it, use knee pads.
  • Avoid repeatedly twisting the hands and wrists. Provide proper hand tools that are designed to keep the hand and wrist in a comfortable, neutral position.
  • Avoid stretching or unnecessary stress to do overhead work where possible. For example, adjust scaffolds to the appropriate working height and use a lifting device to hold drywall or other material in place for overhead work.
  • Use vibrating tools such as a jack-hammer or abrasive wheel saw that are equipped with built-in vibration dampers. Wear gloves to help absorb energy.
  • Use the appropriate tools such as hammers that are designed to absorb shock and tools with handles that aid in maintaining a neutral wrist position when used.
  • Rotate job tasks to reduce repetitiveness.