5 Ergonomic risks at work

Ergonomic risks are present in all work spaces. For this reason, it is vitally important 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. There are 5 main ergonomic risks at work , which we will see in this article.

What is an ergonomic risk?

An ergonomic risk is considered to be any factor found in the workplace that can cause health problems or injuries to the worker. This can include the work environment, work systems and objects and furniture found within. It is on these main elements that ergonomics at work focuses , since this type of risk can cause uncomfortable working conditions and lead to bad postures 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 top 5 ergonomic risks that a company should consider when studying the ergonomics of the workplace are:

Postural statism

Postural statism refers to remaining motionless, whether sitting or standing . It should be taken into account because it can be harmful to the body. For example, if one works sitting for long hours in the office , an adequate design of the workstation is necessary to allow the worker to improve his posture, such as allowing him to bend his knees, stretch his legs, bend his back, etc.

Lifting load

Lifting is defined as manual handling of loads of more than 3 kilos and no movement is required. It is also defined as lifting if the weight exceeds 3 kilos and the movement exceeds one metre or if the load is pushed and the entire load must be dragged with one's own body. The ideal is to automate the loading to avoid excessive weight. Alternatively, you can choose to offer tools that help the worker to make less effort.

Lack of recovery time

Physiological rest is necessary for the body to be able to recover its functional capacities in an optimal manner. Therefore, if this recovery is not obtained during the working day, it can result in greater ergonomic risks in the work environment. For example, it is advisable to walk a little and stretch your arms and legs to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. Other recommendations would be to take visual breaks to prevent eye fatigue, stretch the vertebrae by lowering the chair and opening your arms, do deep breathing exercises . In any case, taking breaks and using good posture in your work activity reduces the risk of suffering injuries at work.

Frequency of repetitive movements

Some movements do not involve significant effort, but the repetitive nature of these movements can have a negative impact on body tissues. Repetitive movements are those that are repeated in cycles of less than 30 seconds and for periods of 2 hours throughout the work day. 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 carry out the work and eliminate or reduce them if necessary to 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?

Without a doubt, the role of occupational risk prevention, and specifically those related to ergonomics in the workplace, is essential to reduce back pain, fatigue and other ailments that may occur. For this reason, at Ergonomika we carry out risk assessments and offer a wide catalogue of ergonomic products designed for maximum comfort for workers in the workplace. Ensure the ergonomic health of your workers and improve long-term performance and benefits by seeking the best seating solutions.

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5 Ergonomic Risks at Work You Should Know About

What is an ergonomic risk?

Ergonomic risk factors at work

Postural statism

Lifting load

Lack of recovery time

Frequency of repetitive movements

Forced postures

Can ergonomic risks be reduced?

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