Introduction to Ergonomics

MODULE: INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS

THE PROCESS OF ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE RISK ASSESSMENT (Continued):

STEP 7: Proactive ergonomics

Initially ergonomic changes will be reactive responses to problems as they occur; however the ultimate goal should be a proactive approach that seeks to prevent problems, enabling early detection and more timely interventions in potential ergonomic problems. Ergonomic issues should be identified and resolved in the planning stage of the process. Design strategies should emphasize fitting the job demands to the capabilities of the employees.

See the document Ergonomic (MSI) Risk Factor Identification and Assessment Tool for example of assessment, and
Job Hazard Analysis Tools for evaluating job risk factors.

Examples of design criteria:

See page 45, Figure 6-4, Occupational & Environmental Medicine by Joseph LaDou, which contains the preferable reach limits for men and woman in working areas.
See page 102, Tray 6-A. Recommended workstation measurements of the NIOSH, Elements of ergonomics programmes.

Recommended Work Surface Heights:

Recommended work surface heights for sedentary workers (in cm)*
Task requirements	Male	Female
Fine work	99-105	89-95
Precision work	89-94	82-87
Writing	74-78	70-75
Coarse or medium work	69-72	66-70
*From Ayoub (1973)

Recommended work surface height for standing workers (in cm)*
Task requirements	Male	Female
Precision work	109-119	103-113
Light assembly work	99-109	87-98
Heavy work	85-101	78-94
*From Ayoub (1973)

General Introduction to Occupational Health: Occupational Hygiene, Epidemiology & Biostatistics by Prof Jonny Myers is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 South Africa License.