Air Conditioning Contractors Western Pennsylvania
Promoting and protecting the interest and welfare of the HVACR industry, its members and the public which it serves.
Promoting and protecting the interest and welfare of the HVACR industry, its members and the public which it serves.
Workplace ergonomics, as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), means fitting the job to the person to improve health and comfort. Understanding the benefits of proper ergonomics and setting up an ergonomic plan for employees can help create a healthier and safer workplace.
Ergonomics is a Good Investment
Bad ergonomics, accoring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can lead to a range of musculoskeletal issues such as back or wrist injuries, which can occur when workers repeatedly lift heavy objects, or lean or sit in awkward positions. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) resulted in 3 out of every 10 cases of days away from work in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ergonomics Affects Everyone
Jobs ranging from heavy lifting and repetitive assembly to office work or maintenance each pose their on ergonomic challenges. The CDC reports that even choosing hand tools that require less force of repetitive motion can make a difference. When assessing for ergonomic problems, factor in all types of work done throughout the facility and all potentiaL hazards, so that all workers can benefit from a healthier workplace.
Invest in Ergonomic Equipment
According to FMlink, investments in ergonomics should focus on an ampoyee's core work, including the tasks they do every day, as well as the workstation. That can mean updating workbenches, incorporating lifting equipment to reduce manual labor or changing chairs and desks for office workers.
For workers engaged in manual labor, repetitive motion or lifting can lead to severe injuries. Lifting injuries can be reduced by using mechanical lifts and carts. Adding handles to boxes or baskets can also make it easier to lift properly. Workstations should be height adjustable, and tools should be close to workers to reduce strain. Rotating workers into less stressful roles peridocally or providing more frequent breaks can also help prevent injuries due torepeititon.
Read more in the April newsletter
August 20, 2024 - Quicksilver Golf Outing
October 8, 2024 - Annual Trap Shoot
ACCWPA is published monthly by the Western Pennsylvania association.
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