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Ergonomics |
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| Contributing
Conditions |
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How do I look for conditions that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders?
Both work-related and non-work related conditions can either individually, or by interacting
with each other, give rise to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). There are several approaches that may be used to
determine whether conditions in the workplace might be contributing to employees developing MSDs. These approaches
can be used individually or in combination.
Review
and analyze injury and illness records to determine whether there is a pattern of ergonomic-related
injuries in certain jobs or work tasks.
- OSHA 300 Logs and supporting 301 forms (see the Recordkeeping
Home Page for more information)
- Workers' Compensation claims
Analyze the jobs
or work tasks themselves to identify potential ergonomic problems before employee injuries occur. Determine
if jobs present ergonomic risks that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Analysis tools may help in analyzing jobs. While
there is no one size fits all approach, there are numerous non-OSHA, voluntary analysis tools that may be used
to learn more about potential ergonomic risks associated with jobs.
- Seek employee input about the existence of
ergonomic problems related to particular jobs or work tasks. This may be accomplished, among other ways:
- by speaking with employees
- by conducting symptom surveys
- through use of employee questionnaires
- Be aware of common
contributing conditions within your industry or job classifications. If other companies in the same industry
have ergonomic-related problems, then it is possible these potential problems are also your concern. Obtain
information from others in your industry:
- to see what problems others have experienced in their operations
- to gain a better understanding of potential problems that may exist in your workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding potential Contributing Conditions. |
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