What does an ergonomic assessment include?
What does an ergonomic assessment include?
There is no clear cut golden rule as to what an ergonomic assessment should include. Simply put, a copy and paste assessment format from another business organization or vendor will not be effective, meaningful, or of value to your organization. An ergonomic assessment is best utilized when it is tailored to your site specific operations and workstations.
Beside the usual information such as who conducted the assessment, workstation identification, date of assessment, and name of employees/operators involved in assessment, there are key factors that any assessment should observe during an assessment that apply to most any job task or workstation. They are as follows:
Ergonomic Assessment Topics
Workstation Environment (noise, lighting, and temperature)
Workstation Design
Equipment Design
Operator Posture
Physical and Muscular Work Demands
It is noteworthy to mention that the assessment should be conducted by an experienced occupational therapist or ergonomist so that they can identify current condition of the workstation and provide a professional opinion on how to correct any ergonomic issues. Below are ideas of what should be included in an ergonomic assessment package.
Ergonomic Assessment Package
Completed Ergonomic Assessment of Each Workstation in the Study
Behavioral and Postural Recommendations
Pause and Stretch Routine Program
Workstation and Equipment Adjustment Recommendations
Workstation Equipment Use Recommendations
National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation calculations as applicable
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Written by John Hawes

John Hawes is the CCO and co-founder at SureHire Occupational Health Testing. John graduated in 2001 from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. As a former physical therapist, John uses his knowledge of physical therapy and interest in ergonomics and biomechanics to devise fit for work testing.
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