Implementing Controls
Implementing Effective Control Strategies
You can get a lot of great ideas for effective ergonomic control measures from a variety of sources:
-
Employees or Work Teams: Workers who do the job every day know where the pain points are. Their ideas can lead to simple but smart changes.
Example: A warehouse team may suggest adding rollers on long tables so they don’t have to push heavy boxes manually. -
OSHA Ergonomics Services: In some states, OSHA has experts called ergonomists who visit workplaces and give advice on how to reduce risks.
Example: An OSHA ergonomist might show a meat processing plant how to lower workstations so employees don’t have to raise their arms for long periods. -
Trade Associations: Industry groups often collect best practices and case studies from companies in the same field.
Example: A printing trade group may offer guidelines on how to set up cutting machines to reduce wrist strain. -
Insurance Companies: Many insurance providers offer free safety inspections and ideas to reduce injuries.
Example: An insurance loss control advisor might recommend adding anti-fatigue mats in a factory to reduce foot and back strain for workers who stand all day. -
Private Consultants and Vendors: These professionals specialize in ergonomic tools and solutions.
Example: A consultant may suggest switching to adjustable-height desks in an office or offering sit-stand workstations. -
Networking with Other Safety Professionals: Talking with other safety experts and visiting different worksites can give fresh ideas.
Example: A safety manager might see how another company uses lift-assist devices and decide to test the same system in their own facility.
The process of implementing controls normally consists of the following steps:
-
Trials or Tests: Try out the new equipment or process on a small scale first.
Example: Test a new type of tool handle with one work team to see if it reduces hand strain. -
Modifications or Revisions: Based on the trial, make changes if something doesn’t work perfectly.
Example: If the new tool is too heavy, ask the vendor if a lighter version is available. -
Full-Scale Implementation: Once the control works well, roll it out for everyone who needs it.
Example: Order enough new chairs with lumbar support for every computer station in the building. -
Follow-Up Evaluation: After the control is in place, check to see if it really solved the problem.
Example: Six months after the new chairs are used, survey the workers to see if back pain complaints have gone down.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-1. Which of the following is the first step when implementing control measures?
You forgot to answer the question!