How to Conduct an Ergonomic Assessment
Whether the job entails long hours at a workstation, out in the field, or operating machinery, ergonomic risk assessments can be conducted to help ensure that routine movements and physical activities (or lack thereof) do not cause injuries to workers. Here are 5 basic steps for conducting ergonomic assessments in the workplace:
- Review incident reports and records of past injuries in the workplace
Incident reports can provide information on what caused workplace injuries and whether there were ergonomic issues that contributed to the injuries. - Get employee input regarding how tasks are performed
Ask employees to describe how tasks are done, what equipment are used, and how they operate the equipment. Ask them what is their normal routine on the job and if they have any aches and pains while performing tasks. The actual performance of tasks and use of equipment may be different from what was taught during training. - Use an ergonomic assessment checklist
Using an ergonomic checklist can help make sure that all aspects of the work area, the actual routine of doing the job, and the use of tools and equipment are checked for possible ergonomic risks. Urgent issues found should be recorded and fixed immediately to prevent injuries. - Analyze the information gathered
Analyze the gathered information to uncover sources of ergonomic risks and discover areas for improvement on how tasks are performed and come up with an action plan. - Implement changes to improve workplace ergonomics
Cascade directives for changes to be implemented in the workplace. Ensure that the workplace is ergonomic for the employees and provide trainings to encourage proper posture, use of equipment, and execution of tasks.
Technology to Capture Risks of Ergonomic Injuries
Conducting ergonomic assessments help identify possible causes of ergonomic injuries and help come up with the right action plan. iAuditor, the world’s most powerful inspection app, can help record issues found in the workplace and allows ease of information gathering and immediate action of urgent ergonomic risks.
- Mobile ergonomic assessment tool
Use mobile devices when conducting paperless ergonomic assessments with digital ergonomic assessment checklists - Take photos and make notes
Easily take photos and include notes to explain the ergonomic risks found - Quick action
Immediately assign actions to the responsible person to correct any high risks found in the workplace. - Digital reports
Submit paperless reports via weblink or PDF document - Analytics
Watch out for trends using iAuditor’s analytics and observe possible recurring issues or if changes implemented actually improved workplace ergonomics.
Top Ergonomic Assessment Checklists
Ergonomic Assessment Checklist - OSHA
An OSHA ergonomic assessment checklist helps evaluate employees’ working routine. Use this checklist on your mobile with iAuditor to gauge risk factors that affect the performance of each employee and provide an overall assessment of the risk level.
Ergonomic Computer Workstation Checklist - OSHA
Sitting in awkward positions, repetitive movements, and prolonged unvarying position on a workstation are factors to consider when working with a computer. This regulatory ergonomic checklist can be used to evaluate proper postures, comfortable seating, and proper positioning of computer devices.
Workstation Ergonomic Evaluation checklist
This workstation ergonomic evaluation checklist can be used to assess workstation setup and worker posture. This checklist includes a best practice reference image to ensure the correct workstation adjustment and efficient working posture.
Ergonomic Risk Assessment Template
Use this ergonomic risk assessment template to identify the workplace hazards found. Provide the risk rating and note control measures. Assign immediate corrective actions for urgent hazards.
