OSHA Ergonomic Regulations

Working in awkward positions for long periods of time should be avoided.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has published voluntary guidelines on ergonomics for four industries. Since these are guidelines, not regulations, OSHA uses the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), to require employers to fix any known workplace hazard that causes injury. All employers in all industries fall under the General Duty Clause and are expected to pay attention to ergonomics issues in their workplace, published guidelines or not.

Grocery Stores

In grocery stores, injuries to the back, neck, shoulders and wrists can result from improper or repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, scanning and use of equipment. Other injuries can occur from the use of improperly maintained or awkwardly placed equipment. The guidelines for grocery stores outline possible ergonomics problems and solutions for each job position. For example, stockers should be trained on proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries. Another guideline suggests supplying foot rests and anti-fatigue mats for cashiers to prevent injuries from long periods of standing.

Nursing Homes

Most of the OSHA ergonomics guidelines for nursing home workers revolve around the safe lifting, transferring and repositioning of patients. To avoid injuries, OSHA provides extensive recommendations on the proper lifting and moving of individuals of varying mobility. This includes information on methods, number of caregivers and equipment to use to move a patient from a chair to a stretcher, as one example. OSHA also suggests several different types of patient lifting devices--transfer cots, transfer benches, lifts--for use when moving patients. Ergonomic issues for other nursing home job duties--laundry, kitchen, cleaning--are also covered in the guidelines.

Shipyards

Most ergonomic problems in shipyards result from performing repetitive motions and working in awkward positions for long periods. Injuries to the lower back, shoulders, joints and fingers result. OSHA recommends simple solutions like adequate lighting, better tool organization, racking, shelving and turntables to reduce injuries from moving in awkward positions. Using lifting and transferring equipment like hoists, cranes, hand trucks, conveyors and pulleys could reduce strain caused from lifting and carrying heavy objects. OSHA also recommends employers provide tools and equipment that reduce the stress from vibration, contact with rough surfaces and the need to reach awkwardly while working.

Poultry Processing

Like the shipyard industry, ergonomics issues in poultry processing are also often related to repetitive motions in awkward positions. In the Ergonomic Guidelines for Poultry Processing, OSHA proposes solutions like workspace cutouts, adjustable work tables and chutes. These bring the employee closer to the workspace and reduce twisting and other awkward movements. Lifting and dumping devices as well as conveyors would also alleviate stress on the back, shoulder and joints. Selecting tools with ergonomic handles and providing proper gloves to prevent hand and wrist injuries are other suggestions made in the OSHA guidelines.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Ergonomics: Enforcement
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Guidelines for Nursing Homes
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Guidelines for Shipyards
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Guidelines for Poultry Processing