5 Ergonomic Risks at Work that you should know about

Learn about the 5 main ergonomic risk factors

Ergonomic risks are present in all workplaces. For this reason, it is of vital importance to be able to identify them and keep them in mind in order to implement the necessary preventive actions to avoid the development of musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems for workers. 

We can distinguish 5 main ergonomic risks at workWe will see them in this article.

What is an ergonomic risk?

An ergonomic risk is considered to be any factor in the workplace that may cause health problems or injuries to the worker. 

This may include the work environment, work systems, and objects and furniture. furniture and furnishings within. It is on these main elements that the focus of ergonomics at workThe focus of workplace ergonomics is on these main elements, as these types of hazards can cause uncomfortable working conditions and result in poor posture that can develop musculoskeletal disorders.

For this reason, it is vitally important that companies take into account the risk factors discussed below and above all identify which working conditions can generate ergonomic risks in the work environment.

Ergonomic risk factors at work 

The 5 main ergonomic risks that a company should consider in the study of workspace ergonomics are the following:

  • Postural stagnation

Postural stagnation refers to remaining immobile, whether sitting or standing. It should be taken into account because it can be detrimental to the body. For example, if you work sitting for long hours in the officeFor example, if you work sitting for long hours in the office, it is necessary to design the workstation to improve the posture of the worker, such as allowing him/her to bend the knees, stretch the legs, tilt the back, etc.

  • Load Lifting

We speak of load lifting when it involves manual handling of loads of more than 3 kilograms and there is no movement. Also if the weight exceeds 3 kilograms and the displacement exceeds one meter or if the load is pushed and it is necessary to drag the entire load with one's own body. 

Ideally, loading should be automated to avoid excessive weight. Alternatively, you can choose to offer tools that help the worker exert less effort.

  • No recovery time

Physiological rest is necessary for the body to recover its functional capabilities optimally. Therefore, if this recovery is not obtained during the working day, it may result in increased ergonomic risks in the work environment.

For example, it is advisable to walk a little bit and stretching and leg stretches to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. Other recommendations would be to take visual breaks to prevent eye fatigue, stretch vertebrae by lowering the chair and opening the arms, doing deep breathing exercises. In any case, taking breaks and using good posture in work activities reduces the risk of suffering injuries at work.

  • Frequency of repetitive movements

Some movements do not involve significant efforts, but their repetitiveness can have a negative impact on body tissues. Repetitive movements are considered to be all those that are repeated in cycles of less than 30 seconds and during periods of 2 hours throughout the workday. 

Among the most frequent repetitive movements at work are positioning and picking up objects. It is advisable to identify all those actions that are not necessary to perform the job and eliminate them or reduce them if necessary to reduce the ergonomic risk. reduce the ergonomic risk.

  • Forced postures

It occurs when workers adopt uncomfortable and inadequate positions. These bad positions can produce hyperflexion and hyperextension in various parts of the body, since some anatomical areas are no longer in their natural place.

Can ergonomic risks be reduced?

Undoubtedly, the role of prevention of occupational hazards and, in particular, those related to ergonomics in the workplace, is fundamental to reduce back pain, fatigue and other ailments. back pain, fatigue and other ailments that may occur. and other ailments that may occur.

For this reason, Ergonomika performs risk assessments and offers a wide range of ergonomic products. catalog with ergonomic products designed for the maximum comfort of workers in the workspace.

Look after the ergonomic health of your workers and improve long-term performance and profitability by finding the best seating solutions.

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