Second edition
Ergonomic checkpoints: Practical and easy-to-implement solutions for improving safety, health and working conditions
The manual aims at reducing work-related accidents and diseases and improving safety, health and working conditions. The checkpoints offer practical, low-cost solutions to ergonomic problems, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. This second edition features revised text, additional checkpoints and new, full-colour illustrations.
The manual presents 132 realistic and flexible solutions to ergonomic problems applicable, across a whole range of workplace situations, including: materials storage and handling; hand tools; machine safety; workstation design; lighting premises; control of hazardous substances and agents; welfare facilities; work organization.
The various experiences reported from practitioners in applying the first edition of the “Ergonomic checkpoints” are reflected. They relate to computer workstations, forklift driving and driving cabins, work at height, cold work environments, air-conditioning systems, office work areas, labelling of containers of hazardous chemicals, waste recycling, confined spaces, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, physical exercise, full participation of women and men workers, migrant workers, young workers, cultural issues and risk management systems.
A further new feature of this second edition is that each checkpoint mentions risks/symptoms addressed by the suggested ergonomic solutions. Depending on the local situation, users can thus select practical improvements applicable to their own workplace, and devise their own checklists.
In compiling the checkpoints, emphasis has been placed on a visual presentation that helps users solve concrete problems. The analytical part, therefore, is minimized in favour of practical solutions. This is concordant with the approach used in the ILO programme, which has proved to be effective in both industrially developed and developing countries.
The manual is designed for use by all who are concerned with creating a better workplace: employers, supervisors, workers, inspectors, safety and health personnel, trainers and educators, extension workers, engineers, ergonomists and designers, as well as occupational safety and health specialists.
The manual has been prepared by the ILO in collaboration with the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).
The various experiences reported from practitioners in applying the first edition of the “Ergonomic checkpoints” are reflected. They relate to computer workstations, forklift driving and driving cabins, work at height, cold work environments, air-conditioning systems, office work areas, labelling of containers of hazardous chemicals, waste recycling, confined spaces, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, physical exercise, full participation of women and men workers, migrant workers, young workers, cultural issues and risk management systems.
A further new feature of this second edition is that each checkpoint mentions risks/symptoms addressed by the suggested ergonomic solutions. Depending on the local situation, users can thus select practical improvements applicable to their own workplace, and devise their own checklists.
In compiling the checkpoints, emphasis has been placed on a visual presentation that helps users solve concrete problems. The analytical part, therefore, is minimized in favour of practical solutions. This is concordant with the approach used in the ILO programme, which has proved to be effective in both industrially developed and developing countries.
The manual is designed for use by all who are concerned with creating a better workplace: employers, supervisors, workers, inspectors, safety and health personnel, trainers and educators, extension workers, engineers, ergonomists and designers, as well as occupational safety and health specialists.
The manual has been prepared by the ILO in collaboration with the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).