Points to remember about common injuries/diseases

 1.  Forcing a worker to adapt to poorly designed work conditions can lead to serious injury to the hands, wrists, joints, back or other parts of the body.

2.  Vibration, repetitive work, twisting, awkward work positions, excessive force or pressure, lifting or pushing can all cause injuries and diseases to develop.

3.  Injuries and diseases caused by poorly designed or unsuitable tools and workstations often develop over time.

4.  Workers should be provided with information on ergonomics-related injuries and diseases, including what the common symptoms are and what work-related conditions are known to cause them.

5.  Injuries and diseases caused by repetitive work are generally called repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Applying a number of recommended measures can prevent RSIs from developing.

6.  Injuries associated with the non-application of ergonomic principles are costly to both workers and employers, both in terms of pain and suffering and financially.

7.  Applying ergonomic principles in the workplace benefits both workers and employers.

Source: International Labour Organization

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ERGONOMICS: Your health and safety at work by the International Labour Organization. This Module provides trainees with basic information on ergonomics. Topics discussed include information on some of the acute and chronic health problems which can result from poor ergonomic conditions at work, some basic ergonomic principles of work involving sitting, standing, and heavy manual work, ergonomic principles of tool design and job design, and the role of the health and safety representative.

"No matter what small or major ergonomic changes are discussed or implemented in the workplace, it is vital for the workers who will be affected by the changes to be involved in the discussions. Their input can be very helpful in determining what changes are necessary and appropriate. They know their job better than anyone else does."  International Labour Organization
 

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The following six points are a strategy which you can use to help workers win ergonomic improvements in the workplace.

Six-point strategy for winning ergonomic improvements in the workplace:

Source: International Ladies' Garment Workers's Union, Health and Safety Department.
 

1. Reach out to other workers

 

a.  Distribute copies of information factsheets or leaflets at work.

 

b.  Listen to what others have to say about ergonomics-related issues.

 

c.  Write down the names and work areas of people who are experiencing symptoms which you suspect may be caused by the non-application of ergonomic principles.

 

2. Collect information to identify problem areas

 

3. Study the areas you suspect are a problem

 

a.  Walk through any problem areas and review the work tasks.

 

b.  Start thinking of solutions, such as raising tables, rotating work, etc.

 

4. Gather recommendations from:

 

a.  the workers who are affected;

 

b.  maintenance and repair workers;

 

c.  the union health and safety department (if one exists);

 

d.  other health and safety specialists.

 

5. Push for necessary changes

 

Worker support (plus documentation) will give you the necessary encouragement for winning health and safety contract language, grievances, or other agreements with management.

 

6. Communicate with workers

 

Two-way communication is important in building and maintaining solidarity within the union. 

 

 

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