Matheson Philosophy on Workplace Safety and Work Injury Evaluation

Hazard Prevention and Controls in the Workplace

There are four different prevention techniques and/or controls that can be put in place to reduce or eliminate the exposure to risks and hazards inthe workplace. It is always best to be proactive about introducing these controls even before an employee reports fatigue, aches or pains, and well before an employee suffers an injury. 

• Engineering controls - changes in work stations, equipment, tools etc.
• Administrative controls - changes in work patterns e.g. more frequent restbreaks
• Work practices - changes in training e.g. safe lifting methods
• Personal protective equipment - use of personal protective devices
  

Engineering controls are the preferred method to reduce or eliminate exposure to RISK FACTORS. The rationale is that engineering controls implement one-time changes that will protect all employees. Engineering controls involve physical changes to workstations, equipment, the production facility, or any other relevant aspect of the work environment to reduce or eliminate the presence of risk factors. Engineering controls typically are permanent controls. Opportunities for providing engineering controls exist primarily in the design stage, although changes in the product or process can be made during the existing jobs/process stage.

Engineering controls can be applied to the following areas:

Workstations

• Workstations need to be designed for people actually doing the job, rather than for the "average" worker.
• Workstations should be adjustable and the dimensions should fit the specific task.
• Workspace should be evaluated in terms of adequate space for full range of movement.

Work Method Design

• Static postures and repetition rates are examples of work methods data, as well as matching the tool to the task.

Tool Design

Administrative controls are procedures that significantly limit daily exposure by controlling or manipulating the work schedule or manner in which work is performed. Administrative controls consist of opportunities to reduce exposure and increase personnel functions such as training.

• Rest pauses
• Increased number of employees assigned
• Job rotation (among jobs that use different muscle-tendon-nerve groups)
• Conditioning of workers
• Sufficient numbers of standby/relief personnel
• Restricted (light) duty job
• Supervision

Administrative controls can include job rotation, job enhancement, mandatory rest breaks, stretching programs, implementation of conditioning programs. The purpose of job rotation is to provide a "break" for specific muscle, tendon and nerve groups from either repetitive tasks or sustained postures.

Regular monitoring at all levels will help to ensure that employees continue to use proper work practices. If policies and procedures are in place, and employees are initially trained, these procedures become part of the job description and violation for practices can be cause for disciplinary action.

Work Practice Controls

Work practice controls are procedures for safe and proper work and are specific for each task and workplace, personnel. They are focused work practices.

Elements for an ergonomic program include proper work techniques, employee conditioning, regular monitoring, feedback, maintenance, adjustments and modifications and enforcement.

Proper work techniques involve appropriate training and practice time for employees, correct lifting techniques, proper maintenance of tools, and correct use of ergonomically designed workstations.  New, returning, or transferred employees should be gradually integrated into a full workload (break-in period).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Any personal protective equipment needs to be selected with ergonomic stressors in mind. Personal protective equipment selected should not result in an increase in ergonomic stressors.

 

There is no lack of methods and strategies on improving the safety and ergonomic design of your workplace. Choose the prevention and control technique that is best suitable to your workplace and your budget. The key is to be proactive! Putting these controls into place even before an employee complains of an ache or pain will save you from feeling like you are always putting out safety compliance "fires" and will increase work productivity.

 

Learn More About Matheson's Ergonomic Evaluation Course in New Orleans!

 

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