Ergonomic Safety Audit Checklist

Conducting an ergonomic safety audit is essential to ensure that work environments are designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and promote employee well-being.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist for an ergonomic safety audit:

1. Workstation Layout

• Desk Height
  • Ensure the desk height allows the forearms to be parallel to the ground.
  • Adjustable desks should accommodate both sitting and standing positions.
• Chair
  • Verify that chairs are adjustable in height, backrest, and armrests.
  • Check for proper lumbar support and seat padding.
• Monitor Placement
  • The top of the monitor should be at or just below eye level.
  • Ensure monitors are an arm’s length away from the user.
• Keyboard and Mouse
  • Keyboard should be at a height where the elbows are at 90 degrees.
  • Mouse should be close to the keyboard to avoid overreaching.

2. Work Environment

• Lighting
  • Ensure adequate lighting to reduce eye strain.
  • Position lights to avoid glare on screens.
• Noise Levels
  • Assess noise levels and provide noise-canceling options if necessary.
• Temperature and Ventilation
  • Check for a comfortable temperature and proper air circulation.

3. Work Practices

• Posture
  • Encourage employees to maintain neutral body positions.
  • Monitor for slouching, leaning, or awkward postures.
• Breaks and Movements
  • Ensure employees take regular breaks to stretch and move around.
  • Promote the use of sit-stand desks to alternate positions.
• Task Variation
  • Rotate tasks to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
  • Design tasks to allow for varied movements.

4. Tools and Equipment

• Ergonomic Accessories
  • Provide footrests, document holders, and wrist rests as needed.
  • Ensure ergonomic tools (e.g., ergonomic keyboards, vertical mice) are available.
• Office Equipment
  • Check that frequently used items are within easy reach.
  • Ensure proper use and positioning of headsets, phones, and other equipment.

5. Training and Awareness

• Employee Training
  • Conduct regular training on ergonomic best practices.
  • Provide resources on maintaining proper posture and setting up workstations.
• Feedback and Reporting
  • Establish a system for employees to report ergonomic issues.
  • Regularly solicit feedback on workstation comfort and safety.

Ergonomic Safety Check Template (Example)

Conducting the Ergonomic Safety Audit

1. Preparation
   • Review the ergonomic safety checklist and customize it to your workplace.
   • Inform employees about the audit and its purpose.
2. Workstation Evaluation
   • Visit each workstation and use the checklist to assess ergonomic compliance.
   • Take notes and photos to document areas of concern.
3. Employee Interviews
   • Talk to employees about their comfort and any ergonomic issues they face.
   • Gather feedback on existing ergonomic practices and tools.
4. Analysis and Reporting
   • Compile the findings into a comprehensive report.
   • Highlight areas of non-compliance and provide recommendations for improvement.
5. Implementation of Improvements
   • Address ergonomic issues by making necessary adjustments and providing ergonomic tools.
   • Schedule follow-up audits to ensure changes are effective.

Choosing the eAuditor Audits & Inspections for Ergonomic Safety Audit

1. • Customizable Checklists: Ability to create and modify ergonomic checklists.
   • Photo and Video Capture: To document issues visually.
   • Real-Time Data Entry: Input findings during the audit.
   • Offline Functionality: Conduct audits without internet access.
   • Reporting and Analytics: Generate and analyze reports.
   • Integration Capabilities: Sync with other systems like HR or facilities management software.

Setting Up the eAuditor Audits & Inspections for Ergonomic Safety Audit

1. Create or Import Checklists
   • Use the ergonomic safety checklist provided below to create a template within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
   • Customize fields to match specific needs (e.g., adding unique equipment or environmental factors).
2. Assign Roles
   • Determine who will conduct the ergonomic checks and assign them within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
   • Provide necessary training on using the mobile eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
3. Schedule Audits
   • Set up recurring ergonomic safety checks to ensure regular assessment.
   • Use reminders and notifications to prompt auditors.

Conducting the Ergonomic Safety Audit

1. Preparation
   • Download the checklist if the audit will be conducted offline.
2. Workstation Evaluation
   • Open the checklist in the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
   • Perform the inspection, checking each item and entering data directly into the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
   • Use the photo capture feature to document any issues or areas of concern.
3. Employee Interviews
   • Talk to employees about their comfort and any ergonomic issues they face.
   • Gather feedback on existing ergonomic practices and tools.
4. Analysis and Reporting
   • Compile the findings into a comprehensive report using the eAuditor Audits & Inspections’ reporting features.
   • Highlight areas of non-compliance and provide recommendations for improvement.
5. Implementation of Improvements
   • Address ergonomic issues by making necessary adjustments and providing ergonomic tools.
   • Schedule follow-up audits to ensure changes are effective.

Example Using eAuditor Audits & Inspections

1. Create Ergonomic Checklist
   • Open eAuditor Audits & Inspections and navigate to the templates section.
   • Create a new template or use a pre-existing ergonomic checklist template.
2. Customize Fields
   • Add specific fields relevant to your workplace (e.g., monitor height, chair adjustments).
   • Include sections for photos, comments, and ratings.
3. Conduct Audit
   • Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to conduct the ergonomic audit.
   • Check each item in the checklist, take photos of any issues, and add comments as needed.
4. Generate Report
   • Once the audit is complete, use eAuditor to generate a detailed report.
   • Share the report with relevant stakeholders and assign corrective actions.
5. Follow-Up
   • Schedule follow-up audits in eAuditor to ensure that ergonomic issues are addressed and improvements are maintained.
     

     By systematically reviewing these areas, you can help create a safer, more comfortable work environment that reduces the risk of injuries and enhances productivity. Regular ergonomic audits and proactive adjustments are key to maintaining optimal workplace ergonomics.