How to Perform an Ergonomic Workplace Analysis?

Abstract

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are one of the commonest causes for morbidity among workers and are associated with significant financial and social burden. The use of a methodical, step-by-step approach and validated, simplified risk estimation tools which can be used even by non-experts in workplaces with limited resources is necessary to evaluate conditions of biomechanical overload and prevent WRMSDs. The work-related risk factors are psychosocial, physical, personal, organisational, environment etc. Identification of potential risk factors is an important component in preventing WRMSD and Ergonomic Workplace Analysis (EWA) plays a key role in it. EWA is a process where the ergonomic risk factors are evaluated using various validated tools. An EWA usually consist of 12 steps which included collection of personal information, work details, subjective analysis questionnaires, psychosocial information, vital sign assessment, metabolic assessment, assessment of work effort and fatigue, postural evaluation, other specific evaluations, environment details which is followed by analysis, recommendation and then follow up evaluations