Industrial Ergonomics Survey
What is an ergonomics survey?
An ergonomics survey can be conducted to determine the level of ergonomic risk from tasks that are repetitive, involve manual handling, involve pushing and pulling or require awkward postures to be adopted. The HSE guidance on ergonomics at work can be found here: Ergonomics and Human Factors at Work
Any work tasks that involved the above can be assessed from an ergonomics perspective.
Some of our projects have been summarised below:
Ergonomics Assessment of Lead Manufacturing
Food production line ergonomics survey
Ergonomics Survey of Refuse Workers
Benefits
* Ensure ergonomics is considered within your organisation
* 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 (Rapid 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.
