Here is an overview of implementation and certification:

 

 

1. POE Ergonomic Assessment Protocol - assessment process

 

 

A typical ergonomic assessment protocol includes several key steps:

 

1. Introduction

• Purpose of the assessment: Why is the ergonomic assessment being conducted? Is it aimed at preventing injuries, improving performance, evaluating a new workstation, or analyzing existing health issues?

• Scope: Which positions or processes are included in the assessment? Does it involve just one employee, a team, or the entire facility?

 

2. Job Description

• Description of the position, equipment, tools that are used.

• Characteristics of tasks performed by the employee (duration of tasks, repetitiveness of movements, physical load).

• Environmental conditions, such as lighting, temperature, noise, vibrations, etc.

 

3. Assessment of Posture and Body Movements

• Analysis of body position: Is the employee working in a sitting, standing, or changing position? Are the postures taken neutral or unnatural (e.g., bends, twists)?

• Repetitiveness of movements: Does the job require continuous repetition of the same movements? If so, what are those movements and what is their frequency?

 

4. Assessment of Physical Load

• Force load: What forces are involved in performing the job (e.g., lifting, pushing, pulling)?

• Static and dynamic load: Does the job require maintaining a specific position for a long time (static load) or regularly performing movements (dynamic load)?

 

5. Assessment of Tools and Equipment

• Adjustment of tools to the employee: Are the tools adjusted to the employee's body size (e.g., adjustable chairs, tables, screens)?

• Handling and comfort: What is the arrangement of tools and devices? Are they easily accessible? Does the employee have to reach excessively or bend down?

 

6. Assessment of the Work Environment

• Lighting: Is the lighting level appropriate for the tasks being performed?

• Temperature and ventilation: Are the temperature and air quality in the workplace adequate?

• Noise: Is the noise level in the work environment safe?

• Digital ergonomics: In the case of computer work, the position of the monitor, keyboard, mouse, screen lighting, etc., is also assessed.

 

7. Assessment of Work Organization

• Work time and breaks: Does the job require long periods of concentration and are breaks appropriately scheduled?

• Task rotation: Do employees perform a variety of tasks, reducing the risk of monotony and fatigue?

 

8. Identification of Hazards and Recommendations

• Based on the above points, potential ergonomic hazards are identified (e.g., muscle overload, risk of injuries).

• Recommendations are formulated, such as modifying the workstation, introducing adjustable tools, changing work organization, and training for employees.

 

9. Assessment after Implementation of Recommendations

• After implementing changes, their effectiveness is assessed. Has work comfort improved? Have health complaints decreased? What are the further recommendations?

 

10. Summary and Conclusions

• A brief summary of the assessment and presentation of key findings.

• List of actions to be implemented.

 

Tools for Ergonomic Assessment

 

Various tools and scales can be used within the ergonomic assessment protocol, such as:

• OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System),

• RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment),

• REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment),

• NIOSH Lifting Equation (risk assessment during lifting heavy loads).

 

Goal and Benefits

 

The main goal of the ergonomic assessment protocol is to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, improve employee comfort, and increase their productivity. A properly conducted ergonomic assessment can also yield benefits in the form of reduced costs associated with sick leave, decreased employee turnover, and improved work quality.