Tray 5–A. General Ergonomic Risk Analysis Checklist^*

Shade the dot if your answer is "yes" to the question. A "yes" response indicates that an ergonomic risk factor may be present which requires further analysis.

Manual Material Handling

• Is there lifting of loads, tools, or parts?
• Is there lowering of tools, loads, or parts?
• Is there overhead reaching for tools, loads, or parts?
• Is there bending at the waist to handle tools, loads, or parts?
• Is there twisting at the waist to handle tools, loads, or parts?

For further analysis, refer to checklist 5–F.

Physical Energy Demands

• Do tools and parts weigh more than 10 lb?
• Is reaching greater than 20 in.?
• Is bending, stooping, or squatting a primary task activity?
• Is lifting or lowering loads a primary task activity?
• Is walking or carrying loads a primary task activity?
• Is stair or ladder climbing with loads a primary task activity?
• Is pushing or pulling loads a primary task activity?
• Is reaching overhead a primary task activity?
• Do any of the above tasks require five or more complete work cycles to be done within a minute?
• Do workers complain that rest breaks and fatigue allowances are insufficient?

For further analysis, refer to checklist 5–F.

Other Musculoskeletal Demands

• Do manual jobs require frequent, repetitive motions?
• Do work postures require frequent bending of the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or finger joints?
• For seated work, do reaches for tools and materials exceed 15 in. from the worker's position?
• Is the worker unable to change his or her position often?
• Does the work involve forceful, quick, or sudden motions?
• Does the work involve shock or rapid buildup of forces?
• Is finger-pinch gripping used?
• Do job postures involve sustained muscle contraction of any limb?

For further analysis, refer to checklists 5–C, 5–D, and 5–E.

Computer Workstation

• Do operators use computer workstations for more than 4 hours a day?
• Are there complaints of discomfort from those working at these stations?
• Is the chair or desk nonadjustable?
• Is the display monitor, keyboard, or document holder nonadjustable?
• Does lighting cause glare or make the monitor screen hard to read?
• Is the room temperature too hot or too cold?
• Is there irritating vibration or noise?

For further analysis, refer to checklist 5–G.

Environment

• Is the temperature too hot or too cold?
• Are the worker's hands exposed to temperatures less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit?
• Is the workplace poorly lit?
• Is there glare?
• Is there excessive noise that is annoying, distracting, or producing hearing loss?
• Is there upper extremity or whole body vibration?
• Is air circulation too high or too low?

General Workplace

• Are walkways uneven, slippery, or obstructed?
• Is housekeeping poor?
• Is there inadequate clearance or accessibility for performing tasks?
• Are stairs cluttered or lacking railings?
• Is proper footwear worn?

Tools

• Is the handle too small or too large?
• Does the handle shape cause the operator to bend the wrist in order to use the tool?
• Is the tool hard to access?
• Does the tool weigh more than 9 lb?
• Does the tool vibrate excessively?
• Does the tool cause excessive kickback to the operator?
• Does the tool become too hot or too cold?

For further analysis, refer to checklist 5–E.

Gloves

• Do the gloves require the worker to use more force when performing job tasks?
• Do the gloves provide inadequate protection?
• Do the gloves present a hazard of catch points on the tool or in the workplace?

Administration

• Is there little worker control over the work process?
• Is the task highly repetitive and monotonous?
• Does the job involve critical tasks with high accountability and little or no tolerance for error?
• Are work hours and breaks poorly organized?

*Adapted from The University of Utah Research Foundation "Checklist for General Ergonomic Risk Analysis," available from the ERGOWEB Internet site (http://ergoweb.com/).