Different Examples Of Ergonomics “Administrative Controls”

Ergonomics is a critical aspect of workplace safety and can often be achieved by administrative controls. But do you know exactly what the term “administrative controls” encompasses? This blog post will look at the definition and examples of ergonomic administrative controls to help keep workplaces safe from injury-causing hazards. Understand how important it is to prioritize ergonomics in your business or organization for ultimate employee satisfaction and peace of mind!

Administrative controls are a subset of ergonomic measures designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury and musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Unlike physical, ergonomic solutions like adjustable chairs, administrative controls focus on changing organizational policies and procedures to proactively prevent injuries from occurring.

Different Examples Of Ergonomics “Administrative Controls”

Administrative improvements include changing work practices or the way work is organized. They may not address the reasons for the contributing factors or other problems.

Administrative improvements usually require continual management and employee feedback to ensure that the new practices and policies are effective. Below are some best practices for the workplace:

• Alternate heavy tasks with light tasks.
• Provide variety in jobs to eliminate or reduce repetition using two primary strategies: Job rotation – rotating employees through different jobs & Job enlargement – increasing the variety by combining two or more jobs or adding tasks to a job.
• Adjust work schedules, work pace, or work practices. Limit the time an employee must spend performing a “problem job.” Job hardening suggests new workers who are not used to the job’s physical demands should be gradually introduced to a normal work pace.
• Provide recovery time – recovery periods (i.e., muscle relaxation periods) can help prevent fatigue and muscle injury.
• Modify work practices so that workers perform work within their midrange or power zone (i.e., above the knees, below the shoulders, and close to the body).
• Require that heavy loads are only lifted by two people to limit force exertion.
• Establish systems so workers are rotated away from tasks to minimize the duration of continual exertion, repetitive motions, and awkward postures. Design a job rotation system in which employees rotate between jobs that use different muscle groups.
• Staff “floaters” to provide periodic breaks between scheduled breaks.
• Properly use and maintain pneumatic and power tools.

Other Best Practices

• Good Housekeeping: Regular housekeeping to eliminate clutter can reduce reaching, bending, or twisting when handling materials, tools, or objects. Keeping floor surfaces dry and free of obstructions helps eliminate slipping and tripping hazards.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of tools and equipment can help reduce or prevent problems in work tasks. For example, keeping cutting or drilling tools sharpened and in good condition can reduce the force and repetition required when using the tools.
• Exercise and stretching: Long-term, sensible exercise and stretching have many benefits, including better health and reduced injuries. New, returning, or injured employees should gradually increase their physical activity.
• Cooperation: Get help when needed to handle heavy loads. Some companies set weight limits (like 50 pounds) above which a helper is required.