Glossary · Hazards and harm
Ergonomic hazard
In machine safety, an ergonomic hazard is a hazard arising from poor design of the task, workplace, tools, posture, force, repetition or workload, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue or errors.
- Machine safety
- Human factors
In one sentence
An ergonomic hazard results from badly designed tasks and workplaces: awkward postures, high forces, repetition and excessive workload.
Example
Operators loading blanks into a press lift 12 kg parts from floor level hundreds of times per shift; a lift table at working height removes the bending and reduces the strain.
How it applies
- Machine safety: ISO 12100 includes ergonomic hazards among the hazards to consider, and the machinery legislation requires ergonomic design. Consider working heights, reach, forces, repetition, the visibility of controls and displays, and the pace set by the machine.
- Human factors: Poor ergonomics causes more than strain. Awkward access and tiring tasks encourage shortcuts and human error.
- Technical documentation: Document limits such as maximum loads, the use of lifting aids and task rotation. Information must be readable where and in the posture in which it is used; see safety information usability.
- Evidence: Record task analyses and the design decisions based on them.
Ergonomic hazard vs. psychosocial stressor
An ergonomic hazard lies in the physical and cognitive design of the task. A psychosocial stressor lies in the organization and social context, such as time pressure. The two often reinforce each other.