Ergonomic risk assessment and ergonomics as a preventive measure in the workplace

Ergonomic risk assessment is relevant as part of preventive HSE work, in connection with physical and organizational changes, or is carried out as a result of employees reporting particularly stressful work tasks. In principle, measures should first and foremost address organizational factors such as management and planning systems and the ability to influence work. This can be a way to remove the load before it affects the employee. Only when organizational measures have been taken, or it is not possible to remove the burden completely, will it be appropriate to take measures aimed at the task and then the individual employee.

 Hierarchy of measures:

1. Limiting the burden via organizational measures.
2. Technical aids to make the task easier.
3. Personal protective equipment and working technique.

There are separate assessment models and mapping tools that have been specially developed to assess ergonomic risk. They highlight how you can prioritize measures to avoid injury and illness. Some of the tools are easy to use, while others require a little more practice in using and interpreting. The occupational physiotherapists are trained in this and can assist the department if needed. Read more about HSE risk assessment and safe job analysis (SJA). You will find some of the relevant assessment models for the physical working environment on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's topic pages on ergonomics. (Norwegian)

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If the Occupational Health Service assists with ergonomic risk assessment, a report will be prepared after the assessment with recommendations for possible measures. The report is documented in Ephorte.In principle, all employees (regardless of their role in the organization) can contact the Occupational Health Service with an inquiry. However, it will be natural to involve/inform the manager, safety representative and possibly other HSE managers in the process, as it is the employer's responsibility to ensure a satisfactory working environment and to follow up any recommendations after the assessment.

NB. Ergonomic risk assessment is not the same as when the occupational physiotherapist performs an individual assessment of an employee and makes recommendations to the individual based on the assessment. This is documented in the medical records and is confidential.

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It is easier to achieve good physical working conditions if this is specified on the agenda. In this context, for example, putting the physical working environment on the annual calendar can be a way of ensuring that these conditions are addressed.A meeting where you review relevant tasks related to work in the office, laboratory, or other physically demanding work - depending on what is most relevant in your department.

Before fieldwork and expeditions, risk assessments must be carried out. What might be current physical challenges in these contexts?

In connection with safety inspections, relevant areas for improvement or the need for further mapping emerge. Specify what is to be done, set a deadline and check whether the measures have been implemented when the date comes.

Consider whether the desired equipment has an approriate design and features before procurement.

Please note that changes may result in both improvement and deterioration in functionality. Equipment that is to be used by several employees should have simple and good adaptation options. Consideration should also be given to large individual differences in the physical conditions of the users of the equipment.

Confer with your employees. Users of the equipment often have thoughts about what works well/less well on existing equipment or have wishes for other functions on new acquisitions. It is cost-effective to make a good choice. Equipment or environments that need to be replaced or adapted are expensive.

Other factors that affect workplace functionality may include lighting conditions, furniture, equipment placement, handles/grips, acoustics, sound absorption, color choices and contrasts in the surroundings.

The occupational health service can say something about good ergonomic principles. Feel free to contact us for advice or some "sparring" about what you may want to think through when purchasing, procurement and furnishing.

Equipment with good customization options won't help if employees don't know how to take advantage of the setting options. Do your employees know how best to use the equipment? How aware are managers and employees of the importance of organizational factors?

According to Section 23-2 of the Regulations concerning the performance of work, training must be provided on ergonomically stressful work. This applies to both heavy manual work as well as monotonous work such as office work. The employer thus has a responsibility to provide information about and guidance on how employees should adjust and make use of available equipment, as well as training in correct work techniques.