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722 Ergonomics Program Management
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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?