What are ergonomic hazards in the workplace?

Introduction to Ergonomic hazards

Industrial Hygiene lists several workplace hazards, such as physical hazards, chemical hazards and biological hazards are some examples of workplace hazards that can adversely affect worker health and safety.

Similarly although not as well known as these hazards, Ergonomic hazards are also considered by Industrial Hygienists when evaluating workplace hazards. In this guide , we’ll discuss the common examples, effects, causes, and prevention of these hazards in the workplace.

What are workplace ergonomics? Why are they listed as a hazard in Industrial Hygiene?

Workplace ergonomics is all about designing and organizing the workspace and equipment to ensure employee safety, productivity, and comfort. However, despite employers’ efforts to provide a safe workplace, ergonomic hazards can still occur. These hazards can have an adverse impact on employee health, leading to physical and mental health issues.

Here are some examples of these hazards in the workplace and their ill effects.E

1. Repetitive Motion: Repetitive motion, such as typing or using a mouse, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Poor Posture: Poor posture while working can result in neck and back pain, headaches, and other muscular discomforts.
3. Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects without proper techniques and tools can cause musculoskeletal injuries such as herniated discs and muscle strains.
4. Awkward Postures: Awkward postures, such as reaching or twisting, can also cause musculoskeletal injuries like sprains and strains.

Ill Effects of Ergonomic Hazards

The ill effects can be:

1. Physical Effects: They can lead to various physical health problems like fatigue, decreased productivity, and musculoskeletal disorders leading to a temporary or even permanent disability.
2. Mental Effects: They can also affect mental health and lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
3. Economic Effects: They can result in increased healthcare costs, workers’ compensation claims for injuries as well as disability claims and lost productivity.

What Causes Ergonomic Hazards?

These hazards can arise due to various factors, such as:

1. Poor Workplace Design: A poorly designed workspace that lacks ergonomic features can lead to ergonomic hazards.
2. Inadequate Training: Employees who lack training on ergonomic practices are more likely to experience these.
3. Excessive Workload: Overworked employees are more likely to experience these hazards.

How to Protect Yourself from Workplace Ergonomic Hazards?

There are several ways of prevention such as

1. Workplace Design: Employers should design the workspace with ergonomics in mind, including adjustable chairs, desks, for preventing ergonomic hazards in the office.

   For industrial workers, training in proper hand and body movements, proper lifting tools and material handling equipment, encouraging workers to perform tasks together when needed goes a long way in prevention. For workers on the shop floor such as those working on assembly lines, engineering controls can also play a role in prevention.

2. Proper Training: Employers should provide adequate training on ergonomic practices and techniques to employees. Some tasks can be performed by individual workers, whereas other tasks require two or more workers, while some others cannot be carried out without tools and equipment like hoists.
3. Breaks and Stretching: Employers should encourage employees to take frequent breaks and engage in stretching exercises to prevent ergonomic hazards. Morning Yoga routines before starting the days work have been found to be beneficial.
4. Equipment and Tools: Employers should provide employees with appropriate equipment and tools, such as lifting aids and wrist supports.

 

Final Takeaways

1. Ergonomic hazards are a significant concern in the workplace, and employers should take proactive measures to prevent them.They are listed as a hazard in all Industrial Hygiene literature.

2. All Ergonomic hazards can be reduced significantly by implementing proper workplace design, worker training, adequate breaks,  yoga sessions and providing appropriate equipment for tasks like heavy lifting, as well as by administrative controls such as job rotations.