Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a problem for workers in most industries and since OSHA is targeting ergonomics violations, new ideas on preventing MSDs can come in handy.
For workers, MSDs are painful and can lead to lost work time and even lifestyle changes. Employers also feel the pain when they lose experienced workers, pay workers’ comp costs and depending on the situation, possibly even OSHA fines.
OSHA recently announced a new regional enforcement program (REP) focusing on the warehousing industry and has begun investigating several Amazon warehouses. One aspect the agency is targeting in both the REP and the Amazon investigation is ergonomics violations.
Database consolidates resources, reviewed by L&I ergonomists
With those headlines seemingly in mind, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issued a news release Aug. 19 on its Ergonomics Ideas Bank, a free database that consolidates resources on ergonomics in one place.
“L&I ergonomists have been saving the best solutions to address just about any hazard a worker may face including tips for baggage handlers, meat packers, newspaper carriers, restaurant workers and many more,” the news release states. “Even if your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, the Ergonomics Ideas Bank has guides for you to prevent strains and injuries.”
Search by industry, hazard, keyword or any combination of the three. The Ergonomics Ideas Bank has tip sheets, industry guidelines, checklists, tools and equipment to solve various ergonomic issues.
According to information on the Ergonomics Ideas Bank website, the ergonomics solutions it contains have been reviewed by L&I ergonomists “to ensure they are consistent in the practice of ergonomics.”
For safety professionals based in Washington State who can’t find the solution they’re looking for in the bank, you can even set up a free ergonomics consultation with L&I’s ergonomists.
