Ergonomics Assessment Services

Expert Ergonomic Assessments: The Key to a Productive and Safe Workplace

Ergonomics is a field that focuses on designing and organizing objects and systems in a way that promotes efficient and safe interaction between people and their environment. This can include everything from the design of workstations, tools, and equipment, to the development of work processes and procedures that optimize human performance and well-being.

Workplace ergonomic assessments are essential for promoting employee comfort, safety, and productivity. Addressing ergonomic hazards such as inadequate workstation design or repetitive movements can minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and enhance employee performance.

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Our Capabilities

Ergonomic Material Handling & Presentation Consulting

Creating an ergonomic work environment with efficient material handling and presentation reduces the risk of workplace injuries and boosts employee efficiency. Equipping the workplace with appropriate ergonomic tools and material handling equipment is crucial to achieving a safer work environment.

Efficient lineside material presentation is essential for both safe ergonomic handling of materials and optimal lean practices. Properly placing materials in a way that allows for quick and safe retrieval promotes a productive work environment.

Industrial Ergonomics Consulting

PMC offers industrial ergonomics consulting services that aim to assess the safety of operations and provide solutions to prevent potential injuries. Our team of experienced industrial engineers conducts ergonomic injury assessments on real and simulated operations to identify potential hazards and recommend improvements to ensure worker safety.

Increase employee engagement, improve work quality, increase productivity, and reduce costs associated with worker turnover with Industrial Ergonomic Consulting.

Ergonomic Injury Assessment

PMC's team employs various ergonomic injury assessment tools that analyze the risk of injury, the affected body part, and provide solutions. These tools, such as the Lower Back Analysis, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), NIOSH Lifting Equation, and Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), consider factors like posture, load, force, anthropometrics, recommended weight limits, distance, grasp, time, and more. Based on the analysis, a value is generated that helps determine if changes are necessary for a particular work condition.

Our team can use ergonomic simulation to assess injury risk in any work environment. By creating a virtual environment that simulates real work conditions, we can evaluate potential hazards without putting any actual workers at risk. This allows us to use ergonomic injury assessment tools to evaluate the simulated environment and recommend improvements as needed.

Regional Anthropometrics

Anthropometrics refers to the study of human body measurements and proportions, which is essential in designing ergonomic work environments. By understanding the average human size and other physical measurements, adequate protection and comfort can be ensured for all workers, regardless of their height, weight, body circumference, strength, or other physical attributes. This is important because what works for one person may not work for another, and designing for the average person can lead to better overall safety and comfort for all workers. PMC's expertise in anthropometrics allows us to account for variations in measurements across different regions and provide accurate and high-quality data.

Market Areas

Ergonomic assessment services can be applied to a variety of industries, including:

Aerospace and Defense
Architecture, Engineering and Construction
Manufacturing
Education
Emergency services and management
Energy, oil & gas, renewables
Entertainment, leisure, and hospitality
Food service
Government, public sector, utilities
Healthcare

Marine and shipbuilding
Office and administrative
Pharmaceuticals
Technology, telecommunications, and IT
Transportation, packaging, and logistics
Warehousing and distribution

Related Services: Agent Based Simulation Modeling

PMC's agent-based simulation capabilities enable the modeling and analysis of complex systems with autonomous agents which adhere to predefined rules. By creating virtual environments with multiple interacting agents, PMC can simulate and optimize a wide range of scenarios, including logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

Ergonomic Assessment Applications

Ergonomic training for employees: Train employees on posture, body mechanics, and workstation setup to minimize stress and reduce injury risk.
Equipment and furniture modifications: Modifying workstations, tools, and equipment for ergonomic design, such as adjustable surfaces or chairs, tool handle modifications, and wrist supports.
Workflow redesign: Evaluating and improving work processes and procedures to enhance ergonomics, such as reorganizing workstations, revising procedures, or implementing rotations.
Addressing force and repetition in the workplace: Reduce injury risk by minimizing force and repetition through techniques such as power tools, automation, and work redesign.
Office ergonomics: Ergonomic adjustments to workstations, chairs, and equipment to reduce body strain, including proper positioning of computer monitors, keyboards, mice, and telephones.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE may be needed to reduce injury risk, such as gloves or back supports.
Break and rest schedule: Scheduled breaks and rest periods can reduce injury risk by providing employees with opportunities to move, stretch, and rest their bodies and eyes.
Job rotation: Job rotation redistributes workload and reduces ergonomic hazards by rotating employees through different tasks or positions to reduce repetitive motions and prolonged static postures.
Administrative controls: Admin controls change the way work is performed to reduce ergonomic hazards. This includes altering work schedules, increasing supervision, or allowing more breaks.

PMC Ergonomic Assessment Process

What is the Ergonomic Assessment Process?

The ergonomic assessment process entails evaluating the workplace for potential musculoskeletal injury risks and hazards. This involves on-site evaluations, workplace observations, and interviews with employees to collect data. The data is then analyzed to identify problem areas and develop solutions to address hazards, with the goal of minimizing the risk of injury.

How is an ergonomic risk assessment conducted?

On-site evaluation: Engineers visit the workplace, observe workstations, equipment, and tools, and identify potential hazards.
Data collection: Ergonomic assessments may involve data collection through surveys, interviews, or biomechanical assessments to gather information on work habits and postures.
Analysis of data: Experts analyze collected data to identify potential hazards, such as repetitive motions or awkward postures.
Recommendations: We recommend solutions to address identified hazards and improve workplace ergonomics, such as equipment modifications, changes to work processes, or ergonomic training programs for employees.

How is ergonomic risk assessment data analyzed?

Job hazard analysis (JHA): Breaks down a job into its individual tasks and identifies the hazards associated with each task.
Workspace analysis: Evaluates the layout and design of the work area, including equipment and tools, work surface height, and accessibility of controls and displays.
Biomechanical assessment: Evaluates body mechanics of employees as they perform their tasks, including posture, joint movement, and muscle activity to identify areas of excessive stress or fatigue.
Repetitive motion analysis: Analyzes work that requires performing the same movements repeatedly to identify the risk of injury due to frequency and duration of the same motions.

Software & Technologies

Our Experts

PMC's Ergonomic Simulation Experts specialize in analyzing and optimizing work processes and designs to improve ergonomics, safety, and efficiency in a variety of industries. Using cutting-edge simulation tools and techniques, our experts can create realistic digital models of work environments and equipment, and evaluate them for ergonomic risk factors.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ergonomic Assessment Services

What is an ergonomic assessment?

An ergonomic assessment is an evaluation of an individual's work environment and posture to identify potential risks for musculoskeletal injuries and make recommendations for improvement. The assessment can be applied to a wide range of work settings, including offices, factories, and warehouses.

Why is ergonomic assessment important?

Ergonomic assessments are important because they help identify potential hazards and risks that can cause musculoskeletal injuries, such as repetitive strain injuries, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. By identifying and addressing these hazards, organizations can reduce the risk of injury, improve employee well-being, and increase productivity.

What types of ergonomic assessments are available?

There are several types of ergonomic assessments available, including office ergonomic assessments, industrial ergonomic assessments, and remote ergonomic assessments. The type of assessment required will depend on the specific work environment and the type of tasks being performed.

What does an ergonomic assessment typically involve?

An ergonomic assessment typically involves an examination of the work environment, workstations, and posture of employees, as well as an evaluation of the tasks being performed. The assessment may also involve collecting data on employee complaints, injuries, and medical history.

What are the deliverables of an ergonomic assessment service?

The deliverables of an ergonomic assessment service will depend on the specific service provider. They may include a written report detailing the findings of the assessment, including recommendations for improvements, ergonomic risk assessment report, an action plan, or a follow-up report to track progress after the implementation of the recommendations. Increased safety: By optimizing the design of workspaces and equipment, ergonomics helps to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and accidents. Improved productivity: Ergonomic workspaces and tools can help workers to perform their tasks more efficiently, reducing wasted time and effort. Enhanced comfort: Ergonomics helps to ensure that work environments are comfortable for employees, which can reduce fatigue and discomfort and increase job satisfaction. Reduced absenteeism: By reducing the risk of injuries and discomfort, ergonomic improvements can help to reduce employee absenteeism. Cost savings: Improving ergonomics can lead to cost savings for businesses by reducing workers' compensation claims, medical costs, and costs associated with employee absenteeism.

How long does an ergonomic assessment take?

The duration of an ergonomic assessment will depend on the size of the organization and the number of employees being assessed. A basic assessment for an individual employee may take one hour or less, while a more comprehensive assessment for a larger organization may take several days or more.

What is the cost for ergonomic assessment services?

The cost for ergonomic assessment services will vary depending on the scope of the project, the size of the organization, and the specific services being provided. Some providers may charge a flat rate for a basic assessment, while others may charge an hourly rate or a per-employee rate for a more comprehensive assessment. It is best to consult with the service provider for an accurate estimate.

Can you provide references or examples of previous ergonomic assessments you have conducted?

Many service providers will be able to provide references or examples of previous ergonomic assessments they have conducted to give prospective clients an idea of their experience and expertise in this field. It will also give a better understanding of the provider's capabilities and the approach to the assessment.

What is an ergonomic expert?

An ergonomic expert is a professional who specializes in the science of ergonomics, which involves designing and arranging environments, tools, and tasks in a way that optimizes human well-being and performance. Ergonomic experts typically have training and experience in areas such as biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and human factors engineering, and they may work in a variety of fields, such as occupational health and safety, product design, and industrial engineering.

What is the benefit to employees of having an ergonomic assessment?

An ergonomic evaluation can help identify ergonomic risk factors in the workplace that may contribute to discomfort, pain, or injury. By addressing these risk factors, employees can experience increased comfort, reduced fatigue and pain, and improved productivity. A more ergonomic work environment can also improve employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to better retention and reduced absenteeism.

Why use and ergonomic expert?

Using an ergonomic expert can help companies ensure that their work environment is safe and comfortable for employees, which can improve productivity and reduce the risk of work-related injuries. An ergonomic expert can assess the workplace, identify potential hazards, and recommend solutions to address any issues found. This can lead to a better work environment for employees and ultimately result in cost savings for the company.

What are the ergonomics risk factors?

There are several ergonomic risk factors that can contribute to musculoskeletal injuries and other health problems. Some common risk factors include awkward postures, repetitive motions, excessive force or pressure, poor workstation design, inadequate lighting, and environmental factors such as noise, temperature, and vibration. Other factors can include poor work organization, inadequate rest breaks, and job-related stress. It's important to identify and address these risk factors through ergonomic assessments and interventions to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and improve employee health and safety.

What are the benefits of ergonomics?

There are several benefits of ergonomics, including: Increased safety: By optimizing the design of workspaces and equipment, ergonomics helps to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and accidents. Improved productivity: Ergonomic workspaces and tools can help workers to perform their tasks more efficiently, reducing wasted time and effort. Enhanced comfort: Ergonomics helps to ensure that work environments are comfortable for employees, which can reduce fatigue and discomfort and increase job satisfaction. Reduced absenteeism: By reducing the risk of injuries and discomfort, ergonomic improvements can help to reduce employee absenteeism. Cost savings: Improving ergonomics can lead to cost savings for businesses by reducing workers' compensation claims, medical costs, and costs associated with employee absenteeism.

Who conducts an ergonomic assessment?

An ergonomic assessment is typically conducted by a trained and certified ergonomic specialist or consultant. This person may have a background in fields such as ergonomics, human factors, industrial engineering, or occupational therapy. Some companies may have an in-house ergonomics expert, while others may hire an external consultant to conduct the assessment.

How do you request an ergonomic assessment?

The process for requesting an ergonomic assessment may vary depending on the company or organization you work for. In some cases, you may need to speak with your supervisor or HR representative to initiate the request. You can also contact an ergonomic consulting firm directly to request an assessment. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain related to your work environment, it is important to report this to your supervisor or HR representative as soon as possible to begin the process of addressing the issue through an ergonomic assessment or other means.