Administrative/Work Practice Controls
Administrative/Work practice controls are mandatory procedures and practices that are designed to reduce or prevent exposures to ergonomic risk factors.
These controls might be necessary when engineering controls are not technically feasible. Because administrative and work practice controls do not eliminate hazards, managers must consistently oversee safe procedures and practices to ensure that exposure to hazards is minimized. These controls are effective only if employees consistently adhere to them.
Open the link below to see a list of common work practice controls.
- Safe procedures should maintain workers in neutral postures and reduce frequency, duration, and severity of exposure to risk factors. Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects can strain the back, arms, and shoulders. Strength and lifting limits should not be exceeded; extreme muscular exertion can cause injury.
- Broaden or vary the job content to offset certain risk factors (e.g., repetitive motions, static and awkward postures).
- Adjust the work pace to relieve repetitive motion risks and give the worker more control of the work process.
- Train in the recognition of risk factors for MSDs and instruction in work practices that can ease the task demands or burden.
- Require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing tasks.
- Reduce shift length or curtailing the amount of overtime.
- Rotate workers through several jobs with different physical demands to reduce the stress on limbs and body regions.
- Schedule more breaks to allow for rest and recovery.
Work Load
The capacity of workers should be considered in establishing production goals. Increased work rates, excessive overtime, and incentive programs for piece work can cause fatigue, increasing the chance for injury.
Job Enrichment
Tasks involving repetitive motion are major contributors to CTDs. You can minimize repetition by:
- Using automation, such as in stapling, sorting, labeling, or filling operations; and/or
- Changing the job to include tasks that don't use the same muscle groups.
For example, in a check-sorting operation, instead of having one person open mail, another stamp them and yet another record the figures, each worker could do each of those tasks.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-6. What ergonomic control strategy reduces exposure to hazards through procedures and practices?
You forgot to answer the question!