Ergonomic Safety and Health Management
Federal Register Vol. 57, No. 149
August 3, 1992
In 1992, The University of Virginia introduced its Ergonomics Program. At that time, Ergonomics disorders were considered the most rapidly growing category of work-related illness and had become an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) issue of inspection. Proposed Regulation was published in the Federal Register (29 CFR Part 1910, Ergonomic Safety and Health Management, Federal Register Vol. 57. No. 149, August 3, 1992) and work began to create an Ergonomics Standard.
Today, (year 2002) OSHA has provided voluntary guidelines on Ergonomics. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) continue to be a dominant cause of pain, discomfort and absenteeism in the workplace.
It is in this scope that the UVa Ergonomics Task Force is presenting this updated policy and program to promote safe working conditions for all faculty, staff and students. This policy applies to ALL UVa employees.
Reducing the numbers and severity of MSDs caused by exposure to risk factors in the workplace can be accomplished by implementing ergonomics practices that will prevent such injuries known to occur. The policy and program does not address injuries caused by slips, trips, falls, vehicle accidents or other similar accidents.
Management shall be committed to supporting this policy and program and will advise their staff to adhere to procedures of the UVa Ergonomics Policy in a persistent and systematic way.
At the departmental level, management shall be responsible for implementing a written Ergonomics Program that will meet the needs of their individual departments. It is the purpose of this policy to proactively address these issues and to continue provide improved ergonomics standards within UVa and in accordance with Federal or State mandates as they evolve.
As stated, the scope of this policy encompasses those employees & students who work with or supervise others. The adoption of this policy and implementation of these guidelines will optimize employee health and safety, maximize comfort at work, and enhance productivity and morale in the workplace.
To achieve these goals, our mission must include the education of employees & students and managers in the following areas:
- Musculoskeletal conditions caused by awkward posture, poor body alignment and repetitions.
- Eye strain/headaches brought on by extended VDT use.
- Stress related health concerns and perceptions occurring in worksites, including areas of high density VDT use.
Improvement of general working conditions will reasonably accommodate employees with an average but ergonomically correct workplace. This includes all agencies attached to the University of Virginia.
To eliminate exposing the employees to risk of injury or discomfort, the employer can provide:
- Modified worksite equipment as needed to decrease awkward posture and poor body alignment. (Examples of areas in our agencies include but are not limited to: offices, labs, health care, trades, material handling, and housekeeping.)
- Means to reduce stress related health concerns and perceptions. (Examples include but are not limited to providing noise reduction, comfortable room temperatures and comfortable lighting.)
As required by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), assistive equipment shall be made available to affected employees who work at University of Virginia agencies.
- Promotes the Ergonomics Policy.
- Serves as a resource to departments requiring assistance in evaluating ergonomics issues.
- Serves as a resource for managers to implement their Ergonomics Programs; and serves as a liaison to resolve ergonomics issues.
- Revises the Ergonomics Policy as necessary to meet future needs and regulatory changes.
Elements of an ergonomics program shall include, but are not limited to:
Training
- Lectures and workshops about proper body alignment, equipment, ambient lighting, etc.
- Individual worksite evaluations/observations (specific fit to specific use).
- Live Presentations and Training Videos.
- Use of ergonomics literature.
- Documentation of Training including nature of training, employees’ names and signatures, and dates of training.
Record Keeping - OSHA requires record keeping to include:
- Employee reports of MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders), MSD signs and symptoms, and MSD hazards
- Your response to such reports
- Job hazard analysis
- Hazard control measures
- Quick fix process (if appropriate)
- Ergonomics program evaluations, and
- Work restrictions, time off of work, and Health Care Professionals (HCP) opinions.
Managers must provide all records required by this standard, other than HCP opinions, upon request to the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. They must keep all records for 3 years or until replaced by updated records.
Providing Equipment
- Managers must provide reasonable equipment that meets user needs.
- Managers must provide reasonable accommodations for disabled employees as required by ADA.
Creating a "Safety Culture"
- Managers must encourage employees to implement and use proper working techniques and equipment.
- Managers must encourage employees to report signs and symptoms for proper medical treatment.
- Managers should encourage stress reduction; Examples include:
- In office areas: non-computer related work tasks; deskside exercises(See definition page)
- In non-office areas: job rotation
- In all areas: stress management classes and a regular exercise routine to improve cardiovascular health and tone muscle groups to avoid falling victim to MSDs.
UVa employees shall:
- Participate in ergonomics training provided by their department managers
- Notify management of their reasonable needs to improve their working environment
- Be responsible for correct use of the equipment provided by the employer
- Promote a "safety culture" by using proper working techniques
- Cooperate with management to identify symptoms of ergonomic concern and report these for correctional action.