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March 29, 2001

Ask yourself: Is this lift really necessary?

  • Many workers spend their days in awkward postures, sometimes doing repetitive tasks such as hammering or lifting heavy materials. Finding solutions requires creativity.
  • By KATE STEWART
    Prezant Associates

    Ergonomics is defined as “fitting the work to the worker.” This means designing tools, workstations and work systems to match the capabilities and limitations of workers.

    bending
    Photo courtesy Frank Turman, Sellen Construction
    If a job typically requires that a worker bend forward more than 45 degrees for more than two hours per day, the Washington State Ergonomic Rule requires a modification to eliminate that hazard.

    We all know that workers don’t come in just one size or with equal levels of strength or endurance. So, fitting the work to the worker usually means the work has lots of built-in adjustability, allowing most people to work without ergonomic risk.


     
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