What is ergonomics ?
Frequently Asked Ergonomics Questions
Ergonomics Training in South Africa
What is ergonomics ?
Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things in the workplace so that people can work safely, comfortably, and efficiently. It is concerned with the interaction between people and their working environment. Ergonomics can help to prevent injuries, improve productivity, and reduce stress.
Here are some of the benefits of ergonomics:
Reduced injuries: Ergonomics can help to reduce the risk of injuries caused by repetitive strain, awkward postures, and heavy lifting.
How to comply with Ergonomics regulations/laws in South Africa:
How to comply with the Ergonomics Regulations:
There are a number of steps that employers can take to comply with the Regulations. These steps include:
Identifying ergonomic risks: The first step is to identify all ergonomic risks in the workplace. This can be done by conducting a risk assessment. The risk assessment should consider the physical, cognitive, organizational and environmental factors that may contribute to ergonomic risks.
Controlling ergonomic risks: Once the risks have been identified, employers must take steps to control them. This may involve modifying the workplace, providing employees with training or using personal protective equipment.
Providing information, instruction and training: Employers must provide all employees with information, instruction and training on ergonomic risk factors. This training should be tailored to the specific risks in the workplace.
Keeping records: Employers must keep records of all training, risk assessments and medical surveillance for the required periods.
Ergonomics regulations in South Africa:
Ergonomics Regulations in South Africa
The Ergonomics Regulations, 2019, were published in the Government Gazette on 6 December 2019. The Regulations aim to protect the health and safety of employees by preventing or controlling ergonomic risks in the workplace.
Key requirements of the Regulations
The key requirements of the Regulations include:
- Information, instruction and training: Employers must provide all employees with information, instruction and training on ergonomic risk factors. This training should be tailored to the specific risks in the workplace.
- Ergonomic risk assessment: Employers must conduct an ergonomic risk assessment of their workplace. The assessment should identify all ergonomic risks and recommend measures to control them.
- Medical surveillance: Employees who are exposed to high ergonomic risks may be required to undergo medical surveillance. This surveillance will help to identify and prevent any health problems that may be caused by ergonomic risks.
- Record keeping: Employers must keep records of all training, risk assessments and medical surveillance for the required periods.
- Offences and penalties: Employers who fail to comply with the Regulations may be subject to fines or imprisonment.
What does this mean for employers?
The Regulations place a number of obligations on employers. Employers must take steps to identify and control ergonomic risks in the workplace. They must also provide employees with information, instruction and training on ergonomic risk factors. By complying with the Regulations, employers can help to protect the health and safety of their employees.
Additional requirements of the law
- Ergonomics is considered in all steps of the design, supply and manufacturing life cycle (including design, installation, transporting, operation, maintenance and decommissioning stages).
- Medical surveillance is conducted and records are kept