A Tool for Work Inspectors to Detect Upper Body Ergonomic Risk Factors in Industrial Settings

摘要

The goal of the study was to develop, test and implement a structured tool that will help work inspectors in Israel to detect upper body ergonomic risk factors at various work stations. The importance of developing such tool lies in the finding that while having sufficient knowledge regarding work safety, the inspectors are lacking a defined structured framework for evaluation of ergonomic risk factors. The exponential growth of the costs related to musculoskeletal disorders, both for employers and for the country of Israel, leads to the conclusion that ability to detect ergonomic risk factors needs to be improved. The ergonomic tool was developed and tested by a joint team of work inspectors, ergonomists, and human-factors engineers. Throughout the development 13 factories were visited and 44 work stations were inspected. The results showed that the ergonomic tool was suitable both for the industrial setting and for the work inspectors. The tool served the work inspectors in their tours of factories and assisted them in detecting ergonomic risk factors. It was evaluated as extremely clear, convenient, and compact for the factory tour. It was compatible with the work inspectors' job and could easily fit in their pocket. The work inspectors were able to use it without effort, and with no disturbance to their everyday work routine, which enhances the probability of further use it in the future. In addition, it allowed the work inspectors to give ergonomic consultation with respect to the workers' future health.