Industrial Ergonomic Assessment
Factory Ergonomics Assessment, Production line ergonomics assessment, Warehouse ergonomics assessment
What an Industrial Ergonomics Assessment?
We are leading providers of in depth industrial ergonomics assessments, this may also be referred to as an ergonomics audit or an ergonomics survey. The HSE guidance on ergonomics at work can be downloaded here: Ergonomics and Human Factors at Work
The aim of the assessment is to improve existing work tasks and environments by identifying physical and psychological issues affecting workers and their sources and ensure the application of ergonomics to new work processes. We can conduct factory ergonomics assessment, warehouse ergonomics assessment, production line ergonomics assessment and assessment of any tasks that result in awkward postures, repetitive actions, manual handling or pushing and pulling.
The assessment is conducted by our chartered ergonomists. We can assess production lines, manufacturing plants, laboratories, specialist tasks and processes / areas that have a reported concern. The aim of the assessments is to reduce Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk by providing a detailed report with recommendations to improve tasks and processes. Stress and psychological issues can also be included where appropriate.
Benefits of an Ergonomics Assessment
Reduce ill-health
Improve productivity
Reduce ergonomic risks resulting from:
– repetitive or manual handling tasks
Ensure tasks are conducted in the easiest way possible
Can form part of an ergonomic change programme
..
What type of tasks can be assessed?
Tasks assessed can include repetitive tasks, manual handling tasks, pushing and pulling tasks and tasks with reported work related upper limb disorder or musculoskeletal disorders risks. Generally tasks that are strenuous and demanding or tasks that require awkward postures to be adopted can be assessed.
What does it involve?
A site visit is conducted by our chartered ergonomist. This will enable tasks to be observed for analysis. Objective data such as weight of items handled, forces exerted (e.g. push pull forces), and dimensions of workstations / work area are collected. We also like to involve the workforce to ensure we get an understanding of their views of the tasks which can enable us to highlight issues and solutions. We use validated tools such as ART (Assessment of Repetitive Tasks), MAC (Manual Handling Assessment Charts), RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment), RAPP (Risk Assessment of Pushing and Pulling) as well our extensive expert experience and bespoke tools.
Our qualified registered ergonomists would collect video and photographic data of the users, environment and the tools and equipment they use. Off-site analysis can look at rates of repetition, postural stress and dimensions to highlight risks and provide recommendations to improve the working environment, process and conditions. A summary of the assessment process is as follows:
• Holistic approach
• Can include worker, occupational health and manager questionnaires covering physical and psychological issues
• Observation of typical postures adopted
• Use of validated postural tools where necessary
• Workstation measurements taken and compared with regulations and standards
• Objective measures taken
Output
• Detailed report to help identify areas that need attention with recommendations for improvement
• Discussion of report with ergonomist included
• Post assessment guidance from ergonomist
Typical project would consist of one day on site and two days analysis and report preparation. This could be tailored for larger or smaller work areas.
Below are some case studies summarising the projects undertaken:
Food production line ergonomics survey
