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Ergonomics Assessments for your Workplace

Ergonomics Assessments for your Workplace

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

Ergonomics Assessments for your Workplace

What is an ergonomics assessment for?

An ergonomics assessment (sometimes referred to as workstation assessments) is designed to lower risk of injury and improve employee productivity by ensuring that a worker’s workspace is ergonomically sound. This assessment can be done at multiple locations, from offices to industrial warehouses to in-home work stations.

Whether you are an employer, administrator, or employee, it is vital to ensure that your environment is ergonomically friendly and meets certain standards (for example, standards set by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)).

Below are a few effective assessment models that may benefit your workstation.

Office Ergonomics Onsite Evaluations

Individual office workstation evaluations are completed using an effective ergonomics assessment model and a structured interview process to gather information.

A well-tailored office evaluation model should include:

·         Basic ergonomics education and educational materials to look over

·         Measurements of the space

·         A report with all findings and recommendations should be generated

·         An objective risk factor assessment should be completed

·         A discomfort survey should be administered

·         An option to follow ups when requested

Virtual Ergonomics Evaluations

Evaluations are typically completed onsite, but virtual ergonomics evaluations are also an option. Virtual evaluations can save you money on travel, out-of-pocket costs, and time.

What you should expect from the virtual ergonomics evaluation process:

·         Digital instructions (either e-mailed or made available online)

·         Assessment via telephone for real-time communication

·         E-mailing photos and measurements to your consultant

·         Employee contact by telephone for the assessment

·         A generated report that is no different than an onsite report

·         Options for follow up discussion when requested

Office Ergonomics Mini Assessments

Mini assessments are short assessments that generally take about 20-30 minutes each. They are conducted at the person’s work area. This is a good option if you do not need a formal report and need to save time and money. It is recommended employees take the one hour ergonomics training course prior to the mini assessments.

Benefits of Office Ergonomics Mini Assessments:

·         You save money, as 2-3 can be done in an hour

·         You can get workable solutions quicker for your staff

·         There is less disruption in the workplace

·         It takes less time, so there is less impact on productivity

Industrial Evaluations

Evaluations for industrial, manufacturing and other non-office type jobs are designed to determine the frequency, duration and intensity of jobs/tasks that may contribute to, or create, ergonomics risk factors.

Your ergonomics consultant should make use of published and commonly used tools and, where applicable, your consultant must follow state standards and guidelines, to minimize existing ergonomics risk factors.

An ergonomics assessment specialist should use a structured process to identify practical and realistic interventions to solve problems and eliminate ergonomics risks factors through engineering, administrative and/or work practice controls.

The following work spaces would benefit from an industrial evaluation: libraries, fishing and transportation vessels, transportation vehicles (bus, car, truck, rail), educational facilities, municipalities, nursing homes, retail, hotels, school districts, restaurants, semi-conductor industries, manufacturers, hospitals/clinics, logging operations, and more.

In Conclusion

As with any work place systems, it is important to do due diligence in finding an ergonomics consultant that best fits your workstation needs. Be sure to consult the proper experts for assistance and remain proactive about learning and establishing best practices.

For an ergonomics consultation, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more detailed information.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

Vehicle Ergonomics Tips

Vehicle Ergonomics Tips

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager – Arcata, CA
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

 Vehicle Ergonomics Tips

“30% of civilian jobs in 2016 required driving a passenger vehicle or some other type of vehicle while on the job.”

Beyond the commuter, many jobs require a large amount of driving. Some occupations that come to mind are that of a truck driver, taxi driver, or EMT driver, but many occupations require long hours in a vehicle from lawyers to electricians to sales managers. This blog will provide some quick tips to ensure that you work in comfort while driving; as proper ergonomics is not just important at your work site, but in all aspects of your work life.

Quick Tips For Vehicle Ergonomics

While vehicle manufactures have done years of research and engineering to provide comfort and ergonomics safety in their vehicles, there are still things you or your employees need to be aware of to stay comfortable and avoid back pain or joint pain on the job. Sitting in the same position, gripping a stirring wheel, and experiencing the vibrations of the road for long hours can cause wear and tear on the joints and the back.

3 Quick Tips:

  1. Be sure to pull over and take a break from driving every couple of hours. Get out of the vehicle, and let your body stretch and move around.
  2. If you work with a partner, swap driving roles every so often. While you may still be sitting in a vehicle, your posture will change and provide variety for the body.
  3. Slightly adjust your driving position every couple of hours. However, be sure to maintain proper posture throughout.

Vehicle Posture Tips

For detailed assistance, you or your employer should contact an ergonomics consultant. For a brief overview of vehicle posture, take a look at the following visual guide provided by Highways.gov.uk:

Vehicle Ergonomics Guide

In Conclusion

It is important to note that not all vehicles will allow for as much flexibility as needed. You will need to make your employer or human resources department aware if you’re experiencing any difficulties in achieving proper posture in your vehicle. You may wish to direct your employer to an ergonomics consultant.

For an ergonomics consultation, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more detailed information.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

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