Performing An Ergonomics Review

Why should I perform an ergonomics review?

What is the function of an ergonomics review?

How do I apply the steps involved in an ergonomics review?

Performing an Ergonomics Review

What and Why

There is obvious risk in this job, but by performing an ergonomics review, you’ll be able to clearly identify all the risks (not just the ones in this picture).

You’ll also be able to give detailed and dimensioned recommendations.

Performing an Ergonomics Review

What is an Ergonomics Review?

Assessment of job tasks Follows the risk management process

Recognize Evaluate Control

Results in effective and efficient ergonomic improvements

What and Why

How do I do it?Performing an Ergonomics Review

How do I do it?

Performing an Ergonomics Review

Medical Data Employee Survey

EASY

BRIEF

Using Passive Surveillance

Worker Reports/Interviews Review OSHA 300 Injury and Illness Logs Review Workers’ Compensation Claims Plant Medical Records Symptom Surveys

Using Active Surveillance Observations of workers performing tasks

Still photos/videotaping of work postures, workstation layouts

Workstation measurements

Measuring tool handle sizes, weighing tools and parts, & measuring tool vibration and part dimensions

Using Active Surveillance

Determining characteristics of work surfaces (i.e., slip resistance, hardness, & surface edges

Performing task analyses (i.e., time study)

Measuring exposures to heat, cold, noise, & WBV

Biomechanical calculations (i.e., muscle force required to accomplish task)

Physiological measures (i.e., heart rate, oxygen consumption)

Questionnaires, subjective ratings of perceived exertion

Step 1 – Select a job to review Step 2 – Gather data Step 3 – Analyze data Step 4 – Complete the job improvement

process

Steps 1 - 4

Performing an Ergonomics Review

Step 1 - Select a Job to Review

Examine medical data from the past

Interview operators

Visually assess the jobs in the plant

Step 2 - Gather Data

Obtain job information

Perform task analysis

Videotape the job

Take still photos

Interview the operator

Gather medical data

Take workplace measurements

Step 2 - Gather DataGather Job Information

What type of information do you need?

Job name

Department

Shift length

Production standards

Production mix

Rotation schedule

Total exposure time

Task analysis

Gather Job Information

Step 2 - Gather DataPerform Task Analysis

What is task analysis?

Dividing a job into its main components, for example:

Pull material on table

Cut material with knife

Transfer cut material to molding machine

Activate molding machine

Return to work bench

Worksite Analysis

Job Hazard Analysis Workers Equipment Materials Task/Processes Environment

Step 2 - Gather DataVideotape Job

Viewing angle

Front View

Side View

Top View

Step 2 - Gather Data

Viewing angle

Field of view

Videotape Job

Wide Angle

Close Up

Side View

Top View

Step 2 - Gather Data

Viewing angle

Field of view

How much footage?

Tape all aspects of the job

Tape different working conditions

3 cycles of the job

Never too much footage

Videotape Job

Step 2 - Gather Data

What tools will you need?

Video camera

Battery charger

Charged batteries

Blank videotape

Videotape Job

Step 2 - Gather DataTake Pictures

Lighting, angle, field of view

Photo quality

Number of photos to take

» Two or three shots per angle (minimum)» Take photos of parts, tools, displays, PPE» Take as many photos as you can

Step 2 - Gather Data

What tools will you need?

» Digital camera (with blank disks or a memory stick)» Battery charger» Charged batteries

Take Pictures

Step 2 - Gather DataInterview Operator

Step 2 - Gather DataGather Medical Data

Step 2 - Gather DataReview OSHA 300 Logs

Step 2 - Gather DataSymptom Survey

Step 2 - Gather DataSymptom Survey

Step 2 - Gather Data

Dimensions

Weights

Forces

Measurements

Step 2 - Gather Data

Dimensions (side view)

Bench heightControl locationsPart stackingSeat heightProduct dimensions

Measurements

Step 2 - Gather DataDimensions (Top view)

Reach distancesCarry distancesPart locationsSight distancesLift locations

Measurements

Step 2 - Gather Data

Weights Part / box weightsTool weights

Measurements

Step 2 - Gather Data

Grip forcesPush/pull forcesControl forces

Measurements

Step 2 - Gather DataMeasurements

What tools will you need?

Grip meter

Pinch grip

Push/pull meter

Tape measure

Step 3 - Analyze the DataBRIEF and EASY

Upper Body Assessment Methods

Strain Index

ACGIH’s Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and Hand Activity Level (HAL)

ACGIH’s Hand/Arm Segmental Vibration Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorder Risk Factor Identification Checklist

GM-UAW Risk Factor Checklist

Washington State Appendix B

Step 3 - Analyze the DataBRIEF and EASY

Low Back Assessment Methods

NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation

Liberty Mutual (Snook & Ciriello) Tables for Lift/Lower, Carrying and Push/Pull Tasks

3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3D SSPP)

2D Biomechanical Analysis

ACGIH’s Lifting Threshold Lifting Values (TLVs)

Energy Expenditure Models

Step 3 - Analyze the DataBRIEF and EASY

Whole Body Assessment Methods

Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS)

Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)

ACGIH’s Whole Body Vibration Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)

Step 3 - Analyze the DataBRIEF and EASY

Step 4 - Brainstorm Controls• Generate as many ideas as possible

• There are no bad ideas

Priority MatrixStep 5 - Prioritize Controls

Low costHigh cost

High impact

Low impact

Low Cost/High

Impact

Low Cost/High

Impact

Step 6 - Develop Action Plan

ITEMDATE

COMPLETED

WORKSHOP "TO-DO" LIST

15

13

11

10

14

12

9

8

7

6

5

4

EXPECTED RESULTRESPONSIBLE

PERSON

3

2

DESCRIPTION1

TARGET DATE

Step 7 - Document Success

PLANT LOCATIONDEPARTMENTCONTACTDATE

AFTERBEFORE

SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED

PROBLEM COUNTERMEASURE RESULTS

QUESTIONS??