OFFICE Ergonomic Self-Evaluation



FIELD Ergonomic Self-Evaluation

Ergonomics is the art and science of fitting the work environment to each individual worker.

People who have an understanding of ergonomic principles are better able to help ensure their comfort and safety, thereby avoiding bodily pain and injury. The main purpose of the NRAO ergonomic program is to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSI).

The NRAO provides ergonomic training, risk assessments and measures to control risks for the employees. NRAO employees are encouraged to be proactive in striving for ergonomic health by understanding ergonomic principles and applying these principles to

their own unique needs and work tasks.

Ergonomic solutions are generally twofold:

1.) Making physical changes so the work environment fits better to the person (e.g. raising table to prevent awkward bending),

2.) Making changes to the way the work is performed (e.g. rotating tasks to avoid undue fatigue).

Your resources to find and implement ergonomic solutions include: your supervisor, your co-workers and the ESS/Wellness Team.

In addition there is a list of references at the end of this program for further study.

The process of maintaining one’s ergonomic health is ever-changing-- as our needs change, our job duties change and the field of ergonomics makes advances.

This self-evaluation will help you identify what is working well, and what might need adjustment in your work environment(s). In each section, there are suggestions for modifications to improve your comfort and well-being. You are encouraged to write in the comments sections so that your needs and questions can be properly addressed.

How to use this Self-Evaluation

Complete this self-evaluation for the tasks you perform at work.

Check the “YES” box for the ergonomic conditions you currently have or ergonomic practices you currently are doing.

Check the “NO” box for items that are less ergonomic and may need modification.

If an item does not apply to you, check the “N/A” box for Not Applicable.

The column on the far right lists changes to consider improving the ergonomics of your work. When considering changes you are encouraged to obtain input from co-workers, supervisors, and ESS/Wellness team.

FIELD Ergonomic Self-Evaluation

|AWKWARD POSTURES |

|“Awkward Postures” refers to any unnatural body position. Examples include unnatural ways of turning your neck or back, moving your shoulders or holding your wrist. Working in an awkward posture can |

|cause undue strain on your tendons, muscles and other soft tissues. The more awkward the posture and the longer you hold it, the greater the risk of injury. |

| |STANDING TASKS |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |STANDING TASKS |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

|AWKWARD POSTURES |EXTENDED REACHING | | | | |

| |Extended reaching is an awkward posture. Some examples include |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |reaching hands above the head, working with elbows above shoulders or| | | | |

| |reaching behind the body. | | | | |

|AWKWARD POSTURES | | | | | |

| |SQUATTING |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

|AWKWARD POSTURES | | | | | |

| |SITTING |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |(See the “Office Ergonomic Self-Evaluation” for using a keyboard or | | | | |

| |mobile device) | | | | |

| | | | | | |

|VISION & EYE PROTECTION |Yes |No |N/A |Possible | |

| | | | |Ergonomic | |

| | | | |Solutions | |

| |

|FORCE refers to the effort it takes to lift, lower or carry an item. More force is required when you handle an item that is bulky, slippery, fragile or is an odd shape. The greater the force required to|

|complete a job the greater the risk of injury. |

| | | | | | |

| |LIFTING and LOWERING |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| | | | | | |

|FORCE |PUSHING and PULLING |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| | | | | | |

|FORCE |CARRYING |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |

|CONTACT STRESS refers to physical contact between a part of your body and a hard surface such as table edges and metal tools. Contact stress usually involves a joint that bears some of our weight such as|

|a knee when kneeling. Contact stress over a sensitive area like the wrist can affect blood flow and nerves. The risk increases when the pressure is prolonged. |

| | | | | | |

| |CONTACT STRESS & HANDLING TOOLS |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |

|REPETITION refers to using the same motion over an over. Using the same muscles over and over without resting may cause an injury. The more frequent the repetitions and the longer the duration of the |

|task increase the risk of injury. The risk is magnified when the repetitions are combined with an awkward posture and require exertion. |

| | | | | | |

| |REPETITION |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |

|ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS |

| | | | | | |

| |COLD CONDITIONS can reduce a person’s blood flow especially to the |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |hands which can alter sensation and increase the risk of injury. | | | | |

| |

|ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS |

| | | | | | |

| |HAND ARM VIBRATION |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |

|ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS |

| | | | | |

|WHOLE BODY VIBRATION (WBV) refers the vibration through the body when operating large machinery or |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

|driving large vehicles. WBV usually passes through the seat into the operator’s buttocks or from the | | | | |

|platform into the operator’s feet. Prolonged exposure to WBV may lead to injury of the back or neck. | | | | |

| | | | | | |

|[pic] |When operating large machinery or vehicles, I am able to view the | | | |Rear and side mirrors |

| |front, sides, and rear of vehicle without twisting my neck or trunk. | | | |Anti-vibration gloves |

| | | | | |Anti-vibration seat cushions |

| |When a seat in the cab(s) is adjustable, I know how to adjust it for | | | |Padded gears |

| |my comfort. | | | |Suspension components maintained |

| | | | | |Improve ground surface when possible |

| | | | | |Vehicle tires are operational and |

| | | | | |inflated properly for the surface |

| | | | | |Plan routes with smoothest terrain |

| | | | | |Limit time in vehicles with high WBV |

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| | | | | |Comments: ____________________ |

| | | | | |_________________________________ |

| | | | | |__________________________________ |

| |TIP: The manufacturer may be able to advise | | | | |

| |how to use/maintain vehicles to minimize whole body vibration on the | | | | |

| |operator. | | | | |

| | | | | | |

| |Miscellaneous | | | | |

Primary Resources Downloaded April 2013:

1. “Making It Right” (pdf) by WorkSafeBC (Worker’s Compensation Board, British Columbia, Canada)



2. Material Handling Industry of America.

3. Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE).

4. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

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