Basic Elements of Ergonomics Risk Management Processes

Successful ergonomics risk management processes have several elements in common. The process
starts with establishing an understanding of the task and interactions that occur between the worker
and equipment, tools, work station used to complete the task, and work area/environment in which
the task is conducted. Managing risks associated with manual tasks requires identifying risk factor
exposures. If the exposures cannot be eliminated, the degree and source of risk requires assessment.
Potential controls or interventions are then identified, evaluated, and implemented to reduce the risk
as far as reasonably practical.
The ultimate aim of an ergonomics risk management process is to ensure that all tasks
performed in workplaces can be performed with dynamic and varied movements of all
body regions with low to moderate levels of force, comfortable and varied postures, no
exposure to whole-body or hand-arm vibration, and breaks taken at appropriate intervals
to allow adequate recovery.