Ergonomic Guidelines

Few guidelines have been issued setting ergonomic standards, but those that exist call for prevention of cumulative trauma injuries, training and treatment.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued guidelines for workers in the meatpacking industry, where the injury rate runs highest. Those guidelines call for:

* Work site analysis of jobs to determine the posture, force and repetition associated with each.

* Prevention and control of ergonomic problems through the use of workstations designed to be comfortable for 95% of workers. Tools and protective equipment should be “selected with ergonomic stressors in mind.”

* Medical management that includes monitoring, evaluation, referral and treatment.

* Training and education about what causes cumulative trauma disorders, how to recognize symptoms, and prevention. Also training in the proper use of tools, equipment, protective guards and lifting techniques.