Employee Motivation, the Organizational Environment and Productivity

Ergonomics

Ergonomics

Ergonomic Checklists - The Workplace

Physical Demands
  • Is the workspace adequate?
  • Does the position of equipment, controls and workbench allow a satisfactory posture and correct control by hand and foot?
  • Does the worker have to stand for all or most of the time; alternatively, must he or she remain seated for all the time?
  • Is the provision for the worker to sit adequate in relation to the task?
  • Is the height of the worktable satisfactory in relation to posture and viewing distance; if posture is unsatisfactory is it due to the construction of the machine, workbench, controls, or portable instruments?
  • Is the surface of the workbench satisfactory in regard to hardness, smoothness, color, and slope?
  • To what extent are any foot controls required?
  • Are pedals satisfactory in respect of position and size, and is special allowance made if there are more than two for sitting postures or any used for a significant time for standing postures?
  • Are foot rests and/or supports for arms, hand, back, available if required; do any of these restrict the safe and effective operation of the task?
  • Are the characteristics of the hand controls compatible with the forces required to operate them (shape, size, surface) and are the forces acceptable?
  • If hand tools are used, are they the correct ones for the task; are they adequately maintained, and are they accessible to the operator in the most effective way?
  • Are containers used; is their position, size and weight satisfactory?
  • To what extent can the speed of the machine be adjusted according to the skill and/or preference of the operator and how does this affect output?
  • Is design and layout of the equipment satisfactory for repair and maintenance?
  • Are any of the considerations unsatisfactory so as to bring liability under health and safety regulations; are recommendations as to operator comfort and stress clearly distinguished?

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