Safe Work Environment
Safe Work Environment
Lisa Chatfield
HRM350-1104B-03: Workforce Effectiveness
Professor Angela Nixon
Phase 3 Discussion Board
December 4, 2011
Safe Work Environment
The employer is responsible for providing every employee with a safe hazard-free work environment that complies with all laws, both state and federal. Health and safety in the workplace means disease and injury prevention, and creating an environment that promotes well-being on the job. The term Ergonomics refers to scientifically aligning job demands and workplace conditions with capabilities of the workforce. When these elements are successfully fitted together the benefits include avoided illnesses and injury risks, higher productivity, and a more satisfied workforce. The term also refers to assessing the factors that could cause musculoskeletal disorders and recommending solutions.
The most common ergonomic risks are from jobs that require repetition, extensive, or heavily exerting the hands; heavy or frequent pulling, pushing, carrying, or lifting of overweight items; and lengthy uncomfortable postures. Cold and vibration could cause additional risk. Risk levels depend how frequent and intense the exposure and the employees ' ability to handle any other demands that are involved (OSHA, n.d.). Training and knowledge are key ingredients to providing a safe work environment. Accidents and injuries can be kept to a minimum if everyone knows the correct procedures.
When companies begin to consider ergonomics and implementing more effective processes, the basic job analysis is often the starting point. There are a number of ways to identify ergonomic problems including general observation, checklists, or even using quantitative risk assessment tools, but using a combination of approaches is best. Accident reports can be used to identify the causes behind the incidents. “High numbers of illness absences and staff turnover levels could be caused from ergonomic issues and/or
Lisa Chatfield
HRM350-1104B-03: Workforce Effectiveness
Professor Angela Nixon
Phase 3 Discussion Board
December 4, 2011
Safe Work Environment
The employer is responsible for providing every employee with a safe hazard-free work environment that complies with all laws, both state and federal. Health and safety in the workplace means disease and injury prevention, and creating an environment that promotes well-being on the job. The term Ergonomics refers to scientifically aligning job demands and workplace conditions with capabilities of the workforce. When these elements are successfully fitted together the benefits include avoided illnesses and injury risks, higher productivity, and a more satisfied workforce. The term also refers to assessing the factors that could cause musculoskeletal disorders and recommending solutions.
The most common ergonomic risks are from jobs that require repetition, extensive, or heavily exerting the hands; heavy or frequent pulling, pushing, carrying, or lifting of overweight items; and lengthy uncomfortable postures. Cold and vibration could cause additional risk. Risk levels depend how frequent and intense the exposure and the employees ' ability to handle any other demands that are involved (OSHA, n.d.). Training and knowledge are key ingredients to providing a safe work environment. Accidents and injuries can be kept to a minimum if everyone knows the correct procedures.
When companies begin to consider ergonomics and implementing more effective processes, the basic job analysis is often the starting point. There are a number of ways to identify ergonomic problems including general observation, checklists, or even using quantitative risk assessment tools, but using a combination of approaches is best. Accident reports can be used to identify the causes behind the incidents. “High numbers of illness absences and staff turnover levels could be caused from ergonomic issues and/or
References: Brodie, D. M. (2008, April 15). Ergonomics Risk Assessment: Determining When, Why, Who and How You Should Perform One. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://ehstoday.com/health/ergonomics/ehs_imp_79742/ HSE. (2007, February). Understanding Ergonomics at Work . Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg90.pdf OSHA. (n.d.). Ergonomics. Retrieved November 29, 2011, from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/