INTRODUCTION
Ergonomics is an approach to promoting occupational health, which also has benefits in terms of employee satisfaction and efficiency. In designing work systems the emphasis is on designing tools, equipment and workplaces so that the job fits the person rather than the reverse. Approaches to prevention may be based on work design or organisational arrangements. The former relate to tools, machines, workplaces and work methods whilst the latter are concerned with selection & training, skills matching and job rotation methods. Usually a combination of these approaches is needed when resolving ergonomic problems that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Musculoskeletal disorders basically arise from damage to muscles and joints. They are not confined to particular industrial sectors or types of people. Recent estimates indicate that almost 900,000 cases are caused or made worse by work each year. Work-related problems are often caused by poor workplace or job design. These can lead to :
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poor working positions
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too much bending, stretching or effort required
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high levels of repetition
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difficult manual handling tasks
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The back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs are particularly at risk. You may be able to identify such health problems by any of the following:
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injuries to backs and limbs
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employee complaints and rest stops
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poor product quality or individual performance
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DIY improvements to workstations and tools or 'self-help' health aids
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such as copper bracelets.
Some musculoskeletal disorders develop slowly and it is therefore important to catch them early - reporting of such aches and pains should be encouraged so that appropriate action can be taken.
HSE ergonomics leaflet indg90
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