ErgonomicsWhile Manitoba legislation does not specifically cite ergonomics, it does specify employer responsibilities in preventing musculoskeletal injury (MSI) in the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (WSH Regulation) 217/2006 Part 8. Applying ergonomics accomplishes this.Ergonomics considers a human’s physical, physiological, biochemical and psychological capabilities when designing the workplace, equipment, product environment and the overall system. There are three considerations which all work together to create a safer and more comfortable work experience:The worker – human characteristics and capabilities, such as using proper lifting techniqueThe environment – temperature, lighting, and physical layout, such as clearing a pathwayThe tasks – use of tools, such as using equipment rather than manually liftingTo see what risks exist in your workplace, use the Ergonomics risk factor checklist.Ergonomic recommendationsOptimal heightsCertain categories of tasks are performed more optimally at some heights than others. Most work should be performed at about elbow height with a range of about 4″ above and below. Precision tasks should be performed at chest height, or about 7″-10″ higher. Heavier tasks should be performed at about hip height. Power rangeThe structure of our joints, muscles, and body allows the body to handle added force, weight or postures better in some ranges than others. The following diagram illustrates the principles of power range related to lifting, taking into consideration lifting range and horizontal reach.Working zonesWork should be set up to protect the back and shoulders, which are most vulnerable to injury. The back is most protected when the three spinal curves are preserved, and the shoulders are most protected when the upper arms are parallel to the person’s chest wall.When we consider the diagram below, the worker’s back and shoulders are in their most protected posture in zone 1. This zone is best for repetitive work tasks.When working in zone 2 the back remains protected, but now the shoulders are more vulnerable. Work in this position should be limited both in time spent and force exerted.Zone 3 puts the back and shoulders at the highest risk for injury. Once again, work in this position should be limited in time and force exerted. Related linksHealth and safety topic list
