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Ergonomics is the science of fitting the jobs to the people who
work in them.
The goal of an ergonomics program is to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) developed by
workers when a major part of their jobs involve reaching, bending over, lifting heavy objects, using continuous force,
working with vibrating equipment and doing repetitive motions.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) result when there is a mismatch between the physical capacity of workers and the physical demands of their jobs.
Each year 1.8 million
workers in the United States report work-related MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and back injuries.
About
600,000 MSDs are serious enough to result in workers having to take time off work to recover.
Employers can prevent MSD hazards by properly designing the
job or workstation and selecting the appropriate tools or equipment for that job.
It is also important that work tools and equipment be ergonomically designed. Most hand tools are designed for only
occasional use, not for repetitive use over prolonged periods.
Maintenance of tools and equipment also is essential in preventing or reducing ergonomic hazards. Keep tools sharp and maintain them according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Proper maintenance also can help reduce vibration resulting
from prolonged equipment operation.
OSHA's
efforts to establish an ergonomics standard have been
controversial from the start. There are
practical as well as political implications in OSHA's
proposed rules that concern many in the business and
private sectors.
Regardless
of congressional and executive actions, employers
still have a legal as well as moral duty to prevent
ergonomic injuries at work. OSHA can cite
employers under the General Duty Clause when ergonomic
hazards are ignored.
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Employer's
Orientation to Ergonomics
OSHA's
final ergonomics standard
ERGONOMICS
Video Training Package
Master
Safety Plan on CD-ROM with Written Ergonomics Program
Included
.
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