Ergonomic evaluation

What is ergonomics?

“Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance” (IEA Council, August 2000).

This can be applied in any work environment, in the office, at home, or a commercial/industrial setting. Ergonomists are interested in “the systematic application of relevant information about human capabilities, characteristics, behavior, and motivation to design of things and procedures people use and the environment in which they use them” (Sanders and McCormick, 1993, p.5). This is designing the work environment to fit the worker. Emphasis is placed on providing solutions and education for safe, comfortable, and reasonable workplaces for all employees in furtherance of our King County True North and values.

Achieving these goals requires good designs and accurate application of ergonomics tools and guidelines. Work settings are evaluated using knowledge and experiences embracing human variability. King County Ergonomists therefore seek to “change the things people use and the environments in which they use these things to better match the capabilities, limitations, and needs of the people (Sanders and McCormick, 1993, p.4).

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, ergonomic injuries commonly referred to as musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, account for 32 percent of all cases of days away from work reported to OSHA. These MSDs cost King County and its employees millions of dollars annually in lost time and productivity. Each King County agency therefore has an economic incentive to incorporate ergonomics into its occupational safety and health programs.

While ergonomics risk factors (see table below) may be easy to observe, they are not easy to solve. Free consultation with trained King County ergonomists can help navigate and prioritize MSDs in the workplace and triage what can be done to control and prevent these occupational injuries and illnesses.

Ergonomics Risk Factors

Lifting with two (2) hands	Forward bending neck	Hand grip
Lifting with one (1) hand	Backward bending neck	Pinching
Carrying	Bent wrist	Pressing with Fingers
Pushing with two (2) hands	Twisted neck	Vibration
Pushing with one (1) hand	Forward bending torso	Working overhead
Pulling with two (2) hands	Squatting	Shoulder reaching
Pulling with one (1) hand	Kneeling	Poor lighting
Work stress levels	Workload	Job repetitiveness
Work organization	Interpersonal relationships	Other

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