Ergonomics – Identifying Problems

Identify Problems

An important part of the ergonomic process is a periodic review of the facility, specific workstation designs and work practices, and the overall production process, from an ergonomics perspective. This includes identifying existing problems, which can be obtained from reviewing the company’s OSHA 300 injury and illness logs, 301 reports, workers’ compensation records, and worker reports of problems. However, a more forward- looking approach, to be used in combination with reviewing injury and illness records, is to be proactive in identifying potential ergonomic issues that have gone unnoticed or resulted from facility changes, before they result in MSDs. Observations of workplace conditions and work processes, ergonomic job analyses, workplace surveys, and worker interviews are common proactive methods for identifying ergonomics related injury risks.

• Review Injury Records
• Observe Workplace Conditions
• Risk Factors
• Encourage Early Reporting of Injuries
• Resources
  • NIOSH Publication No. 97-141, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors, Complete document (cdc.gov)
  • Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2015 (bls.gov)