Ergonomic Hazards

An ergonomic hazard is a physical factor within the environment that harms the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomic hazards include themes such as repetitive movement, manual handling, workplace/job/task design, uncomfortable workstation height and poor body positioning.

Ergonomics is the study of how a workplace, the equipment used there and the work environment itself can best be designed for comfort, efficiency, safety and productivity. Often we can improve our levels of comfort and productivity with relatively simple changes.

Although ergonomics is a broad field, the main areas of concern for workplaces and employees will often relate to:

Workstations (Sitting and Standing)

Equipment Layout and Operation

Computer Systems

Noise

Lighting

Thermal Comfort

Maintenance tasks performed on plant items.

Improperly adjusted workstations and chairs

Frequent Lifting

Improper & Poor Posture

Vibration

Unsafe Acts & Unsafe Conditions

A. Unsafe Act:

Performance of a task or other activity that is conducted in a manner that may threaten the health and safety of workers. 

For Example:

Improper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Standing Under Suspended Load.

Operating Equipment at Unsafe Speed.

Removal of Safety Devices.

Using Defective Equipment.

Use of tools for other than their intended purpose.

Working in hazardous Locations without adequate protection or warning.

Improper repair of equipment.

Operating Machines Without Authority. 

B. Unsafe Condition: 

A condition in the work place that is likely to cause property damage or injury. For example:

Unsafe Condition is defined as an unsatisfactory physical condition that exists at the workplace especially immediately before an accident which had a crucial role in triggering the incident. 

In general terms we can say that it is something which existed previously and is different from the normally accepted “safe conditions”. Such conditions may lead to death, injury, loss of property.

These conditions exist all around us for e.g. being in a car and driving it at a high speed puts us in an unsafe condition where we are prone to accidents. Although we are vulnerable to such conditions but mostly we neglect them. 

According to OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Act), it’s the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe and healthy working environment to all its employees. Some of the examples of unsafe conditions are:

Congested workplace where the workers don’t have sufficient space to move and work freely.

For Example:

Improper Atmospheric conditions without adequate safety measures

Inadequate supports or guards

Inadequate warning systems

Defective Tools & Tackles, Machinery, Equipments

Fire & Explosion Hazards

Poor Housekeeping

Poor Ventilation

Poor Illumination

Excessive Noise

Operating without prior training

Poorly maintained record of injuries

Unsafe Conditions lead to workplace hazards, there are four main types of workplace associated hazards:

1. Physical Hazards: 

Most frequently occurring hazards. Examples, loud noise of the machines, unguarded machinery, spill etc.

2. Ergonomic Hazards: 

This type of hazard occurs when the body of the worker is under stress because of the conditions of work and well the posture in which he’s working. 

It’s very difficult to detect this type of hazard as it has a long term impact on employee’s health. E.g. Improper work stations, awkward moments at workplace.

3. Chemical Hazard: 

This type of hazard occurs when the employee is exposed to any kind of chemical preparation be it solid, liquid or gas. E.g. CO or other gaseous emissions, exposure to gasoline or other flammable materials.

4. Biological Hazards: 

Involves the people, animals or any other infectious plant or animal material to which the employees are in contact with. Most common and widely known hazard comes from blood or other bodily fluid, bacteria and viruses.