Ergonomic hazards are easy to overlook because the work environment may change from day to day. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect and monitor the workplace to ensure a safe environment. The following table is a suggested extension of the ergonomic conditions. It is expected to broaden the scope of the initial check list. It will include checks on fire hazards and industrial hygiene. It will also consider the general efficiency and convenience of space use.
| ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION | YES | NO | |
| 1. | Is there a designated area for storage of flammable materials? | ||
| 2. | Is there a clearly demarcated emergency exit leading out of the building? | ||
| 3. | Is the exit easily accessible and clear of any obstruction? | ||
| 4. | Are portable fire extinguishers provided in every working space? | ||
| 5. | Are the extinguishers in good working condition? | ||
| 6. | Is the maximum occupancy rate prescribed by the fire code observed in the work stations? | ||
| 7. | Does the working station have a fire alarm system? | ||
| 8. | Is the building fitted with fire sprinkling systems | ||
| 9. | Are routine fire drills ever carried out during normal business hours? | ||
| 10. | Is any training provided to help prepare staff in case of a fire hazard or actual fire out break? | ||
| 11. | Are the existing fire systems maintained and updated after a set number of years? | ||
| 12. | Does the building's means of egress satisfy the International Fire Code? | ||
| 13. | Are the emergency exits or means of egress well lit? | ||
| 14. | Is there provision for emergency lighting that is independent of the main power source? | ||
| 15. | Is there a team in charge of fire safety? | ||
| Industrial Hygiene Concerns | |||
| 16. | Does the working station have ideal lighting solutions to match the task? | ||
| 17. | Is the lighting too bright? | ||
| 18. | Is the lighting too dim? | ||
| 19. | Is the light set in the right angle? Eg, aerial, desk top,etc | ||
| 20. | Does the building's set up allow for natural lighting to illuminate the interior? | ||
| 21. | Is the lighting color rendered? | ||
| 22. | Does rendering affect the quality of the lighting negatively? | ||
| 23. | Does the rendering affect the quality of the lighting positively? | ||
| 24. | Does the lighting influence work output and productivity? | ||
| 25. | Is the type of light bulb important for the type of task or workstation required? | ||
| 26. | Is any time wasted on focusing on objects due to poor lighting? | ||
| 27. | Does the current lighting affect your eyesight in any way? | ||
| Noise and Vibrations | |||
| 28. | Are there any vibrations felt in the building? | ||
| 29. | Are the vibrations as a result of job activities? | ||
| 30. | Can the Vibrations be avoided? | ||
| 31. | Does the institution provide personal protective equipment to all the workers? E.g., padded clothes and thermal gloves. | ||
| 32. | Are there routine checkups to determine the effects of the vibrations? | ||
| Noise and Vibrations | |||
| 28. | Are there any vibrations felt in the building? | ||
| 29. | Are the vibrations as a result of job activities? | ||
| 30. | Can the Vibrations be avoided? | ||
| 31. | Does the institution provide personal protective equipment to all the workers? E.g., padded clothes and thermal gloves. | ||
| 32. | Are there routine checkups to determine the effects of the vibrations? | ||
| 33. | Is noise regulated within the institution? | ||
| 34. | Are there any structural amendments to sound proof the building? | ||
| 35. | Is there a maximum measure of exposure to noise and vibration? | ||
| 36. | Does the management have a job rotation system to protect staff from over exposure? | ||
| 37. | Is the rotation system effective? | ||
| Other Considerations | |||
| 38. | Is the building well ventilated? | ||
| 39. | Is there a provision for natural lighting and airing? | ||
| 40. | Is there a written occupational safety and health code that workers must adhere to? | ||
| 41. | Does the company employ staff to relieve the permanent workers during breaks and rotation exercises? | ||
| 42. | Is the work station well set up to avoid unnecessary physical strain and discomfort? | ||
| 43. | Are the work equipment and general facilities like electrical fittings regularly maintained? | ||
| 44. | Are repairs undertaken hastily when damages or malfunctions occur? | ||
| 45. | Is there a specified procedure to report any malfunction or safety concerns? | ||
| 46. | Does the management adress complaints fairly? | ||
| 47. | Does the workplace have sufficient heating or air conditioning? | ||
| 48. | Are the work shifts well timed so as avoid overtime and excess job hours? | ||
| 49. | Is there a provision for sufficient breaks to avoid fatigue? | ||
| 50. | Do the number of staff increase with an increase in the workload? | ||
| 51. | Is the work station well set to avoid accidents? | ||
| 53. | Are the facilities overcrowded? | ||
| 54. | Does the organization have an active ergonomic committee? | ||
| 55. | Are the workers allowed to provide input on ergonomic policies and procedures? | ||
| 56. | Are the policies regularly reviewed? | ||
| 57. | Are the new staff informed of the policies that apply to their work stations? | ||
| 58. | Are staff made aware and trained on the use of new mechanical and robotic instruments? | ||
| 59. | Do all facilities cater for the needs of the physically disabled? | ||
| 60. | Is the cleaning services sufficient in aspects of frequency and quality? | ||
| 61. | Are hazardous areas well labelled and barricaded? | ||
| 62. | Are restrooms located in a convenient space and distance from the work stations? | ||
| 64. | Are the restrooms dedicated to each gender? | ||
| 65. | Does the organization provide access to clean drinking water? | ||
| 66. | Is movement within the premise restricted by unnecessary crowding? | ||
| 67. | Are the internal communication methods effective, timely and purposeful? | ||
| 68. | Do the management offer sufficient breaks and rest periods? | ||
| 69. | Has the organization reported any work related injuries? | ||
| 70. | Has the organization reported any work related mortalities? |
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References
Hofmann, D. A., Burke, M. J., & Zohar, D. (2017). 100 years of occupational safety research: From basic protections and work analysis to a multilevel view of workplace safety and risk. Journal of Applied Psychology , 102 (3), 375.
Shockey, T. M., Luckhaupt, S. E., Groenewold, M. R., & Lu, M. L. (2018). Frequent Exertion and Frequent Standing at Work, by Industry and Occupation Group—United States, 2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report , 67 (1), 1.
